I just returned from Walt Disney World (my 23rd visit), and got to try out Disney’s New Magic Bands in person.
Disney’s new MyMagic+ is quite the technological breakthrough.
Not only are the bands personalized, and as a Canadian, you will have them waiting for you at your resort (Americans will have them mailed to them), but – the magic bands will have your Disney room key, your park passes, and your dining plan loaded up. You will hear “touch Mickey to Mickey” from gate attendants or cash register cast members any time you wish to enter a park or purchase a meal or souvenir. You simply touch the Mickey ears to the one in front of you at the gate or cash, and presto bingo, you’re either in, or your credit card/ room account has been charged.
Just make sure you take the step to sign up for MyMagic+ in advance (I give my clients instructions). If you do, you can order the magic bands in advance – else you risk the default colour of grey (shown above) instead of picking pink princess pink, for example).
The new MyMagic+ is still in test/ pilot mode, but things are going well. I can only imagine how much it will improve over time, as Disney continues the test and adjust stage they are currently in.
The idea of MyMagic+ is to make the experience of visiting easier for guests. As Mickey says, “from securing a window to visit a favorite attraction in advance … to a digital guide that simplifies how they move through the Walt Disney World® Resort hotels and Theme Parks … to the touch of a MagicBand that seamlessly connects all their plans — allowing them to enjoy each moment like never before.”
There are 3 main components to MyMagic+. It is more than just the magic bands, themselves. They are My Disney Experience, Disney FastPass+, and MagicBand and Card.
One thing to note, Disney offers free wifi in the parks and resort hotels. So, guests should contact their cell phone provider to ensure they can take advantage of that free wifi in the parks. (You don’t want to leave your cell provider’s roaming on. Make sure you know how to do that before you go.)
The My Disney Experience is a website and app that will simplify the online experience for guests. As the media guide says, making it easy for them to plan their Walt Disney World® experience in advance and navigate the Parks during their stay. A • Mobile app gives them access to current attraction wait times, allows them to update plans, provides helpful navigation, and offers tips and suggestions on things to do based on proximity. • One place to keep all their plans and preferences. They can plan as much or as little as they prefer, allowing for spontaneity and changes in plans throughout their trip • Ability to connect and share their itinerary with family and friends online and allow their friends to plan on their behalf • Easy to select some windows to visit “must-do” experiences from home and update on the go with Disney FastPass+ service. (Online registration required)
As for the FastPass+, Disney’s FASTPASS service has always been a great way for Guests to experience attractions with little or no wait. Now we’re taking this service to the next level with Disney FastPass+, which allows Guests to reserve access to Disney FastPass+ selections before they even leave home, enabling them to lock in some “must-do” attraction and entertainment experiences in advance. The system is also flexible, allowing Guests to change their plans throughout their trip. • For the first time ever Guests can lock in multiple Disney FastPass+ selections for each day of their trip online before leaving home … and they can update selections on the go • Choose some favorite experiences or get started with FastPicks, where we suggest Disney FastPass+ selections for each Guest, based on their preferences • Disney FastPass+ offers opportunities to select more experiences than ever, including: • Even More Attractions • Shows • Character Meet & Greet Locations • Nighttime Spectaculars Viewing Locations (New) • Parades Viewing Locations (New) (Valid Park admission required. The number of FastPass+ experiences selected and arrival windows are limited.)
As for the Magic Band, The MagicBand will become Guests’ key to the world. Touch to enter. Touch to pay. The MagicBand makes it that simple.• All-in-one connection to:• Room Key at Disney Resort Hotels • Theme Park Tickets/Entry • Disney FastPass+ Service • Disney PhotoPass+ Media • Touch to Pay Functionality (Select Food and Merchandise Locations) MagicBand is fun and easy to use and a colorful keepsake when customized in advance. (MagicBands are available to select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel Guests)
So, call me to book your next Disney vacation. I can get you sorted to make sure you are registered for this pilot program upfront, and you can play with ordering your fast passes before you leave home – and – you take advantage of all the new program offers while you are at destination as well.
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
613-837-0699