It is no secret that the Walt Disney Company is always using the latest technology in the theme parks. What may seem like a secret however is how to use this technology. With smartphone apps, MagicBands, Memory Maker, and more, planning a trip using all of this technology may sound overwhelming. Whether you’re a first time guest, or you haven’t been to the Walt Disney World Resort since smartphones became popular, you may find some insight in questions you never thought to ask:
1. What is a MagicBand?
Image: Disney
MagicBands are your all-in-one pass for convenience during your Walt Disney World vacation. They come in a variety of colors and may be worn around your wrist for added convenience when entering the parks, using FastPass+, entering your hotel room, taking PhotoPass pictures, and making purchases.
All of this is made possible thanks to the use of Radio Frequency technology. At its most basic level Radio Frequency (or RF) allows you to cause reactions using frequencies rather than physical movements. The RF technology in a MagicBand means that you do not need to swipe, insert, or scan the band while making purchases for instance, simply touching the Mickey shaped piece of the band to a reader will do just fine.
While RF technology is still relatively new in consumer use like MagicBands, the Walt Disney Company has actually been using it for years. Parade floats for instance, and many theme park ride systems are controlled by the same technology– the vehicles have chips just like MagicBands, and various places along the track pick up the frequency to move them along in a certain way.
2. Do I need to use a MagicBand?
Image: Disney
You are not required to use a MagicBand at all during your visit if you do not want to. Guests staying at a Disney resort have the option to have their MagicBands sent to them in the mail prior to their stay, or pick them up at the front desk, however non-resort guests do not receive complimentary MagicBands. For non-resort guests (or any guest looking for a new Band) the most affordable options may be purchased through the Shop Disney Parks app or at the Walt Disney World Resort for $12.95 plus tax. (Customized and limited edition MagicBands can be upwards of $40 depending on the model!)
If you do not want to use or purchase a MagicBand, you are welcome to use a regular park ticket (and room key if needed) in the form of a regular plastic card. Some guests do not like wearing the Bands on their wrists, others may not feel comfortable with the RF on their person (such as guests who have pacemakers and insulin pumps)– whatever the reason, you can always request a classic card at Guest Relations or the vacation planning kiosks outside of the parks, or at the front desk of a Disney resort.
3. Am I being tracked based on my MagicBand?
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Yes and no. You personally are not being tracked in the sense that there is no Disney cast member sitting backstage somewhere giggling at how many times you rode Space Mountain last week. Some guests are under the impression that Disney is using this technology to track their every move, though this is simply not the case. MagicBands are helpful in collecting data like how many people used a FastPass for Space Mountain, or how many people made purchases with a MagicBand instead of another form of payment. Disney is not however interested in tracking you as an individual.
If the potential of Disney tracking you has you considering skipping out on getting a MagicBand, remember that you would be tracked in the same way regardless. Even if you pay cash for a park ticket, stay off-site, and never sign up for any kind of Disney account, your park ticket has your name on it, and hypothetically that cast member would “know” that you went on Space Mountain numerous times (if you use a FastPass). Guests are not tracked for any reason other than seeing how certain attractions are doing, how many guests use certain forms of payment or PhotoPass, and it is not worth skipping the Bands over.
4. How can I make purchases with my MagicBand? Can anyone make purchases?
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Only Disney resort guests can make purchases using MagicBands. The system essentially uses the RF technology to charge purchases to a room reservation. It is also worth pointing out that your credit card information is not stored on the Band itself, it is stored as part of your room reservation. Your MagicBand would charge the purchase to the room, not the credit card. So while you may have a credit card on file, you’ll still need to reconcile a bill when you check out if you used the Band to make purchases.
Upon check-in at your Disney resort, you will also be asked to set up a four-digit pin for making purchases using your MagicBand. Once you have this pin set up, making a purchase is simple. Just touch the Mickey on your band to the reader at the register and enter your pin the same way you would in a debit card transaction. And because you need to use a pin to check out, and your credit card information is NOT stored directly on the card, you won’t run into major security issues if your card is lost.
5. What should I do if I lose my MagicBand?
Image: Disney
Should you lose your MagicBand, there are a couple of options for deactivating it. You can visit DisneyWorld.com or use the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone to deactivate the Band. If you have more than one band, or you have a regular ticket in addition to the Band, you can activate those through the site or the app so you have something to use while the Band is lost. If you do not have a replacement readily available, visit Guest Relations or the front desk of your Disney resort.
You may or may not need to purchase a new MagicBand. Disney cast members are only able to replace Bands on a case by case basis, so it is difficult to predict whether or not you’ll need to purchase a new one. Taking a photo of the ID number on the back of your band, or on the back of your park ticket may come in handy in case either of the are ever lost.
6. What is My Disney Experience?
Image: Disney
My Disney Experience is the mobile app for your smartphone or tablet that makes planning and going about your Walt Disney World vacation convenient and easy. On the app, you are able to make, update, or cancel FastPass+ selections and dining reservations, view PhotoPass photos, check entertainment schedules, ride wait times, and more.
The app is free to use, and very user friendly, so even if you think you’re not great with technology chances are you’ll feel comfortable using it after a few minutes of practice. Disney cast members are always available and happy to help if you have questions using the app, and if you prefer you may still make FastPass selections at kiosks in the park, and visit Guest Relations or call the dining hotline for reservations.
Scoffing at technology you may not be used to is very understandable, however the best thing about My Disney Experience is that it puts everything you’ll need for your trip in one place. You’ll no longer need to write down where and when your dining reservations are or view and purchase PhotoPass photos in person. Now you can do all of this from the comfort of your hotel room while the rest of the family gets ready, or while waiting for the bus, giving you extra time to enjoy your vacation.
7. How do I link my MagicBand (or park ticket) to my account?
Image: Brittany DiCologero (My Disney Experience)
First you’ll need to create a Disney account, at Disney.com or any variation of the company’s official website. (Keep in mind that you may already have one, as the account works across multiple platforms, so if you have one for Disneyland or a trip to Walt Disney World from six years ago, it should still work).
Next, download the app from the app store on your device and login. Once logged in, click to “Park Info & Entry,” then to “My Tickets,” then click the “Add” button, and then “Link tickets & passes.” (It’s quite intuitive once you start using the app, don’t worry!) From there, simply type in or scan the barcode from the ticket, MagicBand, or PhotoPass card. Once you press “Submit” your account will be linked with your ticket media!
8. How do I make FastPass selections?
Image: Brittany DiCologero
Visit the “My Plans” screen of the My Disney Experience app, and click on “Get FastPass+.” Select the “+/Add” button, then choose the party, date, and park. From there you’ll be able to choose and confirm your selections. You are able to make three initial selections using the app, and one selection at a time after that! If you are making FastPasses for the whole family, be sure to link them under the Friends and Family section of the app, and select their names when making selections.
Once your FastPass selections are made, you’ll be able to see them under “My Plans.” You can also use the FastPass screen on the app to go into your selections and change or cancel them if you need to. And if you ever need help setting them up, just visit Guest Relations or the nearest FastPass+ kiosk for assistance.
9. How do I access PhotoPass pictures?
Image: Brittany DiCologero (My Disney Experience)
From the home screen of the app, simply scroll down to the “My Photos” setting and select “See All Photos.” This will display all of your photos taken during your vacation with PhotoPass photographers, and allow you to purchase additional products with them or download them directly to your device (if you’ve already purchased Memory Maker, Disney’s inclusive photo package). If you prefer to save them to your computer, simply follow the same steps from your account at MyDisneyExperience.com
Keep in mind that unless you’ve purchased either the Memory Maker package or the individual photo, the images will be watermarked in the app. If you have purchased Memory Maker, you will also be able to digitally download all of your on-ride photos. And no, you do not need to touch your band upon entering the ride or at the card reader stations below the photo screens, the RF technology will take care of getting your photo for you!
