Can someone help me with all of the new "stuff" at Disney???

[mmouse1239]

I am a former DVC member who hasn't visited the world for a couple of years. I won't be visiting again until 2016, but I feel more than a little overwhelmed with all of the changes (bands, fastpass plus, etc.) Can someone give me a step by step list of what I have to do and when I have to do it?? We will probably rent DVC points to be able to all stay together with our grandchildren. We may or may not do the meal plan....gonna depend on the money situation when the time comes. Thanks, in advance, for any help that you guys can provide. I don't want to stress out so far ahead, but I do want to be prepared.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I am a former DVC member who hasn't visited the world for a couple of years. I won't be visiting again until 2016, but I feel more than a little overwhelmed with all of the changes (bands, fastpass plus, etc.) Can someone give me a step by step list of what I have to do and when I have to do it?? We will probably rent DVC points to be able to all stay together with our grandchildren. We may or may not do the meal plan....gonna depend on the money situation when the time comes. Thanks, in advance, for any help that you guys can provide. I don't want to stress out so far ahead, but I do want to be prepared.

You certainly have plenty of time to learn about it all. And since you already know about the resorts and parks, you are far ahead of the first timers who are totally overwhelmed.

The first thing you'll want to do is to create an account for you and whoever will travel with you. You should do this before you book your resort reservation. Here is the website:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

Then you don't have to do a whole lot to do until you are 180 days out. That is when you will be able to make your dining reservations.

The next happens when you are 60 days out. If you have purchased tickets by that date you will be able to select your fast passes. That is probably the most tricky technological step you'll have to make. You'll find plenty of help here for that, too.

You can also do online check in at 60 days. You'll also be able to customize your Magic Bands, which means that you choose the color band and the name that you want on the band. You have to customize it 30 days or more before your trip date. It will ship out to you if you live in the U.S. about three weeks before your trip.

So right now, there isn't too much to deal with.

 

[Orph]

I wouldn't feel too overwhelmed at this stage since your trip is a lil ways off. It isn't as complex as you might think, but it does require planning. Since you will be using DVC points, it will probably go like this.

1) make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR)
2) make FastPass+ Reservations
3) Customize Magic Bands

There will most likely be 30 days gap between each selection.