7 Ways Magic Bands Make Walt Disney World Better

The Magic Band at Walt Disney World continues to be a controversial topic. Some say My Disney Experience (which is symbolized by the Magic Band) ruined the way you tour the parks. Sometimes the bugs and glitches still in the system cloud our perception of the way it works. And some people say it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. No matter where you stand on the overall issue of My Disney Experience and Magic Bands, there are some positives to the bands themselves—here are my top 7 ways Magic Bands have improved the Walt Disney World experience.

7. The Future

Yes, this is rumor and speculation. But the ways I have heard the Magic Bands “could” be used in the future are pretty awesome. Using the RFID chip to identify who is on an attraction and what celebrations you may have so that a sign at the end might tell you Happy Birthday—pretty cool! Or Cinderella may know your name before you approach—I am sure that would thrill some little girls. I am willing to wait and see how much more magic might unfold that is made possible by the Magic Bands.

6. Charging is so easy

. . . maybe too easy. I love being able to tap my Magic Band to pay for things. So much easier than digging through my bag for a card when my hands are full and I’m pushing a stroller. The only downside is that it doesn’t really feel like you are spending money, so when that statement comes at the end of your trip you might be a little surprised.

5. More Colorful!

Wearing a colorful Magic Band is definitely more fun than carrying a Key to the World card. Not only can you choose your own color, but there are so many ways to customize the band. (See this article: https://www.disneydining.com/five-ways-personalize-magic-band/) This makes the planning part fun if you are crafty too!

4. Memory Maker

PhotoPass has the Memory Maker option to get all of your park and attraction photos linked to your account to download there are all kinds of fun new possibilities. You will get an attraction video on some rides like Tower of Terror and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train—that is pretty awesome! And there are animated photo ops with Memory Maker too—one is located near Beast’s Castle in Fantasyland. As with #7 on my list I am sure this will be developed further in the future to include more attractions and locations.

3. You can sleep in

Though I don’t recommend it—you can sleep at home, Disney is for fun! But, if you wanted to spend a morning at your resort, then go to a park for dinner and a few attractions you still have the chance to do that. Since you are scheduling FastPasses in advance you can pick evening times and know that you are going to be able experience that attraction (unless it is down for a technical difficulty). This is actually a function of My Disney Experience, but the Magic Band is the physical thing that makes it work.

2. No more digging!

We’ve already talked about this benefit in relation to charging things, but my favorite thing about the Magic Bands is that I don’t have to look for it. When we get to the park I tap it and go—no finding a ticket in my bag and making sure I put it securely away. That has to save me like 30 seconds of time to get to my first attraction. The best part is at the end of the day when I’m carrying a sleeping toddler, have a park bag, a camera and a bag of souvenirs. I don’t have to get the key out—just tap my wrist & we our door magically unlocks. So easy!

1. Only 1 thing to keep up with!

If you were staying onsite you already had this to some extent with the old Key to the World Card, but the Magic Band simplifies it even further. Now your ticket, your room key, your credit card, your FastPasses, your dining plan and your Memory Maker are all in one place. I, for one, am very happy not having to keep up with those paper FastPasses or my PhotoPass card. The Magic Band is all about simplicity and convenience (as long as all systems are working properly).

Let’s show the Magic Band some love—what is your favorite thing about the Magic Band?