With all of the technology Disney Imagineers have developed for the parks and resorts, it made sense for them to develop wearable technology for guests as well. MagicBands were conceptualized back in 2008 but weren’t rolled out to guests until 2013. Since then, the technology has grown and evolved and with the success of MagicBands at Walt Disney World, preparations are being made for their debut at Disneyland. If you haven’t had the chance to experience all of the amazing things that MagicBands can do for you, here is a list of the 7 things that Disney insiders love about them.
7. Resort Room Key
Prior to the introduction of the MagicBands, it was the guests’ responsibility to keep track of the “key to the world” card which held their park tickets and room key. Making sure not to lose it, someone in your group inevitably ended up carrying them all. With MagicBands, your resort room key and your park tickets are replaced with a single device that you can wear on your wrist. There is no more worrying about losing the cards throughout the day, since the MagicBands are designed to stay on and give you peace of mind, knowing that all the information you need is stored around your wrist.
6. Dining
For guests who are using the Disney Dining Plan, your meals and snacks are all linked to your MagicBand. Feel like stopping in for lunch at the Flame Tree Barbecue or Tangierine Café? Place your order and tap your MagicBand to use one of your quick service meals. The same goes for snacks you find on your journey all over Walt Disney World and the table service restaurants you visit.
5. Purchases
Since your MagicBand is linked to your resort room, that means that the credit card you have on file for your room can be used to make purchases at the parks, resorts and Disney Springs. If more than one guest is staying in the room, you can link a different credit card to the room and link it to a different MagicBand. This way, when you find that perfect souvenir, a piece of art or an extra couple of Mickey shaped snacks, you can tap your MagicBand and charge it to your room and individual credit card.
4. Waterproof
To make sure that guests would feel comfortable wearing their MagicBands any time, Disney Imagineers made them waterproof. This is perfect for not only visiting Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, but even taking that late night dip in the resort pool. You don’t have to worry about leaving your room key on a chair, hiding it in a rolled up shirt or in a shoe. Instead, you can wear the MagicBand right into the pool without any worries.
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3. FastPass+
With the addition of the FastPass+ system, your selections are linked directly to your MagicBand. If you make changes to your selections on the My Disney Experience App, those changes will automatically be reflected on your MagicBand as well. When it’s within your hour to use your FastPass, you can head right to the attraction, tapping the Mickey on the MagicBand to the Mickey on the reader once you get there. After venturing down the FastPass queue, it feels like the whole process is faster. No one has to run in the park to get their hands on the FastPasses at a machine, you can just reserve your time and go when it’s convenient.
2. PhotoPass+
Just a few years ago, the only way to keep track of your PhotoPass pictures in the parks would be to get a card and have the PhotoPass photographers link the pictures directly to it. With the purchase of ride photos, sometimes the number of cards could get out of hand and it would be your responsibility to link the cards back to your My Disney Experience account. While the photo cards are still available in some cases, the photos can be linked directly to your account simply by having the PhotoPass photographer scan your MagicBand.
The technology in MagicBands has also grown to the point where ride photos will automatically be linked to your My Disney Experience account, since the long-range RFID capabilities will recognize when you have entered a certain attraction. This is particularly noticeable on rides like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which has on-ride photos (and videos) taken of all the guests, but there are no screens to see the pictures immediately afterwards. Instead, the photos and videos are automatically linked to your account for you to check out later.
1. Customizable
One of the best things about MagicBands only came about in October 2015. MagicBands used to be ordered in a set number of colors for guests, but now, you can create your own customized version. Similar to the D-Tech on Demand Store in the Marketplace Co-op of Disney Springs, the Tomorrowland Power & Light Co. near Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom offers you the chance to purchase a customized and/or personalized MagicBand. Different colors and Disney graphics give you the chance to make your MagicBand your own and show off your personal flare. If a customized band isn’t enough flare for you, you can purchase MagicBandits sets which clip onto your MagicBand to add another level of personal touch.
What is your favorite MagicBand feature? How would you customize your MagicBand? Let us know in the comments!
