Calling Experienced Split-Stay-ers: How does it work with 2 sets of Magic Bands?

[KSL]

Hi everyone!

I have a split stay this summer between two on-site resorts. We have active PAPs from an Aug '13 trip, and seem to have the ability to order two sets of Magic Bands, which I read has been the case for others with split stays, as well. I have searched a bit here about how things work with two sets of Magic Bands and split stays, and it seems that while you can (1) continue to use the Magic Bands from the first leg of a split stay throughout the second leg, you can not (2) try to be economical and environmentally conscious by telling Disney that you do not need the second set of Magic Bands; if you do not customize a set, they will have a default grey set for you at check-in of the second stay. Is this correct?

If yes, then we will go ahead and order two sets in different colors and at least we will have a choice of which color band to wear on any given day. [Total sidebar here, but WHY IS THERE NO PURPLE!? Everyone together, now: "we want purple! we want purple!"]

This begs the next question (or bunch of questions, actually): When we check in at the first resort, will they activate both sets of bands? Or do we use just the first set for the first leg, and then either set for the second leg? I understand that the bands are linked to your MDE account, so that you could use either (active) band for park entry (still requires finger scan which would prevent someone else using your second band) and accessing FP+. But what about room key and room charging? If I have 2 MBs active for my first resort stay, would both be active for room access and charging (with PIN), or would the second set be activated for park access only? Then when we present both sets at check-in for second resort, I assume both are reset to be available for room access and charging for second resort, right? Or do they then make only the second set available for room access and charging, etc.? I'm just trying to figure out whether it's too complicated to have two sets going for the mere outfit-color-coordination aspect, LOL!

Any other bits of info you experienced that I should be aware of (good or bad!) about having two sets of MBs in use at once would be appreciated! Please advise!

Thanks for any replies, and if this has already been discussed elsewhere, please just refer me to another thread - I tried a few searches but did not find it.

 

[princessbride6205]

We have APs and our magic bands were all active throughout our stay last week. We stayed at both POP and on DVC points at AKV-Kidani. We customized all the bands and just wore whichever color we felt like that day. I wore what was my Kidani band the whole trip and it worked with no issues. Our bands were active, they didn't do anything special at check in. Actually we never presented our bands to either resort at any point. Since you can use your bands to check in at DME at the airport, I guess they'd have to be active!

Rumor has it that in the future Disney will allow you to refuse bands and opt to reuse your existing ones.

 

[KSL]

Thank you for the reply!

I thought they would need to activate them upon check-in or at the park prior to first use or something, but I forgot people would need them for Magical Express (we are taking the AutoTrain so I hadn't thought of that), so it makes sense that they are ready-to-go right out of the box. We'll see how it goes!

Thanks again for responding.
-KSL

 

[LindaBabe]

On a split stay now. So far have used the band from my december trip at my first two resorts. Moving on Tuesday to the third and I expect to use it there as well.