Welcome to planDisney, Rick! It looks like there's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of today as you'll be headed to the Most Magical Place on Earth in just one more day! I'm sure you're finalizing your packing and looking forward to all the magic that awaits! Let's get right to your question so you'll be ready to access the magic when you arrive!
Rick, I often call MagicBands the "most magical accessory on Earth" because I love the ease of using them to
tap into the parks, redeem my Lightning Lane passes, connect my PhotoPass photos to My Disney Experience account, and even charge purchases back to my Disney Resort hotel folio when I'm staying at a Disney Resort hotel.
While MagicBands are still in effect for many guests, there is also the updated
MagicBand+ that has started to replace the original MagicBands. With the MagicBand+, guests can access the same features of the standard MagicBand, but they also allow for some extra ways to connect to the magic around you - such as lighting up during fireworks and attractions! The MagicBand+ has a charger to keep it charged to interact and allows you to utilize Bluetooth technology to link to your mobile device. No matter which MagicBand style you have, all of your MagicBands are interchangeable, so once they've been linked to your account, you can switch them out as you wish when you visit the parks! (I've been known to match mine to my park outfits!)
Rick, while these options exist for MagicBand users, you certainly do not need a MagicBand to visit the parks; they're simply a magical option for those who love them! If you opt not to use a MagicBand or MagicBand+ during your visit, you can utilize
Disney MagicMobile Service to create a pass for entry directly on your mobile device, or you can request a physical card from Guest Relations. This Key to the World Card can be used by each guest in the same way that a MagicBand would be used!
I hope this helps, Rick! If you decide to purchase a MagicBand+ during your trip, I find the
Emporium in Magic Kingdom and
World of Disney in Disney Springs often have a great selection! If you have a MagicBand from a previous visit, just be sure it's still marked as "active" in your My Disney Experience account, and you'll be good to go to tap into the fun!
Have a magical visit, Rick, and come back to
planDisney if we can help with any other vacation planning questions!
See you tomorrow,
Alison