Hi Ashley!
Congratulations on purchasing Annual Passes! I love being an
Annual Passholder at Walt Disney World because it offers theme park access, park hopping, and discounts on merchandise, dining, and special events. Complimentary parking, Passholder-exclusive events, dedicated theme park entrances, exclusive merchandise, and special hotel rates – all
perks and benefits of being a Passholder! It's perfect for spontaneous trips and staying updated on the latest Disney magic. MagicBands are not necessary to be able to enjoy using your Annual Pass on a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, but they can definitely enhance and streamline your experience.
MagicBands provide easy access to Walt Disney World’s four amazing theme parks, serving as your park tickets, allowing you to simply tap your wrist to enter the parks. You can use your MagicBand for entry to attractions with
Lightning Lane reservations, and if you're staying at a
Disney Resort hotel, your MagicBand can also be your room key.
You have the option to use your MagicBand to charge food and merchandise purchases to the credit card on file at your Disney Resort hotel during your stay (you’ll need to set up a 4-digit pin to access this feature). If you have a dining plan, your MagicBand can be used to redeem meal credits.
I have good news for you! A complimentary MagicBand is included with your Walt Disney World Annual Pass. Once you activate your pass at any Guest Relations window, log in to your Disney account. Under "MagicBands and Cards," you can select your Passholder MagicBand color and personalize the inside of the band. The band will be shipped to you when it's ready. When you activate the band at Walt Disney World, you'll receive an Annual Passholder card, which you'll need to redeem AP discounts at merchandise or dining locations.
If you prefer not to use MagicBands, you can use the physical card provided with your annual pass. You can also use
Disney MagicMobile Service on your smartphone for park entry, Lightning Lane access, and more. I tend to use MagicMobile more in the warmer months, to avoid having anything extra on my wrist on a hot day. That being said, I love all the different styles and designs of MagicBands, and enjoy wearing them when it's not as hot outside!
While MagicBands are optional, they offer a convenient and fun way to enhance your Disney experience. If you decide to get them, you can purchase MagicBands online through the Disney Store or at various Walt Disney World Resort locations.
I hope this helps! Have a magical vacation, and I hope you make memories to last a lifetime.
Diane W.