Magic Bands are your keys to the kingdom in Disney World.  Everything you need for your vacation will be on your Magic Bands and you will use them for: 

    • Getting onto the Magical Express (always good to bring the letter sent with the tags also)
    • Getting into your room, the gym, and club level lounge if applicable
    • Cashing in dining plan credits, any other food purchases, buying alcohol, souvenirs, etc.
    • Park tickets and special party tickets
    • Fast passes
    • Memory maker pictures (will automatically take pictures of you on the thrill rides)

Your band will be attached to a credit card and safeguarded by a 4 digit code to use for any purchases or dining plan credits.  You will select this code during your online check-in.  I think Magic Bands are fabulous, but like anything in life, it is not a perfect system.  I have been on vacation and my dining plan was not linked.  I have had to reset my pin after already having it set online.  I’ve had memory maker pictures not link.  Except for these few little hiccups, the other 99% of the time they’ve worked great!

If you run into any problems with your Magic Band, go to the front desk at your hotel or find any cast member in the park and they will direct you where to go.  It is usually a simple solution or reset.  

You might be wondering how to customize your Magic Bands.  There is a section of the My Disney Experience website that allows you to choose from the following colors for every guest on your reservation: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, purple, and gray.

I like to get my Magic Bands before leaving for vacation, so I make sure to customize them at least 11 days prior to my arrival in Disney so they are mailed to my home.

If you have planned a last minute trip the bands can be customized and mailed to your resort if done within 10 to 6 days of arrival.

Magic Bands usually arrive in a nondescript box so I don’t realize what they are until I’ve ripped open the package.  That’s when I start jumping up and down…and my husband thinks I’m nuts.

I think I’m magical 🙂

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel