Why, hello there, Mark!
Welcome to planDisney and we're so happy to see you here with your question! Oh boy, your visit is practically right around the corner and I'm so excited for you to experience the
Disneyland Resort just as it is transitioning from the Halloween to Holiday Seasons! With Genie+ added to your
Theme Park Ticket, you'll get to utilize Lightning Lanes on select attractions which will save you plenty of time so you can fit more into your day!
After a long trip overseas, I'm glad that you chose accommodations close to the Disneyland Resort. I always try to stay within walking distance whenever I visit. And I think it's a great idea for you to pick up a MagicBand+ for you and your wife prior to entering the Parks! If you will be walking to the Parks from your hotel and would like to purchase a MagicBand+, I would recommend dropping by
World of Disney at the
Downtown Disney District. You'll find a wide selection of MagicBand+ for purchase and you and your wife can pick a design that speaks to each of you personally. Just follow the
linking instructions and you'll be good to go. And don't forget to charge your MagicBand+! If you purchase it at the beginning of your Park day, you might want to bring a portable battery just in case.
Once you see the convenience of having a MagicBand+, you'll wonder how you ever got around without one before! I love using it to scan into the Parks in the morning. You'll also use to it redeem Lightning Lanes and to link Disney PhotoPass pictures to your account by showing it to the Disney PhotoPass photographer. Don't forget that you can Park Hop beginning at 11 a.m. each day as well!
Mark, I hope you found this response helpful and that you and your wife have a wonderful and magical vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth! If you need anything else from us, please do not hesitate to reach out again. You're always welcome at planDisney!
Wishing You a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow!
-Al