Hiya, Gary!
Welcome Home and welcome to planDisney! How exciting that your upcoming Disney vacation is just around the riverbend. Gary, I think you might be asking about
MagicBand+. These wonderful tools add so much convenience to your vacation, as they work like your room key, can be used for charging and theme park entry, and more, and they even have a little bit of their own magic when they light up at certain moments during certain attractions. Plus, they come in so many fun themes, it's a great way to add a little Disney magic to your outfit!
Gary, the MagicBand + is not free for Disney Vacation Club Members. However, eligible Members do
receive discounts on select shopping, dining, tickets, tours, events, and experiences. That means that you can purchase a MagicBand+ in a merchandise location and receive a discount if the merchandise location offers one to DVC Members and you are an eligible Member. The MagicBands do come in a few varieties at different price points as well, so you can certainly save money that way. Also prior to your arrival, you can usually order MagicBands through your
My Disney Experience account or on
shopDisney. The selection is different on My Disney Experience than it is on shopDisney, and usually less expensive. I just ordered new ones for our upcoming December trip.
Now, you don't HAVE to have a MagicBand, Gary. You can use
MagicMobile which is in your My Disney Experience account or on the app on your phone. You can use your MagicMobile to open your door, for theme park entry, link PhotoPass photos, and make charges to your room, and there is no charge to use MagicMobile.
I hope this helps you, Gary! If you have any further Disney Vacation Club questions, stop back here to see us and we will be so happy to help you.
See ya real soon!
Keri