MagicBand+ on Friends; Main Street; pairing
  • On Jan 7, 2025
    Kerianne from CT Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I’m trying to decide between just using my Apple watch or buying magicband. I understand the basics, but what are some of the interactions I will miss out on by not having a band? My kids will both have one, so do I really need one too?

    Welcome to planDisney, Kerianne! Thank you so much for stopping by to bring us your question. 

    Having the option to use both my MagicBand and my Apple Watch at the parks has been such a magical bonus for me! As someone who uses her Apple Watch daily for so many tasks, it felt like a seamless transition to incorporate all my Disney plans into it. Now I can tap and go, enjoying the magic without having to add another “don’t forget to pack” item to my Disney list.

    Here are a few notes that might help you decide between using your Apple Watch or a pixie-dusted MagicBand. With the original MagicBand, you won’t have to worry about recharging a battery, unlike your watch, where you might find yourself looking for a charger at the end of the night. MagicBands were designed specifically for your Disney visit, so they work perfectly with everything you’ll need in the parks. Being able to easily tap to unlock your hotel room door, charge your meals and snacks, and quickly hop on the Lightning Lane Pass line is a breeze! 

    That said, once you set up the Disney MagicMobile pass in the My Disney Experience app, use your watch for park entry, Lightning Lane access, and more. It’s super easy to tap your wrist at access points. You can even scan it to link all your PhotoPass photos

    However, if you’re looking for an extra magical immersive experience, using a MagicBand+ will unlock some special features like the synched lights for select firework shows and nighttime spectaculars like Fantasmic!, or a solid bounty hunting experience with Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters: In Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 

    If you have a hard time deciding, you can always bring both!  It took me a little pixie-dusted adjustment to switch from using my beloved collection of MagicBands to relying solely on my Apple Watch at the parks. But now, it’s as easy as just showing up with my Disney Annual Pass linked to my watch. I tap, and I’m Hºoºme! 

    I hope this info helps you decide on what to bring on your upcoming trip! Let me know if you want details about how to set up MagicMobile or explore MagicBand+ options!

    See ya real soon, 

    Emille 
thumbnail image for Emille

Meet the Panelist: Emille, Florida

¡Hola! I’m Emille, your go-to mamá for all things Disney magic—especially in Español! As a proud mom of two, I’ve spent nearly a decade living in Orlando, where Walt Disney World is practically my backyard. When I’m not soaking in the magic of Main Street, U.S.A., I’m here to help fellow Disney fans craft their own unforgettable adventures—because the best Disney stories are the ones we write together. Let’s make some magic!
Learn More About Emille

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