Magic Bands: Guide to ordering and using Magic Bands at WDW. Here’s everything you need to know to understand how the Magic Bands work and the best way to obtain them.
Introduction
Table of Contents
Embarking on a magical journey to Disney World comes with its own set of wonders, and at the forefront of this enchanting experience are Disney Magic Bands. These wristbands are more than mere accessories; they are the gateway to a seamless and immersive adventure throughout the parks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of ordering and using Disney Magic Bands, ensuring that you’re well-equipped to make the most of your time in the most magical place on Earth.
There are multiple ways to obtain a Disney Magic Band. You can purchase one directly from Walt Disney World, shopDisney.com, or if you have a Walt Disney World vacation package or resort reservation, you can order one at a discounted price for each member of your traveling party.
Ordering Magic Bands (when staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel)
Ordering Magic Bands has never been easier! Let’s walk through the steps. You’ll be a pro in no time!
Access the My Disney Experience Website
Start your journey by logging into your My Disney Experience account on the official Disney website. If you don’t have an account, create one to access the full range of benefits.
Link Your Resort Reservation
Once logged in, link your resort reservation to your My Disney Experience account. This step is crucial as it paves the way for customizing and ordering your Magic Bands. In many cases, if you had a My Disney Experience account prior to booking, your resort reservation will already be linked to your account.
Personalize Your Bands
Dive into the fun part – personalization. Choose from a spectrum of vibrant colors and prints and add a personal touch by customizing each band with names. This not only makes them uniquely yours but also adds an extra layer of excitement for every member of your party. Once your vacation is booked, you can select your Magic Bands at any time.
Magic Bands were once complimentary, but unfortunately this is no longer the case. They are however discounted and usually start at around $10 (for the very basic ones).
Review and Confirm
Before finalizing your order, review your customization choices. Ensure that the selected colors and names match your preferences. Once satisfied, confirm your order to proceed to the next step.
Provide Shipping Details
Specify your shipping information to ensure that your Magic Bands are delivered to your doorstep before your magical vacation commences. There is a cut-off for ordering them, so you need to be timely. If you are too close to your vacation (usually within 4 weeks), you can order them and pick them up at the front desk of your hotel, rather than shipping them to your home.
The Benefits of Magic Bands
Smooth Check-In at Disney Resort
Upon arrival at your Disney Resort hotel, experience the first touch of magic. Your Magic Bands double as your room key, eliminating the need for traditional check-in processes. Simply approach the designated check-in area and let the enchantment begin.
This is such an amazing feature of having the Magic Band. If you check-in using the My Disney Experience app, Disney will alert you when your room is ready. Skip the front desk and head straight to your room!
Accessing the Parks
Your Magic Band is also your golden ticket to the parks. Instead of fumbling for paper tickets, a simple touch of the Mickey icon on your band to the designated touch points at park entrances grants you seamless access. This streamlined process sets the tone for a day filled with enchantment.
Unlock the Power of Genie+ and Lightning Lane
Maximize your time in the parks by leveraging Disney’s Genie+ and the Lightning Lane system. If you book Genie+ attractions and/or purchase Lightning Lane attractions, your Magic Band serves as your access to those attractions; skip the regular lines and ride your favorites even faster!
Capture Magical Moments with PhotoPass
Your Magic Band seamlessly integrates with Disney’s PhotoPass system, ensuring that every magical moment is captured. Linked to your account, it effortlessly connects ride photos and character meet-and-greet snapshots, creating a digital album of your unforgettable journey. All of your photos will be stored in the My Disney Experience app and available for you to download (if you purchase the add-on Memory Maker option).
Convenient Charge Purchases
For added convenience, link a credit card to your band. This allows you to make purchases at shops, restaurants, and various locations throughout the parks and resorts with just a simple tap.
Effortless Mobile Food Ordering
Embrace the convenience of mobile food ordering by linking your band to your My Disney Experience account. Avoid lines at quick-service restaurants as you pre-order your meals on the My Disney Experience app and pick them up with ease, paying for them with your Magic Band (as long as you link your credit card for purchasing options), maximizing your time for more enchanting experiences.
Introducing Magic Band +
In addition to the basic Magic Band, Disney recently introduced the all-new Magic Band+. The newer model of the band takes the magic to a whole new level. Equipped with enhanced features, it’s not just a wristband – it’s a beacon of augmented reality (AR) entertainment. While the it’s a work in progress with new features being added all the time, what it does offer is unique and fun and worth experiencing during your next Walt Disney World vacation.
So what does it do? Let’s explore!
Unlocking AR Experiences
With Magic Band +, unlock exclusive AR experiences throughout the parks. From animated characters joining your selfies to interactive elements in select attractions, the wristband adds a layer of digital magic to your physical journey.
Pairing with the Play Disney Parks App
To maximize the Magic Band + experience, pair it with the Play Disney Parks app. You can download this from the Google Play or Apple store. This app transforms your smartphone into a portal for interactive games, trivia, and challenges, providing entertainment for the whole family. It’s super fun, be sure to give it a try!
Enhanced Audio Features
Dive into the storytelling magic with Magic Band +’s enhanced audio features. Certain attractions and areas trigger specially crafted soundscapes, immersing you deeper into the narrative.
Discover Hidden Surprises
Keep your eyes peeled for extra doses of magic. Some areas in the parks react to your Magic Band +, activating special effects and making your journey even more enchanting.
Conclusion
In the grand tapestry of Disney magic, the role played by Disney Magic Bands and their advanced counterpart, the Magic Band +, is nothing short of spectacular. From personalized aesthetics to seamless park access, capturing memories, and even unlocking augmented reality wonders, these wristbands are the key to a truly enchanted experience. So, as you embark on your Disney adventure, remember to band up, embrace the magic, and let the memories unfold in the most whimsical way possible. After all, in the words of Walt Disney, “Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” Your enchanting Disney journey awaits.
