MagicBand+ pairing with Smart Phone; Minnie Mouse band
  • On Jan 18, 2026
    Daniel from FL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Can I use an old magic band as a room key for my stay

    Welcome to the magic of planDisney Daniel! 

    Just like Aladdin with the help of Genie, my MagicBand helps me jump on my magic carpet and soar away to “a whole new world” when I wear it at Walt Disney World! 

    We love to keep and re-use our old MagicBands and the way to make sure it is linked and active is the first step in knowing if it will work for you as your room key.  

     Go to your Disney Experience account. On the My Disney Experience drop down menu, click My MagicBands & Cards. Scroll down to Manage Disney Bands or Cards and confirm that the band you want to use shows up as active and that it is linked and assigned to you. If that old friend is active and linked, you are ready to jump on that magic carpet! 

    The older MagicBands do start to lose battery life as they age (just like me!) but they still work for park entry, Lightning Lanes, and PhotoPass if the internal long-range battery is still active. The long-range features, like linking to ride photos, are normally the first things to stop working after a few years, but the band itself is often still good. I still usually check in at the front desk to make sure that my MagicBand is connected to my room to avoid the possibility of having to walk back later if there was an issue. 

      Don't forget you can also upgrade to MagicBand+ that has a rechargeable battery and light-up effects during nighttime shows creating a truly connected experience!

    Daniel, if your MagicBand for some reason does not open the door of your room, you can unlock your door with the My Disney Experience app. This Unlock Door feature is available at all Disney Resort hotels. Simply use the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device to unlock the door to your room and other common area doors or gates! 

    Now the big question is, which MagicBand do you select from your list of active and linked bands if you have multiple choices?  Do you color coordinate with your Mickey Ears like my wife does?  Do you go with the lucky one that you wore that one time that you were able to get multiple rides on Space Mountain before closing time? Or do you choose the one that reminds you of the last Mickey Bar you enjoyed the last time you were at the most magical place on earth?  There really is no wrong answer! 

      I hope you find a whole new world, and you’re invited to jump on to our magic carpet here at planDisney anytime!  

    Have a magical day Daniel! 

    Kurt 
thumbnail image for Kurt

Meet the Panelist: Kurt, Michigan

Hello! I'm Kurt a retired broadcaster from Michigan!  Our family of three adult daughters and four grandsons make planning trips to Walt Disney World part of the adventure! If it's a weekend getaway for two, or a dream vacation with your family I'm excited to help you plan your magical experience!  You'll usually find me racing to Space Mountain to end a magical night at the Magic Kingdom! Let's grab a Mickey Bar and enjoy the ride! Learn More About Kurt

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