Welcome to planDisney, Deborah!
Your Walt Disney World Resort visit is just a few months away –– are you starting to get excited? Since you're going to be checking in before you know it, these last few weeks are the perfect time to finalize all those last-minute planning details before you arrive. First, be sure to make your
Disney Park Pass reservations for the first theme park you plan to visit each day. Next, I also recommend making a few
advance dining reservations, if you haven't already done so. Between the excitement, crowds, and
lots of walking, you'll probably be ready for a midday or evening break, and sitting down to a great meal is my favorite way to make that happen!
MagicBands can be a really useful accessory at Walt Disney World Resort and they make a great souvenir, but they're not required for any part of your vacation. In fact, I decided to skip the MagicBand during my most recent visit and I really enjoyed using my phone and smartwatch, instead. If you decide to use your phone, just be sure to download a
Disney MagicMobile pass to the digital wallet of your mobile device from the
My Disney Experience app –– this will act as your ticket, allow you to access Lightning Lanes with the Genie+ service, and you can even charge purchases to your
Disney Resorts Collection hotel room. You can also save more than one Disney MagicMobile pass to your digital wallet, which is a great feature if you're traveling with Guests, like children, who don't have a smartphone of their own. And while your Disney MagicMobile pass can't be used to unlock your Disney Resort room door, this can be done with the My Disney Experience app, which means all the features of a MagicBand are also available from your phone.
Personally, though, my favorite part about using my phone in place of a MagicBand is that it makes one less thing to remember as I'm running out the door each day. Since I always have my phone with me, I know that my ticket, my room key, and a payment method are always right at my fingertips. For me, it makes things simple and convenient, which is always a vacation win in my book. If you decide to use your phone in place of a MagicBand, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I really appreciate you stopping by planDisney, Deborah. If you think of more questions as your Walt Disney World vacation gets closer, please don't hesitate to visit us again –– we're always here to help!
Have a Magical Day,
Amy