These bands use RF (Radio Frequency) technology. There is no information directly stored on the band. Disney works hard to make sure information stays private! It's also waterproof, go ahead and wear it in the pool or waterpark, the water won't ruin it.
How do you get a Magic Band? Well, with your Walt Disney World package or room reservation, a Magic Band is included with your reservation. If you aren't staying on Walt Disney World property you can buy a Magic Band at most shops on property and even on www.disneystore.com.
Magic Bands come in many different colors, you can set this up on your My Disney Experience. You get to choose your color and what name will be printed on the inside. What's fun is that when you scan it somewhere the name you choose will be the name they see, so go with the fun nicknames if you want. You only get nine characters in your name, so make it a good one. The color choices are gray (standard), blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Gray is the standard color and what you will receive if you do not go online and change it. Gray is also the color that is kept at the front desk of the resorts so if you have a problem with your band (or lose it), you will get gray as a replacement.
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| I couldn't find a pic with the purple band in it. (Photo courtesy of: Disney Parks Blog) |
You will receive your bands in a cool box with the Incredibles on it. Our box contained all 5 bands that we ordered, depending on how big your party is you may get 2 boxes. As you can see from my photo, the box has each band labeled with our names and they sent us the band color that we requested in My Disney Experience.
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| Those little cards peeking up behind the bands are luggage tags! |
There is only one size band. The cool part is that the black outer part of the band comes off to make the band smaller. This smaller size is perfect for kids and even for women with smaller wrists. Be careful, though, once you take that outer part off you cannot put it back on. My suggestion is to try it on first to see how big it is before you start removing parts.
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| Band on the left is how it comes. Band on the right has had the outer part removed to make it smaller. |
Now on to all the cool uses for Magic Bands. My favorite use is as a room key. Each resort room has a Magic Band scanner on it so you can scan your band as your room key. No more juggling babies and strollers and bags and trying to find your room key because it's already on your wrist.
Another awesome use for the band is that it serves as your park ticket, if you have tickets linked to your account. This means that you can use this band to get into the parks. If you purchase a package from Walt Disney World the tickets are already linked. If you purchase tickets elsewhere, you will need to link them yourself. Since these serve as your park tickets they also serve as your FastPass+ ticket. If you have any FP+ on your account all you need to do is scan your band at the right time and place and you are ready to go.
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| Here is a photo of a family using their band for their FastPass+. (Photo courtesy of: Walt Disney World's website) |
These bands are also used for your dining plan, if you purchased it. When you go to a restaurant (counter or table service) all you need to do is order your food and let them know that you are on the dining plan (if you have the dining plan). The cashier or waiter will then scan your Magic Band. You enter your predetermined PIN code and you are all set. How easy is that?
We like to use our bands for room charges, as well. This saves time getting my credit card, cash, or gift card out every time I want to purchase something. This works similar to the dining plan. All you do is scan your band, enter your PIN, and you are done. This one is an option and you can opt out of it if you want. All you need to do is tell the front desk when you are checking in and they will remove the charging option from your band.
They are your pass to Disney's Magical Express. If you signed up for Disney's Magical Express in advance then make sure to pack your Magic Band in your carry-on bag because it is your pass to ride the motorcoach to your resort.
It can also be used as a photo card for Disney PhotoPass. If you have one of Disney's photographer take your picture then he/she will scan your band to load onto your MyDisney Experience account. This also includes some ride photos, as well.
Disney's Magic Bands can be used for several years. Their batteries are said to last a few years so if you have ones from past vacations you can take them with you. So, make sure you save those bands, if not to reuse, at least save them as a souvenir.
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| Just a few of our Magic Bands. |
Do you want to know the worst part about a Magic Band? It is not being able to use it when you come home. You tend to rely on it while you are on vacation and miss the convenience of it when you get home.
How much do you love your Magic Band?
Do you miss using it when you come home?
If you want to have a Magical Vacation with a Disney's Magic Band please contact me here for a free quote.
Have a Magical Day :)
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