MagicBands 101

A MagicBand is an all-in-one device that connects you to your Walt Disney World vacation choices that have been made on the My Disney Experience website and app.  This colorful wristband is your key to just about everything on your Walt Disney World vacation!

Never used a MagicBand before?  No problem!  Here are some MagicBand basics to get you started.

1. What does the MagicBand do?
The MagicBand links various aspects of your vacation into one simple band.  It is quite the magical band!

You can use your MagicBand to:

• Board Disney's Magical Express motorcoach service from the Orlando International Airport. Bypass the DME counter and walk right up to the entrance, tap the Mickey on your band and then get ready to board your motorcoach to your Disney Resort.
• Open the door to your Disney Resort hotel room.
• Enter the theme parks and water parks with a valid admission ticket linked to your account.
• Check-in at FastPass+ entrances*.
• Redeem Dining Plan* entitlements at participating restaurants.
• Add PhotoPass pictures to your account.
• Charge food and merchandise purchases to your Disney Resort hotel room when you have linked a credit card to your MagicBand.

2. How do I use the MagicBand?

You can use your MagicBand throughout the Walt Disney World Resort at sensors called "touch points."  Simply tap the Mickey head on your band to the Mickey head at your location and continue on.  It's easier than saying "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!"

At the parks, walk up to a touch point, touch your band to the Mickey icon and then hold your finger on the scanner.  Once the touch point has turned green, you are off to enjoy your day at the parks.

The Disney Dining Plan is not currently available but previously, when using your Disney Dining Plan entitlements at table service restaurants, your server would bring over a portable scanner for you to use at the end of your meal. Simply tap your MagicBand to the scanner and the credits for the meal will be deducted from your plan. When using quick service credits, you'll simply touch the band at the order point instead of paying with cash or credit.

When making purchases, scan your MagicBand to the touch point and then enter in your 4 digit pin code to approve the payment.

If you have purchased the Memory Maker,  your ride photos will automatically be linked to your account courtesy of your MagicBand!  If you haven't purchased the Memory Maker, no worries.  You can still purchase your attraction photos by visiting the photo sales counter at most attractions with on-ride pictures.

3. Where can I purchase a MagicBand?

Original 8 MagicBand colors

MagicBands can be purchased online through shopDisney.com, the My Disney Experience website or at select retail locations when you arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort. 

MagicBands are no longer provided to Disney Resort Hotel guests on a complimentary basis but Disney Resort guests can still purchase a MagicBand at a special pre-order price through My Disney Experience. 

Once you have linked your Walt Disney World Resort reservation in your My Disney
Experience account you can make a MagicBand selectionMagicBands.  You can choose from solid color bands or choose from a variety of other design options. Prices are subject to change but the current special pre-order pricing ranges from $10 for solid colors bands up to $25 for some of the more speciality designed bands. Once you've selected the MagicBand you'd like to order, don't forget to enter the name you would like to appear on the inside of your MagicBand.  

Some MagicBand designs are very been popular so you may not see a ton of availability but don't worry. Disney is continually restocking the bands and adding new designs all the time so as long as you order your bands 11 or more days ahead of arrival, your MagicBands can still be shipped to your home. 

There are also accessories that you can purchase to customize your MagicBand even more called CoverBands, MagicSliders, and MagicBandits.  MagicBandits can be placed into any available hole on your MagicBand to add some extra personalization.  MagicBand accessories range in price but for the most part are under the $20 price range.  These accessories are sold in most gift shops throughout Walt Disney World and at the Disney Store online.  They come in packages of multiples so that you can easily change your design or share with a family member.

If you are crafty and like DIY projects, you can customize your MagicBand with a little imagination!  You can paint a design on the band, add stickers or temporary tattoos, or use glitter nail polish to make it sparkle.

4. Do MagicBands come in adult and children sizes?

New premium MagicBands feature favorite characters 

MagicBands are one size fits all but they can be resized for children.  Disney has designed the band so it fits an adult wrist, but you can adjust it to a child size by simply removing the grey edge of the band.

5. Do I have to stay on Property to get a MagicBand?
No.  If you choose to stay off property, you can purchase your MagicBand for $14.99 plus tax at Walt Disney World Resort merchandise locations, Disney Springs or through ShopDisney.com.  Specialty bands are also available and can be purchased for $24.99-$48 plus tax.

6. Can I have multiple MagicBands?
Yes. You can have as many MagicBands as you would like! I like to coordinate my MagicBand to my outfit each park day. It's a great way to accessorize! 

7. Can I re-use a MagicBand from a previous trip?

Absolutely! You can re-use any MagicBands you received from a previous trip. You can manage your MagicBands through the My MagicBands and Cards page on the My Disney Experience website. Just make sure the MagicBand you're using is Active and you're good to go! Have too many MagicBands? You also have the option to decline a MagicBand if you prefer to reuse bands from previous trips.

8. Where can I get a special event MagicBands, such as Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party?
At this time, these special event MagicBands are only available for purchase at the event.  Your event guide map will tell you where you can purchase special event items.

9. Do I have to take the MagicBand off to go swimming?
No.  A great thing about the MagicBand is that it is water proof.  You don’t have to worry about it while you are enjoying a swim or on Splash Mountain!

10. How does the MagicBand work?
MagicBands use Radio Frequency technology to enhance your experience at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Each MagicBand contains an RFID chip that sends out a signal that can be detected by short and long range readers through the Resort.  The technology is linked directly to your My Disney Experience account to give you personalized experiences.

Walt Disney always loved the idea of progress, the future, and moving forward. MagicBands and the entire MyMagic+ system are great examples of how technology that once seemed futuristic has been made simple and accessible, to help create a seamless vacation experience.  We can't wait to see what new conveniences they may bring!

*Temporarily unavailable due to COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Ashley Lehman

Ashley has been a Disney Parks fan from an early age and loves anything vintage Disney. You can email Ashley at ashley@kingdomkonsultant.com.