Welcome back to planDisney Lindsay! We're always so stoked and appreciative to see your questions pop up and know that you're finding our tips and tricks so helpful - especially coming from a fellow Canadian!
The day we checked into our most recent stay at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this year we were thrilled to finally receive our own versions of what some might know internationally as
Disney Bands (or MagicBands within the United States) to use for the first time, to see the vast array of
new features and functionality that came with them. You're absolutely right in doing your homework and knowing that there are
certain experiences that require it to be charged to react with lights and haptic responses to certain
nighttime spectaculars and paired to your mobile device in order to track down your quarry to complete tasks in Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters.
You'll be happy to hear that they worked when unlocking our door, even without being fully charged. In fact, the
friendly Concierge Cast Members let us know while we were checking in that any of the functionalities from the previous less-advanced iterations did not require a charge; this includes entering via the turnstiles at any of the Walt Disney World Theme Park destinations or scanning to take advantage of
Disney PhotoPass. To be completely honest, there were days during our visit where we forgot to charge them before heading to bed and didn't notice that their batteries had run out due to the very little impact it had on our day overall - so I wouldn't worry about charging it for the most basic functions as you go about your Disney days!
Bear in mind that this is currently the case at the present time, but who knows what additional advancements and changes may come about in the near future! As with any new technology at the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products - they're subject to availability and may change without prior notice. Remember Lindsay, you're always welcome back to planDisney any time and keep those questions coming! I'm
always happy to answer anything that can help fellow folks venturing down from the North in search of sunny weather!
Wishing you all the best ahead of your next Walt Disney World Resort adventure this summer!
Prince