Magic Band vs App

[Rhody73]

Just looking for some advice. We have been to Disney 10+ times with our kids buy 1st time w grandchildren. But we have not been in a while and never used wrist bands or an app. I called Disney for advice and I have been on hold for 2 hours and 15 minutes Just looking for a brief comparison with pros and cons. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[SMF_mom23]

I've not used the app, but we really like the magic bands. How old are the gkids?

 

[Rhody73]

10 and 5.

 

[SMF_mom23]

I think they'd like the bands, especially the 5 y/o if you can get them one they like or order a wrap (they can be bought on ebay, iirc). Without the band, you'll either have to use the app or a traditional type room key-card to open the door to the room, check in at rides, or even pay for snacks (like if you wanted to let the 10 y/o get in line for popcorn or something).

ETA: I'm not certain the "Keys to the World Card" (I think that's what it is called) can be used to purchase or check in at rides, actually. You could probably google it and find out fairly easily though.

 

[Rhody73]

Thank you

 

[3gr8boys]

I would definitely get the magic bands.... especially if you might use Lightning Lanes. You can find quick how-tos online for making them smaller for kids.

 

[jlh370]

Our kids have always loved their bands.

 

[TheBigErn]

Bands are quicker and easier

 

[Meglen]

Tried using the app and it never worked. Idk why. Bands > app imo and more fun

 

[Her Dotness]

The KTTW works for most things the Magic Band can do--open room, room charge food and merchandise (with a credit card on file). Kids can be blocked from room charging.

I like to get one to slip in a pocket in case I forget to put on my MB.

 

[Matt'sMom]

We are local APs... and we use the magic bands. So much quicker and easier than a phone app, and less hassle than using a card because you always have the MB out and ready to use. We watch people struggle daily with trying to pull up and use the app on their phones for admissions, etc.. Sometimes the app works, sometimes not, and sometimes it appears to be a real pain because it logs out and then they need to go through multiple screens to log back in while other guests stand waiting behind them. Magic bands are so quick and easy and if wearing one you can just tap and go... no fumbling to pull a phone out of a pocket or bag and pulling up the app. The KTTW cards also work well but are only really convenient if you wear a lanyard with a card holder (which is what we all did prior to MBs). As a prior poster mentioned though, it is good to keep those card(s) on hand as back-up, even if you plan on using a magic band.

 

[MouseMapper]

Just looking for some advice. We have been to Disney 10+ times with our kids buy 1st time w grandchildren. But we have not been in a while and never used wrist bands or an app. I called Disney for advice and I have been on hold for 2 hours and 15 minutes Just looking for a brief comparison with pros and cons. Any help would be appreciated.

I would suggest buying the MagicBands. They are no longer complimentary, but are still very much worth it. Firstly, they are probably easier and more fun for the children to use, depending on their ages, as others have said above. But beyond that, it's also easier because you don't have to worry about phone battery issues. Now that we are all using our phones a lot more in the parks for mobile ordering and for making Lightning Lane reservations, the last thing you want to worry about is having your battery die when you need to swipe into a new park, Lightning Lane experience, etc.

 

[CarolynFH]

Just looking for some advice. We have been to Disney 10+ times with our kids buy 1st time w grandchildren. But we have not been in a while and never used wrist bands or an app. I called Disney for advice and I have been on hold for 2 hours and 15 minutes Just looking for a brief comparison with pros and cons. Any help would be appreciated.

I'm not sure that we've answered your questions completely. Do you have a My Disney Experience account? You will need that in order to use the MBs, because they are linked to the person wearing them via the MDE website or app. And the information in the MDE account, such as park tickets, resort reservations, and dining reservations, are linked to the MB via the app. And if you choose to buy G+ or ILL$, that is done via the app.

If you already have an MDE account, you can stop reading my post now, but if you don't have one, then the first thing you need to do is to make one. If you have ever had a login (email address and password) for any Disney entity - Disney World, Disneyland, ESPN - that will be the login for your MDE account, if you are going to use the same email address. If you're going to use a different email address, you need to go to the WDW website, then click "Sign In or Create Account."

If you have more questions, please keep asking!