Magic Bands and ID

[Disfan1968]

Hello!

I was originally thinking that, since you can link a credit card to your magic band and charge misc. purchases to your account via said magic band and it's PIN, that I could leave my wallet in my hotel safe during my stay. But it occurs to me that alcoholic beverages might be an issue as they will still need to ID you, so you might at least want to carry your driver's license. I assume they cannot accept your magic band as proof of age.

Correct?

 

[erionm]

You will need a Photo ID if requested to purchase alcohol. Also, if you are eligible for any discounts, you need to show proof of discount (AP Card/AP Discount Card/TiW Card/DVC Member Card/etc.) and a Photo ID.

 

[Disfan1968]

Thanks, Michael.

 

[LilyWDW]

It is always good practice to ALWAYS have a photo ID on you when you leave your home.

 

[Disfan1968]

It is always good practice to ALWAYS have a photo ID on you when you leave your home.

Thanks, Mom. How did you figure out my DisBoards screen name?

 

[Kate and Family]

Hello!

I was originally thinking that, since you can link a credit card to your magic band and charge misc. purchases to your account via said magic band and it's PIN, that I could leave my wallet in my hotel safe during my stay. But it occurs to me that alcoholic beverages might be an issue as they will still need to ID you, so you might at least want to carry your driver's license. I assume they cannot accept your magic band as proof of age.

Correct?

I THINK that if you are "from off" (UK, Canada, etc) that you may also be asked to show your passport as well.

 

[Disfan1968]

In all seriousness, though. Yes, of course it's a good idea to have photo ID with oneself, but, truth be told, in all of my 45 years the only general, everyday things I have EVER needed my license for are:

1. Driving
2. Buying Alcohol

That's it. So, as item one is alleviated by Disney Transportation, item two is the only real issue otherwise.


Of course there is always some sort of wild emergency that could arise... Russians invading, tornado touchdown, etc....

 

[emilyyvic]

I THINK that if you are "from off" (UK, Canada, etc) that you may also be asked to show your passport as well.

Driver's Licence has always worked fine for purchasing alcohol in the states. I've never once been asked for my Passport...

 

[mickeyluv'r]

In all seriousness, though. Yes, of course it's a good idea to have photo ID with oneself, but, truth be told, in all of my 45 years the only general, everyday things I have EVER needed my license for are:

1. Driving
2. Buying Alcohol

That's it. So, as item one is alleviated by Disney Transportation, item two is the only real issue otherwise.


Of course there is always some sort of wild emergency that could arise... Russians invading, tornado touchdown, etc....

Wow, I use it at the airport, the emergency room, and (rarely) when stopped by the police. If driving at WDW, then it is very much patrolled by the police.

You never know when an emergency is going to happen, that's why it is called an emergency. I don't mean Armageddon, I mean injuries and health emergencies. I am all for carrying the minimum at WDW, but ID is one thing I almost always carry. The only time I might make an exception is going to the pool at my home resort. A pool is a somewhat risky place, but theft is also a potential issue.

Last summer, we went to a farm on a HOT summer day. While there, we met a woman who was diabetic, and totally unprepared for an emergency. Lo and behold, the heat made her ill. Her companion got mad at everyone else - strangers- because none of us were prepared for HER emergency! Argh! IT was crazy! It always pays to be prepared.

 

[LilyWDW]

Thanks, Mom. How did you figure out my DisBoards screen name?

Nope. Just grew up in a family of cops and heard plenty of stories. Always carry id. It is one little card. Not so hard.

 

[minnie mum]

Driver's Licence has always worked fine for purchasing alcohol in the states. I've never once been asked for my Passport...

While this is generally true throughout the States, Disney has it's own policy that differs. It started last year and required a passport as ID for non Americans when purchasing alcohol. The reason was that CMs couldn't always understand the language some DLs were issued in. Not all foreign guests have DLs written in English. But it wasn't universally enforced. Recently I've read reports where they were content with a photocopy of the first page (photo page) of the passport. This was in response to the (IMO reasonable) objection of guests who were very reluctant to carry their passport around with them in the parks and risking losing them.

 

[Suellen]

Hello!

I was originally thinking that, since you can link a credit card to your magic band and charge misc. purchases to your account via said magic band and it's PIN, that I could leave my wallet in my hotel safe during my stay. But it occurs to me that alcoholic beverages might be an issue as they will still need to ID you, so you might at least want to carry your driver's license. I assume they cannot accept your magic band as proof of age.

Correct?

I had a CM tell me that it is state law to carry a photo ID on you at all times and also a "WDW Rule" that you have to have one.

** For the record I don't believe that but just passing along**

 

[smitch425]

You should always have your ID, some cash, and a credit/debit card with you at all times.

 

[minnie mum]

In all seriousness, though. Yes, of course it's a good idea to have photo ID with oneself, but, truth be told, in all of my 45 years the only general, everyday things I have EVER needed my license for are:

1. Driving
2. Buying Alcohol

That's it. So, as item one is alleviated by Disney Transportation, item two is the only real issue otherwise.


Of course there is always some sort of wild emergency that could arise... Russians invading, tornado touchdown, etc....

How about this- you lose your magic band. Or it dies for some reason.You go to Guest Services for a replacement. How far are you going to get without ID?

 

[Disfan1968]

How about this- you lose your magic band. Or it dies for some reason.You go to Guest Services for a replacement. How far are you going to get without ID?

Far enough to get back to my hotel room I suppose, which is where my ID would be safely stowed in my safe.

In any event, thanks to the original replier (Michael, I believe) for simply answering the question.

 

[Disfan1968]

As for some of the other replies, for the LOVE of God, I NEVER said I was leaving leaving my ID home. So as far as the airport or other possible scenarios, everything is ok. No worries. As for other possible problems, my wife always carries her purse and would have all emergency medical cards and needed info for the kinds of emergencies described. She would likewise also have ID on her to identify us as the account holders for Magic Band issues.

I appreciate the concerns, but really ALL I was asking was if you NEED ID for alcohol.

I also had an ulterior reason for the question with regard to my excellent 21 year old stepson, whose one shortfall might be misplacing things. I might like to be able to tell him not to bring his wallet to the parks as it could get...

1. Lost
2. Soaked

Just like our other kids along, there is no "need" for him to have ID other than for a drink or two when we sit down to dinner. If not for that, I would have advised him to leave it in the room as he would have no more "need" for it than would my other "non-driving" stepson.

In any event. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Redwitch]

The other reason to carry ID? Park entry.
My daughter and I are "blessed" with fingers that consistently are unreadable by the entry scans. After several unsuccessful attempts at entry, they wave over a suit. We then need to show our ID, the suit taps on their little screen and allow us entry into the park. (I apologize if you are behind us at rope drop. Believe me, we're not thrilled about it either.)

 

[Disfan1968]

The other reason to carry ID? Park entry.
My daughter and I are "blessed" with fingers that consistently are unreadable by the entry scans. After several unsuccessful attempts at entry, they wave over a suit. We then need to show our ID, the suit taps on their little screen and allow us entry into the park. (I apologize if you are behind us at rope drop. Believe me, we're not thrilled about it either.)

Now that's interesting! So they are still using fingerprints for park entries? I had understood that might be linked to Magic Bands and they would be doing away with other means of entry?

 

[smitch425]

Now that's interesting! So they are still using fingerprints for park entries? I had understood that might be linked to Magic Bands and they would be doing away with other means of entry?

You scan your band and then put your finger on a scanner.

Also, Disney's gift card/band system can go down at any time. Do not rely solely on bands for charging purposes. You really need to have cash, ID and some type of card with you all of the time. On our last trip, their system was down for several hours, and they could not charge to bands or gift cards. I had to use my credit card to make a purchase.

 

[Disfan1968]

Also, Disney's gift card/band system can go down at any time. Do not rely solely on bands for charging purposes. You really need to have cash, ID and some type of card with you all of the time. On our last trip, their system was down for several hours, and they could not charge to bands or gift cards. I had to use my credit card to make a purchase.

This is probably the strongest argument I have seen yet for carrying ID.

If at least one responsible "account holder" adult in the party has ID, Medical Insurance info, and Credit Card access you should be good. That person could obviously carry any other ID's that might be needed. This is done all the time when people are headed for water rides and one is staying back. My wife hates water rides.