Magic Bands and Last Minute Trip

[calablovedisney]

Dh and I did something kind of crazy and booked a trip in 2 weeks for 2 days only so we can see wishes one last time. We had some points, grabbed a room at CBR on Priceline and scored 2- 1 day passes at a discount through a friend (who originally won them himself). So, all the stars aligned and MK, here I come!

My question is--will Disney send Magic Bands to our house or will they be at the resort? We want to drive straight to the park from the airport in the morning, but I think we need the bands to get parking, and to get into the park. I think I read we could use bands we have here from 2 years ago, and that you can activate them, but I don't see them on my account. Should we just plan to go to CBR to get them?

 

[Accident]

Dh and I did something kind of crazy and booked a trip in 2 weeks for 2 days only so we can see wishes one last time. We had some points, grabbed a room at CBR on Priceline and scored 2- 1 day passes at a discount through a friend (who originally won them himself). So, all the stars aligned and MK, here I come!

you want to immediately customize them and they will be waiting at the resort. if you wait, you'll miss the cutoff and be stuck with grey bands at the resort. You won't need them to park at the resort when you get there. yes you can use them to scan and let yourself in, but you can also talk to the guard and let them know your checking in and your suppose to get them at the front desk. they have alternatives to look you up.

edit: yes you can use the old bands and you should see them under magicbands and cards. if you don't then not sure what happened but you'll be getting new bands when you arrive.

 

[barbliny]

Also, make sure you ask for your bands when checking in, if they are not offered. We did a split stay back in January when they were moving to the new bands - so, only the band colors that were 2.0 were mailed to us, the colors that they were staliing on wound up having to be picked up st the hotel. When we checked in at 'un-mailed' hotel, I had to specifically ask for them when the cm was starting to send me 'on my way'. So, if the desk doesn't bring it up - ask. The CM then went to a rack and found our bands (old style)

The new bands are more important if you are trying to use photopass or memory maker - the batteries in magic bands eventually fail - and you won't know when - if that happens everything still works except the photos that don't have a way for you to tap your band (like 7DMT)

 

[calablovedisney]

you want to immediately customize them and they will be waiting at the resort. if you wait, you'll miss the cutoff and be stuck with grey bands at the resort. You won't need them to park at the resort when you get there. yes you can use them to scan and let yourself in, but you can also talk to the guard and let them know your checking in and your suppose to get them at the front desk. they have alternatives to look you up.

edit: yes you can use the old bands and you should see them under magicbands and cards. if you don't then not sure what happened but you'll be getting new bands when you arrive.

Thank you. What I wanted to do was go straight from the airport to Magic Kingdom so I would need the band or something to prove I am staying onsite so I don't get charged parking fees. I do not see our old bands on my account, so I guess we will have to go to the resort. We fly in at 9 a.m. and only have 1 day so every moment is precious! Oh, and I did customize our bands already-matching purple. And it's only the day so no memory maker or anything like that.

 

[china mom]

You should be able to use the serial number on the inside of the old band to re-enter the into MDE. That is how it worked when they first came out. If all else fails, you can take them to guest relations and see if they can do it.

 

[TinkLoverSam]

If you do end up having to pay for parking, keep your receipt and either guest services or your resort can reimburse you.

 

[calablovedisney]

You should be able to use the serial number on the inside of the old band to re-enter the into MADE. That is how it worked when they first came out. If all else fails, you can take them to guest relations and see if they can do it.

Okay, good suggestions!

 

[Kevenswife2]

I just planned a last minute trip and had my magicbands sitting in my mailbox within 3 days. Made reservation Sunday March 26 and had them by Wed March 29. Definitely customize them NOW to receive them before you leave. Also, like others have said, you can use old bands. All of ours from our Dec trip showed up as active.

 

[gap2368]

you may get your MB at home, I have with a few last minute trips

if you do not link your park ticket to your MDE and use this when going to park.

As a PP said if you do have to pay just sow your recite to GR and you will get your money back

 

[calablovedisney]

It looks like my Magic Bands did ship. I got an email saying they are on the way and from the arrival date, they must be coming to our house! I am happy because there is also something exciting about getting them in the mail and having them right away. Now, we can head straight to the MK! On to meal planning now. Probably "see" you in the restaurant forum.

 

[erionm]

It looks like my Magic Bands did ship. I got an email saying they are on the way and from the arrival date, they must be coming to our house! I am happy because there is also something exciting about getting them in the mail and having them right away. Now, we can head straight to the MK! On to meal planning now. Probably "see" you in the restaurant forum.

As long as you customize them at least 10 days in advance, they will be mailed out to you (US address only).
Less than 10 but more than 5, they will be customized and sent to the resort.
Less than 5 days, grey bands (not customized) at the resort.

 

[mindeola]

I booked a two week notice trip last October and my bands were at my home within a week! I was expecting to get them at the resort or use old ones.

 

[DVC_Dad_Canada]

Disney built the Magic band assembly plant (for lack of a better term) in Atlanta, very close to the main hub for Fedex, specifically so they could have the quickest turnaround time for guests.

 

[calablovedisney]

Got them today!!! It's still feels very strange to be going down for 2 days,and crazy. But, guess that is what is making it so much fun!!!