Everything You Need to Know About Disney MagicBands

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MagicBands are just one of the perks that Walt Disney World offers, that sets them apart from other theme parks. Whether you’re staying at a Disney resort as a guest or just want the convenience of a band on a single park day, I have everything you need to know to ensure using a MagicBand is the easy experience it’s meant to be!

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MagicBands are just one of the perks that Walt Disney World offers that sets them apart from other theme parks. This post tells you everything You Need to Know About Disney MagicBands!

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Everything You Need to Know About Disney MagicBands

What are MagicBands?

MagicBands have become a resort guest’s dream by allowing you to carry your park ticket, room key, credit card, Lightning Lanes, and PhotoPass all on your wrist!

The bands are plastic bracelets that have RFID radios. Now, what the breakdown of RFID technology is, I don’t know! But I do know that it allows you to securely use your band, by easily tapping it against touch points around the Disney Parks and Resorts.

The bands come in a variety of solid colors as well as fun Disney designs, and you can purchase them online at the Disney Store or at many shops in WDW starting at $12.99.

Walt Disney World Tickets
MagicBands are your Walt Disney World Park tickets!

MagicBands Are Your Park Tickets

You can easily link your park tickets (and park tickets for those in your party) by downloading the free Walt Disney World App (WDW App) to your smartphone, or by accessing the WDW App on your computer via your Disney Account. Sign in and add the ticket information to the corresponding band for easy, one-touch park entry for the duration of your trip.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Room
MagicBands are your room key!

MagicBands Are Your Disney Resort Room Key

In the past, upon checking into your resort room you would be given credit card-style room keys called the “Key to the World”. That’s no more! Now, your MagicBand is your room key. Any guest registered to the room has door access, including the kids! Simply touch the band against the touchpad on the door to unlock it. 

Us at Magic Kingdom 2014
MagicBands are your PhotoPass Card and Memory Maker!

Link Your PhotoPass and Memory Maker

In a similar fashion, if you opted to utilize PhotoPass, you would be given a card to allow photographers to scan to add your pictures. Now, you hold out your wrist and every picture is added automatically to your account via the band. The same holds true if you purchase the Memory Maker package. The neat thing about this is that you can see your pictures right away in the Walt Disney World App. There’s no longer a wait time to see these memories!

Link Your Credit Card

You can easily link a major credit card to your MagicBands by checking in online before your arrival. In fact, you can check in 60 days before your arrival date! Simply follow the prompts on the website and when you arrive at your resort, head to the Online Check-In Desk and skip the long lines.

If you’d rather check-in in person, once you arrive, a cast member can add your card to the bands for you. Either way, you’ll be able to purchase food, drinks, and souvenirs with a touch of the band at the parks and resorts. You can even check all of the charges made with the bands on the Walt Disney World App. This is a wonderful tool to cut down on any surprises at the end of your stay.

Legacy Fastpasess
MagicBands and FastPass+ replaced the legacy FastPass tickets!

Genie+ & Lightning Lanes

In 2021, Disney launched Genie+ and Lightning Lanes (replacing FastPass+). Your MagicBand can be used to tap in for your Lightning Lane times, and everything can be checked on the WDW App.

Use the My Disney Experience app to choose your FastPass+ selections and they will automatically be linked to the bands of the guests in your party that you choose. You can begin selecting your FastPass+ 60 days before your arrival date if you are staying on Disney property or 30 day in advance if you are not. Simply head to the attraction that you have a FastPass+ for and tap your band for entry.

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MagicBands can be customized!
Legacy MagicBands - Purple and Yellow
Original Style MagicBands

Even more about MagicBands!

  • If you lose a band in the park you can easily deactivate it online, in the WDW App, or at a guest relations desk.
  • Bands are waterproof! No need to remove it for water park rides, swimming, or washing hands!
  • If you are on a Disney Dining Plan (not yet returned after the closures), your MagicBand stores all of your credits. Just tap to use them.
  • New bands feature a removable “puck” that can be unscrewed and used in “MagicKeepers” such as keychains or lanyard clips, for those who don’t want to wear the bracelet.
  • The official estimated average lifespan of a MagicBand is two years, which means you can re-use it on future trips!
  • Bands are adjustable and feature a tear-away plastic portion for smaller wrists.
  • The next generation of MagicBands is due to be released sometime in 2022.

I hope my tips and info help with your Disney vacation planning! Make sure you check out my free Walt Disney World Planner printable to help you organise your trip to the Magic! 

Magic Kingdom - Cinderella Castle

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