Have you heard about Disney’s new Magic Bands and Fastpass+? I did research, took a class, and tried to learn all that I could about them for my clients. It wasn’t until this past week when I experienced them on my own trip that I realized all the benefits they have to offer.
One of the very first things that comes to mind when I think about using my Magic Band this week: convenience. No more fishing through my bag to find my Key to the World cards, it was right there. The band was also very comfortable AND waterproof. I did go swimming with it on, and saw many people in the pools with their bands. You do not need to worry about them when you want to take a dip, get soaked on Splash Mountain, or if you spill your favorite shake on it. Also there are no more turn style entrances to the parks. Just a simple tap your band, scan your finger until the Mickey lights up green, and you are on your way.
For a kid sized band, just pull off the gray backing off and it makes a smaller version. Just a reminder, if you have a child who does not like to wear any kind of items like a wrist band, you can wear it for them. I saw many parents sporting not just their band but also one for their child.
As far as FastPass+, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I do like to plan my vacations, but not always my every move. I have some clients who went online and booked their FastPass+ before their trip and loved it. We decided to go each day with a blank canvas and see what we could book with the times that were available. We did travel during a slow week and found no problems being able to grab FastPass+ for some of the more popular experiences. If you are traveling during a busy week you will want to book FastPass+ on the My Disney Experience app or through your computer. Click here for the link to begin. Be sure to ask your Travel with the Magic agent for any help or questions you may have.
Throughout the parks you will find FastPass+ kiosks, like the one located in the picture at the top of this page. You will also find Cast Members wearing bright baby blue shirts with a logo of a green circle with a green Mickey head inside. These Cast Members have iPads that are equipped to help book FastPass+ passes and also to change times, or to get a quick scan if you forgot what you had picked. After you picked your FastPass+ times (three picks for right now) you can email it to yourself from the kiosk or iPad. We also would take a picture so we didn’t forget. Once you have completed your transaction, scan your band a second time to make sure it has gone through. Magic Bands and FastPass+ are still in the testing phases and you want to be sure your times have saved. Also, you can change the times on your FastPass+ through the app or kiosk. We did this a few times as we got to a ride we had a later pass for, and found only a ten minute wait. We were able to visit our closest Cast Member and have them switch the time and or the attraction. FYI: You can only switch the time or ride BEFORE your FastPass+ actual time. For example: You have a pass for Space Mountain from 11:20am-12:20pm. You arrive at Space Mountain around 10:30 am and see there are no lines. At this point you will want to be sure to change the time or attraction through FastPass+ BEFORE 11:20am.
We had a wonderful time using our Magic Bands and FastPass +. Here are a few things to keep in mind: If you would like to make charges to your room and not carry your credit cards, at check in be sure your credit card is linked to your Magic Band. If your park tickets are not linked to your Magic Bands because you did not buy them as a Disney package, you can add them on if you would like to use the My Disney Experience App for FastPass+. If you do not have your park tickets linked, you will not be able to use the FastPass+ on the app, only in the parks at kiosks or with Cast Members. You can link your PhotoPass cards to your Magic Bands. As of last week, they still had me carry and scan my PhotoPass+ lanyard. This may change in the future.
Please keep in mind this is all still in the test phase. Disney and the Cast Members are doing their very best to make sure you have the most memorable trip ever. If you were not able to pick out your Magic Band color before you checked in and receive a gray band, no worries. They now sell Magic Band Cover Bands, which are cloth covers, Magic Sliders and Magic Bandits. They come in many different characters, park logos, and even some sparkly Mickey heads. I picked the Duffy trio.
I would love to help you with your Magic Bands. Also, I would love to help book your future trip so you can try them out for yourself. Please visit me on Facebook and keep up to date on the latest Disney has to offer. You can also email Tracy Hilker for your Free quote today.
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