Ahoy, Brian!
Welcome aboard planDisney! I can’t think of a better way to launch your family’s first high-seas adventure than with a little wearable magic! Choosing a DisneyBand+ (our onboard version of
MagicBand+, but all the same features!) is kind of like picking your favorite character to wear on your wrist—it adds both flair and function to your voyage.
Now, while the bands are magical, they are totally optional. Every Guest receives a Key to the World card that does all the same things (except light up!): unlocks your stateroom door, charges purchases to your onboard account, and gets you on and off the ship at each port of call. The difference?
DisneyBand+ makes all of that as easy as a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo—no need to dig into pockets or worry about keeping track of your card while juggling sunscreen, sunglasses, and snacks.
Personally, I recommend at least the adults in your party consider getting a DisneyBand+. My family has cruised with and without them, and once you’ve tried sailing hands-free, it’s hard to go back! That said, I totally get that outfitting the whole crew can be a big investment—especially when the pirate crew includes younger sailors.
When it comes to your kiddos, it depends on their age and which youth spaces they’ll be navigating. If they’re old enough to
join Edge (ages 11–14, 10 with guardian consent) or
Vibe (ages 14–17, 13 with guardian consent), they’ll still need to carry a Key to the World card with a special sticker to access those clubs, so the DisneyBand+ might not be as useful for them just yet.
Now, if your young adventurers are headed to the
Oceaneer Club or Oceaneer Lab (ages 3–10, no exceptions), they’ll be issued a special Oceaneer Band (if they don’t have a DisneyBand+) just for their club adventures. These bands are similar in look and feel to DisneyBand+ but are designed for use only within the kids’ spaces. A charge may show up on your stateroom account, but you’ll get a full refund if you return the band on the last night of your cruise—no pixie dust required.
At the end of the day, it’s totally up to your family’s budget and preferences. Whether you decide to go full band mode or stick with the trusty Key to the World card, you’re still in for a cruise filled with unforgettable moments, Broadway-style shows, and maybe even a Mickey bar or two before bed.
Sea ya real soon with a splash of April fun and a boatload of Disney magic,
Dustin