Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Susan!
Aren't
MagicBands the niftiest accessories? I have often said I wish I could have a MagicBand for my life outside the 'World. It is so convenient to not need to dig through my pocket or purse to retrieve my park ticket. I wish I could extend that magic at home to things like starting the car and unlocking my front door!
As Guests who will be staying at a location other than a
Disney Resort Hotel, you will be able to use your MagicBands, as you mentioned, to access your admission for entrance to the parks and
FastPass+ reservations. Your MagicBands will also be used to link your
Disney PhotoPass photos to your
My Disney Experience account. When capturing photos with a Disney PhotoPass photographer, you can have them scan your ticket card or
Memory Maker card instead, but wearing a MagicBand on your wrist is much more convenient. At some attractions that offer on-ride photos, there is not a photo preview area to
tap your band or card, so the only way to
connect those photos and videos to your account is "automagically" through the MagicBand.
Guests who are
staying at a Disney Resort Hotel may use their MagicBands to unlock the door to their room, and MagicBands may also be used to charge dining or merchandise purchases to their room account. Guests without a Disney Resort Hotel stay are unable to use MagicBands for charging privileges.
I hope I have answered your question. Please let us know if you have any additional questions as you
plan your Walt Disney World Resort vacation. We are always happy to help. Enjoy your visit!
Anne Marie