Magicbands

[babydoll65]

Do you HAVE to do online check-in in order to customize the mb? We're doing a room only on 11/10 and starting our pkg on the 11th and need to pick up our tickets early and someone posted that if you want to pick up your tickets early avoid online check-in so they don't put your pkg together this way it makes it easier at guest services to get them.

 

[Mom2six]

Do you HAVE to do online check-in in order to customize the mb? We're doing a room only on 11/10 and starting our pkg on the 11th and need to pick up our tickets early and someone posted that if you want to pick up your tickets early avoid online check-in so they don't put your pkg together this way it makes it easier at guest services to get them.

We are going in September and one day the customize the magic band just popped up. I was worried I would have to do online check-in, but we didn't! I got the bands yesterday.

 

[babydoll65]

We are going in September and one day the customize the magic band just popped up. I was worried I would have to do online check-in, but we didn't! I got the bands yesterday.

Thank you. Not sure weather or not to be excited about the magic bands. We have always gone to wdw in the value season because the crowds are so low. I have always been the so called "runner" in the family to grab the fp and I guess this would take care of that problem. But when I took my mother in 2009 she needed to use a scooter and some of the rides there were different entrances for her to use. It seemed like we got on the rides with very little waiting time. We never took for granted that we would just cut everyone in line so I made sure I still produced a fast pass to the cm but they kept saying that it wasn't necessary

 

[jason0389]

I wish they had had the Magicbands when we went in June. They look like they'd be fun to wear and a different take on the whole Fast Pass system. Oh well something to look forward to next time!

 

[chester629]

Still working as of yesterday. It is in the printed CM reference guide that testers are allowed to use both systems. That guide was printed this month.

So they are allowing the use of both systems while still in "test" mode? I am going in Oct and was selected as a "tester" (I understand they are keeping it in test mode till at least 10/31) so I will be able to use both types of FP's? This definitely changes the game plan then!

 

[asudol]

We'll be at AoA Sep 12-21 - the 'confirm your magic band address' link just popped up, but I get a server error when I use it. The fastpass+ link is there, and I've started booking my fastpasses, so apparently we're getting bands...

I sure hope there's enough time to customize and get them in the mail

 

[luvslikepi]

We'll be at AoA Sep 12-21 - the 'confirm your magic band address' link just popped up, but I get a server error when I use it. The fastpass+ link is there, and I've started booking my fastpasses, so apparently we're getting bands...

I sure hope there's enough time to customize and get them in the mail

I'll be heading there for few days, last weekend in September. Has there been any news on an actual live date for everyone? I'd love to use this new technology...I think it's exciting.

 

[delmar411]

So they are allowing the use of both systems while still in "test" mode? I am going in Oct and was selected as a "tester" (I understand they are keeping it in test mode till at least 10/31) so I will be able to use both types of FP's? This definitely changes the game plan then!

Correct.

 

[Jetsetter42]

Thanks to this thread! We had a couple of nights at the Grand Floridian booked for 10/6-10/8, but really wanted to participate in Magic Band testing. After reading the thread I added one night at AKL at the beginning of our trip to My Disney Experience and was instantly able to customize Magic Bands and make FastPass+ selections.

Now we just have to wait until the customization window ends on Sept 4.

 

[jsebsirois]

Thanks to this thread! We had a couple of nights at the Grand Floridian booked for 10/6-10/8, but really wanted to participate in Magic Band testing. After reading the thread I added one night at AKL at the beginning of our trip to My Disney Experience and was instantly able to customize Magic Bands and make FastPass+ selections.

Now we just have to wait until the customization window ends on Sept 4.

Awesome! Enjoy your trip and your test!

 

[Dragun]

So the Magic Bands are ONLY available for those who order their trips online? Not available for anyone who just walks up to the gates and purchases?

 

[doconeill]

So the Magic Bands are ONLY available for those who order their trips online? Not available for anyone who just walks up to the gates and purchases?

It has nothing to do with ordering "online".

Right now, they are only available to guests who have reservations at certain WDW resorts during the testing period.

The plan has been that ALL WDW resort guests will get them by default. Non-resort guests would have the option to purchase one for use as well.

 

[Jetsetter42]

Now the interesting question is whether those of us on split stays can get our second "non-testing" resort to activate the MagicBands for continued use.

 

[mevelandry]

5 days ago (65 days) we have been able to customize our Magicbands.

This morning, countdown at 60 days, we have been able to make our Early check-in for Art of Animation AND the windows for the Fastpass+ opened and I have been able to make my selections.

 

[mevelandry]

5 days ago (65 days) we have been able to customize our Magicbands.

This morning, countdown at 60 days, we have been able to make our Early check-in for Art of Animation AND the windows for the Fastpass+ opened and I have been able to make my selections.

 

[makochibi]

30 days!!! And our magic bands are now being customized and will be ready to ship soon! Can't wait to get them in the mail!

 

[rhondakg]

ok I have not been able to read this whole thread (I'm at work ) Could someone please sum this up for some of us who are confused
What are the steps this happens in?
1.) When do you get notice you can participate (my trip is not until 12/6), and is it in the disney my experience?
2.) When do you get to customize it?
3.) What is this cusomize day thing I'm reading about?
4.) Will you be notified before you early check in 60 days? I read on here someone customized 69 days out....
5.) Do we know if WL will be added?

You all ROCK - thanks for any help you can give us!!!!

 

[johnlal]

We're going on October 3, and we haven't had an offer to test the Magic Bands. I'm a bit conflicted about them anyway:

Pros:
1. They're colorful, bright, customized, and come in a neato box.
2. They're tech-y. I love tech-y.
3. They're free.
4. They can do a lot of neat things, like unlock your door or be your ticket.

Cons:
1. It's a big plastic thing you wear on your arm in the Florida heat.
2. You might lose it. What happens if you lose it???
3. Makes it very easy to spend money without even thinking about it.
4. Couldn't a thin little card do the same thing without having a plastic thing on your arm? You could put the card away in your wallet and not think about it until you need it again.

 

[doconeill]

Cons:
1. It's a big plastic thing you wear on your arm in the Florida heat.

Reports seem to be that they are comfortable. And you don't HAVE to wear it.

2. You might lose it. What happens if you lose it???

Same thing that happens if you lose a KTTW card. It gets deactivated and they will issue you a replacement KTTW card at the very least. Reports are that they will provide a replacement generic band for free the first time, $50 charge the second time.

3. Makes it very easy to spend money without even thinking about it.

That seems to be the point.

4. Couldn't a thin little card do the same thing without having a plastic thing on your arm? You could put the card away in your wallet and not think about it until you need it again.

You can opt for only a card. However, the MagicBand also has an active transmitter and battery to power it to enable certain custom experiences which do not appear to exist yet, but the common example is for a princess at a meet and greet to address your child by name without having to ask, know if they've visited before, etc. The active transmitter can be read at a moderate distance (9-15 feet) and not require an obvious swipe or touch. The cards can't do that.

 

[makochibi]

Another pro for the bands is using them to get into the room. If it is on your wrist, all you have to do is tap it to your door to unlock. This will be great at the end of the day when you are tired, possibly carrying bags and sleepy kids. No more having to dig to find the KTTW to unlock the door.