First time to Disney since the 1990s

[LSKN]

Ok, this may be a dumb question, but I'm confused. I ordered my park ticket by phone from Disney and it just arrived. It's a plastic card (similar to a gift card, with a magnetic stripe) with my ticket type printed on the back. I have already linked the ticket to MDE and reserved my FP+ and will be getting a magic band (staying on site).

What do I need to do with this card once I get to WDW? I was expecting that the ticket would be loaded on my magic band when it arrives. Do I have to swipe the card the first time I go to a park and thereafter it's on my magic band?

TIA

 

[Jfsag123]

Your ticket will be on your magic band. In theory, no need for the card once you're in WDW. However, I kept ours with us in my wallet to use in case we had trouble with the magic bands, as you can use the cards at the gates/fp checkpoints as well. Came in handy one day when DD had accidentally left her MB in the room at the resort after our mid-day break. We just used the card for her that evening.

 

[ucfknight]

As long as both are linked correctly (i.e. they both show up under "Magic Bands and Cards" on the My Disney Experience website), they can be used interchangeably.

 

[loutoo]

Theoretically, you don't need the plastic card for anything. If you have a magic band, the ticket information is automatically loaded in your MDE account and linked to the band. I always carry my card with me on my first trip into the park just in case, but I have never actually needed it. The cards end up being toys for my daughters after the trip, but that is the only purpose they seem to serve for my family.

 

[LSKN]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate it.