Hi Valerie,
Welcome to planDisney!
First, I must celebrate your upcoming visit to the Walt Disney World® Resort! As much as I love MagicBand+, I understand your concern about pricing. Last year, I purchased two
MagicBand+ for each member of my family. Since they are rechargeable, we continue to use the same ones. So, even though we paid more upfront, I feel like they are a more sustainable value.
When you search through the MagicBand options, you should see a few that are a "Special Pre-Arrival Price." As I search through my account, several of those are listed at a lower price. If you do not see those options, make sure you are logged into your account. Or, continue to check since options may be updated. We have also picked up MagicBands in the parks and through the
Disney Store online. If you want those MagicBand+ selections personalized with names, I suggest ordering through My Disney Experience.
As you continue to plan, I am also excited because if you booked a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel stay, you should have received the
Water Park Benefit for Stays in 2025! Looking at your arrival date, I do encourage you to check the weather as it gets closer to the dates of your visit. I would make those water park plans and then you can always decide not to go if the weather is not conducive.
Valerie, in the spirit of Princess Tiana, I am sending a wish to the Evening Star trusting that you will get that MagicBand+ order in and finalize those plans soon. If you decide not to use MagicBand+, I recommend using
Disney MagicMobile Service. Set up the mobile passes and you should be able to use those to scan into the theme parks. I do have one final tip - your timing is
practically perfect! Your visit coincides with the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. This festival is simply wonderful!
Magic and memories,
Donyell