Hi Amanda,
We are happy to see you stopping by planDisney! While
MagicBand+ is definitely great to use for park entry, checking in for
Lightning Lane access, and linking
Disney PhotoPass® Service photos, it certainly is not required. You could also create digital cards with
Disney MagicMobile Service. My family likes MagicBand+ because we prefer not to depend on our cell phones all day. But, we have also used Disney MagicMobile Service.
Looking at your arrival date, I am thrilled to see that you are planning in advance. Doing so helps my family to better budget, especially when we want to add on a special experience from the
Enchanting Extras Collection. Be sure to also make note of the date your
advanced dining reservation booking window opens. We always make several
dining reservations, especially for character meals or other popular dining locations!
Since you are staying in a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, be sure to check out the details for
Early Theme Park Entry for Disney Resort Hotel Guests and, if you are staying in a deluxe, deluxe villa, or other select hotel, review the information on
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. Always check the
park hours before your visit and double-check them just prior to arrival to make sure they have not changed.
Amanda, I hope this helps! Remember to keep an eye on the dates for the
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Keep up the
practically perfect planning!
Magic and memories,
Donyell