Magic Bands 101

[Bonacker]

Yes, thanks, Beakerz. That's what I thought. But it was a bit curious, because I got a pop up window, asking me to confirm my shipping address specifically for the shipment of the Magic Bands --- with my correct Canadian address already showing in that popup. (Like, why would the MDE system ask people in Canada to confirm a Canadian address that they already have on file, for Magic Bands specifically, if they aren't shipping them to Canada? They mailed me my Magical Express luggage tags, etc., up here last week.) But I guess they probably just have't ironed out that bit yet.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

So am I the only one who may pass on this? If you have to buy your ticket now( I am not arriving till end of Dec) I dont think it is worth it. If I buy an annual pass it will expire too early next year. Dont think I want buy my passes now. Sny one elsethinking of skipping this? would love to get a few fast passes but not worth it to have to buy early especially on an annual pass. Thanks

 

[Networth]

The AP starts when you activate it by entering a park so you can buy it now and not use it till December just an FYI.

 

[MouseMomx2]

So am I the only one who may pass on this? If you have to buy your ticket now( I am not arriving till end of Dec) I dont think it is worth it. If I buy an annual pass it will expire too early next year. Dont think I want buy my passes now. Sny one elsethinking of skipping this? would love to get a few fast passes but not worth it to have to buy early especially on an annual pass. Thanks

The AP starts when you activate it by entering a park so you can buy it now and not use it till December just an FYI.

Yup, I can confirm Networth's post. You will receive either a Will Call number or an AP voucher in the mail. You will need to activate your AP at a park or Downtown Disney Guest Relations location before your pass is usable. The year will start at that point.

Personally, I would order the passes via Disney and request the Will Call option for delivery. Once your order is complete you will get a Will Call number that can be linked to MDE. You will then be able to make your FP+ selections even though you don't have an actual AP yet.

 

[beakerz]

Yes, thanks, Beakerz. That's what I thought. But it was a bit curious, because I got a pop up window, asking me to confirm my shipping address specifically for the shipment of the Magic Bands --- with my correct Canadian address already showing in that popup. (Like, why would the MDE system ask people in Canada to confirm a Canadian address that they already have on file, for Magic Bands specifically, if they aren't shipping them to Canada? They mailed me my Magical Express luggage tags, etc., up here last week.) But I guess they probably just have't ironed out that bit yet.

Yeah, I think they're still getting things squared away as far as sorting out website processes.

That reminds me - We're going to be there in early December, and I still haven't got our magical express tags; I should find out where those are.

 

[Mickeynutty]

For park entrance, do they do a biometric scan or do you need an I D with your magic band? Thanks.

 

[mesaboy2]

For park entrance, do they do a biometric scan or do you need an I D with your magic band? Thanks.

Biometrics as always. If that fails, expect to be asked for ID.

 

[Hollywoodhaha]

I believe it is next week when we start but for extra magic hours, cast members now will be scanning magic bands before rides during extra magic hours. When we scan it it will pull up your reservation and confirm you are an actual guest at a resort, not just someone who had a magic band from a past trip and is reusing it. We don't have to scan the entire party, just one person will be fine. We are using an iPod with an app and a scanner on the bottom
This is during nighttime btw. We also will accept just looking at your blue KTTW card.

 

[magicaldisney]

I believe it is next week when we start but for extra magic hours, cast members now will be scanning magic bands before rides during extra magic hours. When we scan it it will pull up your reservation and confirm you are an actual guest at a resort, not just someone who had a magic band from a past trip and is reusing it. We don't have to scan the entire party, just one person will be fine. We are using an iPod with an app and a scanner on the bottom

Good info to know. Thanks for sharing. My family is using the MBs, but what about people who are opting out of the test period? Will you still be scanning the KTTW cards?

 

[Hollywoodhaha]

Good info to know. Thanks for sharing. My family is using the MBs, but what about people who are opting out of the test period? Will you still be scanning the KTTW cards?

Yes

I believe it starts on the 18th but don't quote me on that. It could start the 11th. I'm bad with dates.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Thanks for the help! Can you do the same with park hopper passes, that is buy them now but the time doesnt start until we arrive in late December? Is the main reason to do this is that each person gets to make a few fast pass reservations (and of course the coolness factor)??? Do all members of your family have to have the bands? I went off the boards for awhile after I had everything set but that was a mistake. Always something new happening at Disney Thanks again! Reading and rereading this thread

 

[MouseMomx2]

Thanks for the help! Can you do the same with park hopper passes, that is buy them now but the time doesnt start until we arrive in late December? Is the main reason to do this is that each person gets to make a few fast pass reservations (and of course the coolness factor)??? Do all members of your family have to have the bands? I went off the boards for awhile after I had everything set but that was a mistake. Always something new happening at Disney Thanks again! Reading and rereading this thread

With hoppers the time never starts. You get x number of days of park admission. One gets deducted each day you enter a park. If you don't pay for the non-expiration option you will have 14 days to use your tickets before they expire. If you do buy the non-expiration option they will never expire.

As for the bands...everyone on your reservation will get one. They don't have to use it, but they will each get one. If they would prefer to use a KTTW card they can get that at check in.

Tickets have nothing to do with Magic Bands. They are linked to resort stays. You will need tickets, however, if you want to make FP+ selections. IMO there is no reason not to do it. We just got back from a 5-night split-stay and loved the MBs and FP+.

 

[mjtatman]

Logged on today and found out I could customize magic bands (I guess we get two sets, 1 for our room only reservation and 1 set for our MYW package) From what I've read, we can use both sets the entire time, correct? So we were able to customize bands, but not able to select any fast passes because we are going 01/18, which is past this phase of the testing window. So I guess I just cross my fingers and wait!!! Now another question/comment…..I just found out that I will only get to pick up to 3 fast passes a day. Well, that is all fine and dandy, but we normally use way more than 3 on a typical visit. She did say that for right now, while they are still in the test phase, we might possilby get the card for the old fashioned fast passes (if any are available) and the option to use our 3 magic bands fast passes. But that is kind of a bummer when we usually use way more than 3 :-(

 

[MarkyMouse]

I am now able to Customize my MB for our January trip. Problem is, my son is not listed. He is listed on the ressie but not n the MB area. Could it be because he's 19? Does he need to create an account and then invite him as a fame member?

 

[gracer9977]

Subbing to come back and read later.

 

[Princess Jes]

Just wondering if anyone can answer me this: I know that MBs won't be shipped internationally, but I have an option to customize my MBs for my March 2014 trip, however, it won't let me customize until I verify my address... But that has to be a US address.
How do I customize my MBs? Or can I not?

 

[CanadianPaco]

Just wondering if anyone can answer me this: I know that MBs won't be shipped internationally, but I have an option to customize my MBs for my March 2014 trip, however, it won't let me customize until I verify my address... But that has to be a US address.
How do I customize my MBs? Or can I not?

I think I can help! We are also going in March and I also got to the point where I was asked to verify the address. I couldn't and kept getting "Sorry we can't process you request..."
So I clicked on change address: read through, made no changes and clicked verify. Then we were able to make our band selections! Good luck !

 

[ruthma]

I think I can help! We are also going in March and I also got to the point where I was asked to verify the address. I couldn't and kept getting "Sorry we can't process you request..." So I clicked on change address: read through, made no changes and clicked verify. Then we were able to make our band selections! Good luck !

How far out can you customize MB

 

[ckelly14]

Just wondering if anyone can answer me this: I know that MBs won't be shipped internationally, but I have an option to customize my MBs for my March 2014 trip, however, it won't let me customize until I verify my address... But that has to be a US address. How do I customize my MBs? Or can I not?

I believe I read that you can also put your resort address in this area...

 

[CanadianPaco]

I was able to pick the names we wanted on the bands and colours.