Magic band purpose?

[Disneymommingit]

Hi! Taking our children ages 6,4 to Disney for the first time. Would someone please let me know what purpose do magic bands serve?
Trying to figure out if they’re functional in parks or more of a souvenir than anything else now that there is a charge for them.

 

[GBRforWDW]

Hi! Taking our children ages 6,4 to Disney for the first time. Would someone please let me know what purpose do magic bands serve?
Trying to figure out if they’re functional in parks or more of a souvenir than anything else now that there is a charge for them.

They are used to tap into the park and also to tap into lightning lanes if you use genie+. If staying at a Disney resort, you can tap into your room. You can set it up to use as payment, charging to your card on file.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Hi! Taking our children ages 6,4 to Disney for the first time. Would someone please let me know what purpose do magic bands serve?
Trying to figure out if they’re functional in parks or more of a souvenir than anything else now that there is a charge for them.

Magic Bands access things in your My Disney Experience account, including your park tickets, Disney Hotel room door, Photo Pass, etc. They aren’t necessary, but they can be more convenient than getting out a room key card or ticket card or your phone to access these same things.

 

[Disneymommingit]

They are used to tap into the park and also to tap into lightning lanes if you use genie+. If staying at a Disney resort, you can tap into your room. You can set it up to use as payment, charging to your card on file.

So in order to get onto a ride or show, everyone in the party has to “tap” into it?

 

[StarSeven7]

So in order to get onto a ride or show, everyone in the party has to “tap” into it?

Only if you're using Genie+ and you've booked a LL for that ride. If you're doing standby, no need to tap in.

 

[GBRforWDW]

So in order to get onto a ride or show, everyone in the party has to “tap” into it?

If you are using Genie+ and don't have a band, I believe you'd use the ticket on your phone app to scan or if the hotels still have them, the key to the world card. Basically, however you scan into the park without a band will scan you into your Lightning Lane pass

 

[Her Dotness]

Yes, you can still get the free Key To the World card at your resort or Guest Services.

I find them easier to use for some things, rather than twisting my wrist to make MB contact.

If you're wondering, you can block your kids MBs from being able to room charge. No parent wants to think about, much less experience, that nightmare.

 

[lowlight]

So in order to get onto a ride or show, everyone in the party has to “tap” into it?

Yes, you can also use Magic Mobile on your phone. I set mine up for myself and my daughter, but Magic Bands were easier. In my experience, Magic Bands weren't necessary at all, but my children loved feeling grown up and being able to tap them everywhere. I still had to use my fingerprint to get into the park, as they were too small.

 

[Disneymommingit]

Thank you for all of your replies. Feeling lost with all the changes that have been made since I was last there over 20 years ago. So helpful to read the info here!!