Hi Monique!
Welcome to planDisney!
You’ll have a
couple of options if you don’t want to purchase MagicBands for your Disney World vacation.
First up, like you’ve already noticed, you’ll be able to use your phone thanks to the
Disney MagicMobile service. This will allow you to scan into the parks and
Lightning Lanes, link
PhotoPass photos to your account, and charge purchases to the card on file. You can even unlock your door at your resort by using the My Disney Experience app.
If you’re hoping to spend some time off your phone, you can get a Key to the World card from the front desk at your
Disney World resort or
Guest Relations at the parks. This card will have the same functionality as MagicMobile or a MagicBand, and it’s currently free of charge.
I personally prefer to have a MagicBand or Key to the World card on my Disney vacations. I just find it more convenient to scan into everything.
It’s good to note that
MagicBands can be used across multiple trips. I’m actually still using one that I purchased years ago! So, if you think you’ll be visiting Disney World again in the future, it could be worth purchasing MagicBands for this trip.
Plus, if you’re staying at a Disney World resort, you will have the option of purchasing a MagicBand at a discounted price prior to your trip (subject to change). To check out which ones are available at a discount, go to
Disney World’s website, hover over My Disney Experience, and then click My MagicBands and Cards. Just make sure to place your order at least 6 days prior to your check-in date to snag the discounted rate.
I hope that helps! Let us know if you have any other questions!
Jenn J.