Magic Bands Mentioned in Online Check In Terms

[PoohbearMama]

Not sure if anyone else has noticed this but I am checking in at the end of May and in my terms it mentions Magic Bands. This is exciting because we would love to be able to use them when we go at the end of May. I cannot figure out how to post a screenshot of it. Nonetheless it did make my heart go pitter patter with excitement.

 

[Spacedog1975]

Ts and Cs often umbrella everything you might potentially encounter, but are not necessarily a reflection on what you will encounter. These were probably written knowing that at minimum certain resorts would be piloting these this year.

That said, I hope you get to use them, becuase it raises my odds in October if you do

 

[mm1971]

Thanks for the post. REALLY hoping to be able to use these in August. It would be even better if we could get them with out packet and wear them when we get to FL. Not sure why I think it's really cool, I must be a geek.

 

[Spacedog1975]

Thanks for the post. REALLY hoping to be able to use these in August. It would be even better if we could get them with out packet and wear them when we get to FL. Not sure why I think it's really cool, I must be a geek.

As the RFID must be encoded, just like key to the world cards, I expect they will only be available upon checkin.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Not sure if anyone else has noticed this but I am checking in at the end of May and in my terms it mentions Magic Bands. This is exciting because we would love to be able to use them when we go at the end of May. I cannot figure out how to post a screenshot of it. Nonetheless it did make my heart go pitter patter with excitement.

~LOL. I'm wishing right along with you!

Thanks for the post. REALLY hoping to be able to use these in August. It would be even better if we could get them with out packet and wear them when we get to FL. Not sure why I think it's really cool, I must be a geek.

~LOL. I don't know why I love them, either. But, I want one badly! Who knows when these things will finally be released!

 

[diamondpixienc]

Thanks for the post. REALLY hoping to be able to use these in August. It would be even better if we could get them with out packet and wear them when we get to FL. Not sure why I think it's really cool, I must be a geek.

Me too!

 

[Mike2023]

As the RFID must be encoded, just like key to the world cards, I expect they will only be available upon checkin.

RFID is different then the magnetic strip on the back of a card. The bands will have a unique ID encoded during manufacturing. That ID will then be tied to a guests portfolio which can be done at check-in or in advance.

There is documentation floating around that states if you order a customized magic band that it will be mailed to you prior to your trip. In theory this would allow you to do online check in and skip the front desk all together.

 

[floridajen]

I noticed that the card readers in the park say something like " tap card or band"

 

[jenvandyne]

When I called about my July reservation today. I asked about putting my two year olds name on the room because we have decided to take him. She says yes put his name so he will get his wristband. She mentioned we will need it to enter pools and different areas of the hotel. So it sounds like it will be there in July.

 

[dbennett3899]

When I called about my July reservation today. I asked about putting my two year olds name on the room because we have decided to take him. She says yes put his name so he will get his wristband. She mentioned we will need it to enter pools and different areas of the hotel. So it sounds like it will be there in July.

Which resort? Sounds like AOA?

 

[Mom2six]

We'll be there in September and I really hope we get to use the magic bands.

 

[robmag]

Does anybody know which resort is currently using the magic bands?

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Does anybody know which resort is currently using the magic bands?

None.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

RFID is different then the magnetic strip on the back of a card. The bands will have a unique ID encoded during manufacturing. That ID will then be tied to a guests portfolio which can be done at check-in or in advance.

There is documentation floating around that states if you order a customized magic band that it will be mailed to you prior to your trip. In theory this would allow you to do online check in and skip the front desk all together.

~Wow. I hadn't thought of that. But, you're right -- in theory, you could skip the front desk. I know that would never happen, but it could help to streamline the check in process -- even more. I remember the first time I used online check in, it was a mess. We were staying Poly CL, there was no golf cart, no one waiting to greet us. We had to ask valet and they told us to just go to the regular check in desk. It actually took twice as long to check in! By the next year, Disney worked out all of the kinks and now, I love online check in.

When I called about my July reservation today. I asked about putting my two year olds name on the room because we have decided to take him. She says yes put his name so he will get his wristband. She mentioned we will need it to enter pools and different areas of the hotel. So it sounds like it will be there in July.

~Thanks for the update! I hope you get to use them. I have always predicted this to come much later in the year or early next year -- I hope I'm wrong. Wristbands or not, I hope you have a fabulous trip!

We'll be there in September and I really hope we get to use the magic bands.

~I hope you get to use them, too! Anyway, have a great trip!

 

[Mike2023]

~Wow. I hadn't thought of that. But, you're right -- in theory, you could skip the front desk. I know that would never happen, but it could help to streamline the check in process -- even more. I remember the first time I used online check in, it was a mess. We were staying Poly CL, there was no golf cart, no one waiting to greet us. We had to ask valet and they told us to just go to the regular check in desk. It actually took twice as long to check in! By the next year, Disney worked out all of the kinks and now, I love online check in.

Actually, I would bet on it happening. Once the system is in place this would allow Disney to staff less people behind the checkin desk and save money. It might not happen this year, or even next, but once they get the base work of the new system up and running then they will start branching out and figuring out how to make back there original investment.

 

[orangetiggs]

I called from the uk about our nov trip and it was mentioned too, looking forward to it

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Does anybody know which resort is currently using the magic bands?

They are currently being tested. It's my understanding that they are testing them at Boardwalk this month.

There's a few more bits of information out as of today. You can read about them here:

http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2013/04/06/disney-magicband-news-for-annual-passholders/

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Actually, I would bet on it happening. Once the system is in place this would allow Disney to staff less people behind the checkin desk and save money. It might not happen this year, or even next, but once they get the base work of the new system up and running then they will start branching out and figuring out how to make back there original investment.

~Wow -- are you an idealist??? I really wanted to say this, but shied away. I really love your thinking on this & I love the concept, too! Bring on the Magic Bands, lol.

 

[englishrose47]

How will this work for your room key?????

 

[SuperDan523]

How will this work for your room key?????

They've already been switching out door locks (might be done across the board, not sure) with ones where you tap your card instead of insert it. You will just tap your band to the lock in the same way.