Every few years, Disney implements a new system. Set to debut by the beginning of 2014 is Disney’s MyMagic+. Part of this new system is Disney’s newest technology – MagicBands! It is currently in the testing phase. Selected Guests from several resorts are being chosen to try out the new MagicBands. If you are going to the Walt Disney World® Resort soon, make sure to sign up for My Disney Experience . That is where you will get to customize your MagicBands if you are chosen for testing. Guests may customize bands for each member of their party. There are several different colors to choose from!
Once you have customized your MagicBands, which you must do a certain number of days prior to your trip, or they will choose the color for you, Disney will send out your colorful bands by mail. This can take up to 10 days. MagicBands are one size fits all – there are instructions inside the box on how to make the bands smaller for little arms. MagicBands can be re-used on future trips to the Walt Disney World® Resort
The MagicBands are free, but just in case you want to add a personal touch to your MagicBand there are accessories available for purchase. Band covers ($6.95-$15.95), sliders, and charms that slide over your Magic Band($12.95-$14.95) are currently available in Minnie or Mickey. They also have MagicBandits, little charms that pop into the holes on your Magic Bands(6.95-12.95).
The MagicBands will hold all the information that is typically on your Key to the World Card. It will become your room key, hold your dining plan credits, tickets and even credit card information for charging to your room if you so choose. During the testing phase, guests will also be issued a Key to the World card in case of any glitches in the new system. At this time Annual Passholders are not issued MagicBands, they do however, receive RFID cards and can get the FastPass+ option on those.
What is FastPass + you ask? As part of Disney’s new MyMagic+, you can also choose up to 3 FastPasses per day before you leave home. While all the regular FastPass options, like Peter Pan’s Flight or Expedition Everest are available to choose from, there are also choices for Parades and Fireworks in the Fastpass + section on the My Disney Experience website. If you choose a parade or fireworks show to use one of your choices of FastPasses on, you will get a reserved viewing area.
The only downside to choosing your FastPasses early is there is no option for park hoppers at this time. For now, guests can only choose FastPasses for one park per day, however, during the testing phase, you will be able to use your Key to the World for additional FastPasses at each park. Choosing your FastPasses early is a great benefit! If the task seems daunting, have no fear – Your Wishing Well Travel agents are here! One of the great benefits to booking with us is that besides our expertise and great customer service, you will also receive a subscription to Touring Plans. Along with us, Touring Plans can help you decide which FastPasses to choose, based on the average wait times on the days you are going. Your Wishing Well Travel Agent will also have some great tips to help you out!
The whole MyMagic+ experience is scheduled to be fully operational to all guests by the first of the year. Since this is just a testing phase, there is no telling what changes may take place between now and then! One thing is for sure, Wishing Well Travel will keep you up-to-date on these changes and we look forward to helping you create a New Kind of Magic!
Noelle has been a Travel Specialist with Wishing Well Travel since 2012, you can contact her at Noelle at wishingwelltravel.com, find her on Facebook or Request a Quote from her online.
