Hi Jenny, welcome to planDisney!
Unfortunately,
MagicBands are no longer included with Disney resort hotel stays. But you do have the option of purchasing them at a discounted price before your trip (you’ll find this under
My MagicBands & Cards in your
My Disney Experience account). I love my MagicBand because it makes it easy to enter the theme parks, scan in for
Lightning Lanes passes, open my hotel room, and link my
PhotoPass pictures without needing to pull out my phone or Key to the World Card. And if you’re wearing a MagicBand, any attraction photos will automatically be added to your My Disney Experience account which is pretty magical!
The newer MagicBand+ also has additional features, like lighting up with the nighttime spectaculars and interacting with character statues around the theme parks. But my favorite part of MagicBand+ is channeling my inner Boba Fett by taking on bounty hunter jobs and exploring Galaxy’s Edge through the interactive
Batuu Bounty Hunters game.
However, you don’t need a MagicBand to immerse yourself in the magic at Disney World! Here are a couple of complimentary options:
Key to the World Card: You can pick up a plastic Key to the World Card at the front desk of your Disney resort hotel that has most of the same features as the MagicBand, including scanning into the theme parks and opening your hotel room door. You can also get this card at
Guest Relations in front of the theme parks or at the Disney Springs Welcome Center.
Disney MagicMobile: This feature of the
My Disney Experience app lets you add a
Disney MagicMobile pass to your phone’s digital wallet. You can add a pass for yourself and anyone you manage in your Disney account, making it easy to enter the theme parks and Lightning Lane entrances with your phone.
And while you’re at Disney World in April, be sure to check out one of my favorite special events—the
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! The park is so lush this time of year, covered with beautiful flowers and character topiaries. Once we get closer to Spring, the
Disney Parks Blog will release more festival details, including the foodie guide and
Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup.
I hope you have a magical vacation and please don’t hesitate to come back with any follow-up questions as you prep for your trip!
JoAnna