Do you need a Magic Band at Walt Disney World?
Updated October 2024Do you need a magic band? Welp, it is really up to you. If you are asking for my opinion, I say YES! But, it is your decision, so let me give you ALL the info to make the best choice for your family.
Magic Bands
What are Magic Bands, Key to the World Cards, and Magic Mobile?
Magic Bands are adjustable, waterproof wristbands with a small (RF) chip inside. They come in multiple designs, from solid colors to specialty patterns.
Key to the World Cards are plastic hotel style cards that are free at the front desk. Since the introduction of Magic Bands, these are not used as frequently. However, now that Magic Bands are no longer free, I see these making a comeback.
Magic Mobile is a contactless way to access MagicBand features from your phone (or Apple Watch.)
What do these do?
Access your Lightning Lane reservations
Add Disney PhotoPass pictures to your account
Charge purchases and dining back to your resort hotel
Enter theme parks (as long as you’ve purchased a ticket, of course, AND made park reservations.)
Redeem Disney Dining Plan credits (when they return, hopefully, one day…I miss them!)
Unlock your resort hotel room
The only time we use Magic Mobile is when we head to the water parks. Our magic bands are waterproof, but we stick together with so many little kids. We do not have to worry about anyone losing their band in the water this way.
ProTip: Our daughter has TINY fingers, and it can be frustrating for the scanner to pick up her print. My husband uses his fingerprint for her entry into the park.
Key to the World Card
Magic Mobile Room Key
FYI: Make sure your magic band is linked to your photo pass. Not only does your magic band get picked up on rides for photos, but sometimes it gets picked up, and you will spot your name located in rides such as It’s a Small World! This happened to me in our January 2022 trip!
How do I access each of these?
Magic Bands: They are no longer free. The old ones are said to have an average life span of two years, but we can use some as old as 2018. However on our last trip in January 2022, it seemed the battery was starting to die. Ask the front desk to help you check to see if the battery is still working.
Back to how you get the bands…
Resort Guests: You can purchase them on your My Disney Experience app. I recommend doing it early as they tend to sell out of the single color bands that only sell for $10 (as of March 2022, this is true.) When you order magic bands from the MDE app or Mydisneyexperience.com, they come in a nondescript white box and you have the option to personalize them. Update for 2024: Old MagicBands are no longer being manufactured, though you can occasionally find them in stores. Unfortunately, Disney is transitioning to the new MagicBand+ system. While discounted MagicBands are still available, the price has increased; they now start at around $24.99 instead of the previous $10. This shift reflects Disney's commitment to enhancing the guest experience with more interactive features in the new MagicBand+ options.
You can also purchase them on ShopDisney.com and at the resort. They are significantly more expensive, but they have so many cute designs! These bands will arrive in a blue Shop Disney bag.
Off-site Guests: Your only option is to purchase online at Shopdisney.com, the Parks, or Disney Springs at World of Disney. People sell magic bands on eBay, but I get nervous about buying them from eBay. However, eBay does have a guarantee, so you should be fine. Link them immediately to your park tickets to ensure they work.
Key to the World Cards: These cards are received once you check into your Disney resort. Head to the front desk and request one for each person in your party. If you plan to use these free cards, bring a black sharpie with you in case some people get the same cards. This way, you can label the name on the back of each of the cards. You will thank me when it comes to scanning into the parks' tapstiles.
Magic Mobile: Is located in your MDE app on your phone and you can like your Apple IWatch to become you magicband.
What other options do I have?
MAGICBAND+
The original MagicBand is no longer being produced as of 2024. Only the MagicBand+ is in production now. You may still find original MagicBands at the resort, but they are no longer available at places like Disney Springs and most shops. Additionally, you can no longer transfer extra MagicBands to someone else through My Disney Experience. This means that if someone wants to use a MagicBand, they will need to purchase one and link it to their account. Once linked, the MagicBand belongs to that person. These MagicBand+ typically start around $34.
How to make a traditional magic band fit a child’s wrist
ProTip: Order Magic Band Protectors, it extra security to keep those magic bands on littler wrists.
To prepare your child’s MagicBand or MagicBand+, start by selecting the band you want them to use. The gray portion of the band can be removed to create a smaller fit for children.
Remove the Gray Portion: Apply pressure to separate the gray piece from the main band.
Gently Pull Off the Gray Rubber Piece: Continue to pull gently until the entire gray section is detached.
Finalize the Band: Once removed, the MagicBand will showcase only the graphic designed for your child, significantly reducing its size compared to adult bands.
You can see the noticeable difference in size between child and adult MagicBands, making it easier and more comfortable for kids to wear. For ordering MagicBands, you can do so through the My Disney Experience (MDE) app or website, ensuring you have the perfect band for your child’s Disney adventure
Slap Bracelets - Our family favorite for the kiddos! They are perfect for tiny wrists. The online selection is pretty limited, but the resorts and World of Disney at Disney Springs have an excellent selection. (only for MagicBand & MagicBand 2.0)
Magic Keepers - no longer available online at Shop Disney, but I did see these are the park & resort stores. You can also find these on eBay. (only for MagicBand & MagicBand 2.0)
Magic Puck Keepers - My husband attempted to use Magic Mobile through his apple watch. The tech is not there, yet. He could not get into our room, but he could get into the parks. He used a magic puck keeper to still have access to his magic band fob. (only for MagicBand & MagicBand 2.0)
Gizmo Smart Watch - My older kids now wear Gizmo smartwatches to the parks, they take the Magic Keeper from the slap bracelets and put it on their watches, and it works out great!
My Disney Experience will also have Magic Bands that are not available on Shop Disney. When you order for MDE the bands will come assigned to each person, you can even add personalization with each persons name on the interior of the band on the magic puck.
Radio Frequent Cards (RF CARDS)
Not staying at a Disney Resort? But still want an economical option. You can head to Disney Springs Ticket Center the day before your first park day ad pick up a Radio Frequency Card aka RF Card. The Ticket Center is located near welcome center is close to D-Luxe Burger and Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza. Its in between the lime and orange garage.
Next Steps
Now it is up to decide which option is best for your family. Are you leaning toward the free Key to the World Cards, or are you ready to splurge on custom design magic bands for each person in your party.
My one piece of advice is whichever option you go with, just make sure it's an option that allows everyone to have individual access to their park ticket if you plan on using Lightning Lanes. Most attractions require TWO tap-ins to the tapstiles, one at the entire attraction and one at the entrance to the action ride. If you are using magic mobile and all the kids are only on one device, you will have to take that device with you to ride the ride. We learned this the hard way when my daughter was only logged onto my husband's phone, during a Rider Switch situation, I had to take his phone with me to tap into the ride.
Read our full review of the new MagicBand+ plus here.
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As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family’s favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
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