Hi there Katie, and welcome to planDisney!
It's great to see a fellow Marylander here. I'm happy to help with your questions.
It sounds like you've purchased tickets to
Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park. I'm more of a morning person than a night owl, so I haven't taken advantage of one of these late-night events yet, but reviews from my panelist pals have been great! From what I've heard, you'll encounter short waits and low crowd levels as you enjoy your favorite attractions and indulge in complimentary Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars.
The good news is, once you've had your fill of rides and snacks,
Walt Disney World Transportation will whisk you back to your
Disney Resorts Collection hotel. Feel free to kick, back, relax, and possibly even nap on your way home. If you're staying in offsite accommodations that typically offer theme park shuttles, be sure to check with the front desk regarding late-night events. You will probably need to catch a ride share back to offsite lodgings.
Now let's talk about your MagicBands. If you acquired these in 2016 or later, you likely have MagicBand 2, with an estimated battery life of two years. Your mileage may vary, but my family has been using the same MagicBands since 2020 with no problems. I recommend bringing your old MagicBands for a quick test at the front desk of your resort upon arrival. If they're no longer functioning, Hakuna Matata! Everything you did with your MagicBand on your last trip can now be completed directly from a mobile device using
Disney MagicMobile or with a plastic Key to the World Card obtained from the front desk of your resort. When my son forgot his MagicBand on a recent trip, he was thrilled to get a shiny new Key to the World Card featuring a Mickey Mouse design. It was adorable and fit easily in his pocket.
I hope this has been helpful, Katie, and that you have a fabulous time making magical memories on your upcoming visit. If you need a little help staying awake for your Disney After Hours event, stop by one of my favorite java joints in
Magic Kingdom Park - Joffrey's Revive in Tomorrowland or
Main Street Bakery. Some food and beverage locations will not be open after the park's official closing time, so be sure to secure your favorite caffeinated beverage early in the evening!
See ya real soon in the Most Magical Place on Earth!
Betsy