Newbie keycard/magicband questions!

[GaryDis]

This will be our first time on a cruise. I ordered a Disneyband+ because I figure it will be easier for swimming. My husband won’t be swimming and didn’t want one. Is that going to be an issue at all? Or won’t it matter that he uses the card and I use the band?

Second question: Should he get or bring a lanyard? Or will it be fine in his shorts or shirt pocket?

 

[Erica1016]

This will be our first time on a cruise. I ordered a Disneyband+ because I figure it will be easier for swimming. My husband won’t be swimming and didn’t want one. Is that going to be an issue at all? Or won’t it matter that he uses the card and I use the band?

Second question: Should he get or bring a lanyard? Or will it be fine in his shorts or shirt pocket?

It won't matter if you each do different things!

The card will be fine in a pocket or something, if that's what he prefers. DH wears athletic shorts, etc., a lot and doesn't always have pockets. Before he had a MB+, he used a lanyard, but wore it inside his shirt so it wouldn't be blowing around in the wind.

While the MB+ are certainly not necessary, we do enjoy the convenience of just having them on all the time and not having to keep track of if we picked up our cards on the way out of the room or putting them somewhere while we swim, etc.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

Everyone in the room will get a stateroom key card, regardless of whether or not you use a Magicband. They will be in the metal holder outside the room on embarkation day. I had a Magicband on my August 2024 cruise, and I also had my room card in a lanyard. I used them both at various times during each day. Makes no difference which one is used.

Yes he should bring a lanyard and so should you. First time cruisers do not get a Disney Cruise lanyard for free.

Even if you dont intend to use the room card, it is a good idea to store it in a lanyard during the cruise. I bring magnetic hooks and hang my lanyard by the door when Im in the room. When Im out and about on the ship I tie the lanyard to the handles of my tote bag.

 

[NAB]

I don’t think you will have a problem if one uses a band and one a card. You can use a card or band to get into WDW . Guessing the doors work the same way. House keeping uses a card.

I hate lanyards and always put my card in my pocket . If the pockets are deep enough they want fall out.

You will also need the card to turn your lights on in the cabin. So like some one said they will give you cards. Not sure how the bands get you thru security when you go back to the ship . Maybe someone can answer this.

 

[Erica1016]

You will also need the card to turn your lights on in the cabin.

They will definitely give you each cards, even if you have a MB+. You can actually use any card for the lights, though. We often put in a card from our wallets (grocery store, something like that) so we can just pull it up and let it sit there when we leave, rather than take it totally out. Now that we have bands, we've been putting our cards in the safe with our licenses so that we know where they are if we need them when going out to a port.

Not sure how the bands get you thru security when you go back to the ship . Maybe someone can answer this.

When they first started with the bands, you still needed your card to reenter the ship. Most ports now allow you to use the MB+ (they provide ipads to the port workers), but you should always read/listen to directions each day to be sure. Anyone over the age of 18 will need identification (driver's license is fine) to re-board in addition to the band/card.