Going to Disney without Magic Bands

[rk5798]

We are fortunate enough to know a cast member that can get us into the parks but we cannot get Magic Bands. How bad will that be for us? Will there be any fast passes left for us when we go to the kiosks to book each morning? Trying to prepare myself and our kids for the fact that we may not get on some of the headliners this trip.

 

[mesaboy2]

We are fortunate enough to know a cast member that can get us into the parks but we cannot get Magic Bands. How bad will that be for us? Will there be any fast passes left for us when we go to the kiosks to book each morning? Trying to prepare myself and our kids for the fact that we may not get on some of the headliners this trip.

Very early in the day, almost everything should still be available. A couple hours after park open, I would expect the headliners to dry up (depending on overall crowds).

I have done this a couple of times myself.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

A lot will depend on when you are going as well.

 

[rk5798]

We will be there mid-July...so we know it will be crowded.

 

[susank76]

It will be tough, but if you have a good plan, you should still be able to get most things on your list accomplished.

We went in April (week after Easter) and my BIL who's a CM got us in each morning. We were able to book fastpasses once in the park each day (for that day only), but the selections were kinda thin. Given that you are going in a busier time, yours will probably be even less.

My advice would be:
1. arrive EARLY to get to the front of the lines for rope drop at each park
2. research the top priority rides & characters for each park and plan accordingly (do the most popular things immediately after arriving at the park before the crowds have time to build)
3. consider staying LATE - the crowds thin out after the nightly fireworks (and some even before then), so if there's an opportunity to do things after (or even during) the shows, take advantage of it and squeeze in things you might've otherwise missed.

It can be done, but it'll take some patience, planning and understanding that there will be a good deal of waiting in lines.

Have fun!