Not using the bands at WDW?

[floydfamily4]

Has anyone gone to WDW and not used the bands but instead utilized the ticket card instead? We are going in Nov. and staying offsite. I am debating about the necessity of purchasing the bands. Do they really make it easier to use and change FP? Looking for your advice as its been 6 years since we've been to the world.

 

[Robo]

Regular tickets work just fine for park entry and FP+.

Flat tickets worked for millions upon millions of guests for decades.

 

[subtchr]

Not a problem. Nothing is different about FP. You are just holding a credit card-type ticket to the touchpoint instead of a MB. Some people actually prefer it -- no "wrist-twisting"!

 

[SeilerBird]

I stopped using the bands once I found out they were responsible for a ton of spam. It seems every time you ride a ride with the Disney camera it connects your photo with you MDE account. Then they endlessly send you spam trying to get you to buy photos. "Hurry, the photos are expiring soon". Yes right, in 30 days. After a period of time the spam is endless and there is no way to turn it off other than to not use the bands. Total fail as far as I am concerned.d

 

[Dismama2boys]

We used our tickets for the first day but ended up purchasing the bands after that. With two small children to wrangle, it was just easier for us than trying to keep our card handy but also not to lose it. If the kids were not a factor, we most likely would not have bought bands.

 

[bumbershoot]

I stopped using the bands once I found out they were responsible for a ton of spam. It seems every time you ride a ride with the Disney camera it connects your photo with you MDE account. Then they endlessly send you spam trying to get you to buy photos. "Hurry, the photos are expiring soon". Yes right, in 30 days. After a period of time the spam is endless and there is no way to turn it off other than to not use the bands. Total fail as far as I am concerned.d

You might consider that to be spam but it's not. If you had wanted the pictures you would have appreciated the reminders.

 

[siskaren]

You might consider that to be spam but it's not.

I agree. To me, spam is all the e-mails I get for viagra or wanting to give me money.

 

[winterman]

I think the best thing about magic bands is the ease of charging and opening the resort door. Neither of those apply to guests staying off site. No way would I spend $12 + each to buy one.

 

[BudgieMama]

I wouldn't worry- the plastic tickets were working fine for many, many people when we were there. No-one will think twice about you using them instead of a magic band, so unless you LOVE the magic band and don't mind the expense, I'd stick with the ticket.

 

[lucas]

Not a problem. Nothing is different about FP. You are just holding a credit card-type ticket to the touchpoint instead of a MB. Some people actually prefer it -- no "wrist-twisting"!

Or sun tan lines.

 

[bumbershoot]

I think the best thing about magic bands is the ease of charging and opening the resort door.

Dependent on wrist flexibility, height, and how you wear the band.

Opening the door with the band on is one of the most difficult physical maneuvers EVER for me. I just have DS open the door because it's easy for him. And charging is a pain for me as well. Not any easier than pulling out a CC (or the old keycard, but we rarely have charging put on the room). If I really feel I must, I put the mickey band on the bottom of my wrist so I just hover my hand over the reader, let it read the mickey, then my hand is poised to enter the PIN.

But for entering parks I want the mickey head on the outSIDE of my wrist so it's super-easy, no twisting.

 

[disnut8]

Not a problem. Nothing is different about FP. You are just holding a credit card-type ticket to the touchpoint instead of a MB. Some people actually prefer it -- no "wrist-twisting"!

Just to add - I have never worn the Magic Band on my wrist. I just carry it in my bag or pocket, get it out when I need it and then put it back into the bag or pocket. However, my husband, loves the Magic Band because he likes the "wrist twist" so he doesn't have to dig for his wallet anymore.

 

[SeilerBird]

You might consider that to be spam but it's not. If you had wanted the pictures you would have appreciated the reminders.

That is the classic definition of spam. If I wanted the photos I would have bought them.

"Electronic spamming is the use of electronic messaging systems to send unsolicited messages (spam), especially advertising, as well as sending messages repeatedly on the same site. "

I did not solicit them and it is advertising. And they keep on sending them over and over and over and over. Looks like spam to me.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I agree that unlocking your room door with the band's is the worst. The readers needed to be about 4-6 inches to the left of where they were placed. Which I admit would look dumb. But they chose asthetics over funtion, unfortunately.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Has anyone gone to WDW and not used the bands but instead utilized the ticket card instead? We are going in Nov. and staying offsite. I am debating about the necessity of purchasing the bands. Do they really make it easier to use and change FP? Looking for your advice as its been 6 years since we've been to the world.

My two cents. After decades of going, of us teens (at the time) hopping to a park and not realizing a ticket got lost at the last park multiple times, I suffer from what I named "WhereIsMyTicket-itis". It's a constant compulsion to check my bag, grab my lanyard, then I want to hold it so I can see it, but then I'm afraid I will lose it, thru out the day but mainly when exiting and entering the park.
OK so for me, my bright pink perky MB is a lifesaver. At all times, I know my ticket is with me. I see it, its cute, has a few Minnie tiara wearing BANDITS on it, but more than anything, its peace of mind. Since you have to use your ticket at LEAST 7 times per day for base day (that's one entry, and least 3 FPs to scan usually twice per attraction), and multiple for hopping, you are getting the tix out practically all the time now, at least more than we used to before the days of FP+.

Those who have to dig and dig and look for their tix to scan for FPs, we wish you all happy MBs.. Those who make use of handy lanyards or keep them stowed but still able to scan RFID, we applaud you as well. MBs are not necessary, but man are they convenient. Seeing as you can use them over and over for yrs, its not like its money wasted, you just link a new ticket to it if needed.

If I was a parent, I'd be pretty happy about MBs. I'm not a parent and still happy.

 

[MattsPrincess]

We started our day using just the card and didn't have any problems. We just decided to buy the bands because DB was getting tired of having to dig out our tickets cards and the photo card from his (pretty tightly full) pocket anytime we needed one of them. It was more convenient for him to just have everything right there, already "out". But, that's just his preference. There's nothing wrong with the cards as long as you have a good place to put them

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Just to add - I have never worn the Magic Band on my wrist. I just carry it in my bag or pocket, get it out when I need it and then put it back into the bag or pocket. However, my husband, loves the Magic Band because he likes the "wrist twist" so he doesn't have to dig for his wallet anymore.

I have found a perfectly comfortable way to wear it for no twist. I think the trick is: RIGHTIES ON THE RIGHT, LEFTIES ON THE LEFT. It's like a back hand to the scanner if you do that, and you don't have to block the entire lane either by reaching all the way across. No wrist bending here!

 

[dprincessmom]

Dependent on wrist flexibility, height, and how you wear the band.

Opening the door with the band on is one of the most difficult physical maneuvers EVER for me. I just have DS open the door because it's easy for him. And charging is a pain for me as well. Not any easier than pulling out a CC (or the old keycard, but we rarely have charging put on the room). If I really feel I must, I put the mickey band on the bottom of my wrist so I just hover my hand over the reader, let it read the mickey, then my hand is poised to enter the PIN.

But for entering parks I want the mickey head on the outSIDE of my wrist so it's super-easy, no twisting.

I wear mine on my right hand but with Mickey upside down if I am looking down at it - that did the trick for me and made life a lot easier.

 

[SureAsLiz]

That is the classic definition of spam. If I wanted the photos I would have bought them.

"Electronic spamming is the use of electronic messaging systems to send unsolicited messages (spam), especially advertising, as well as sending messages repeatedly on the same site. "

I did not solicit them and it is advertising. And they keep on sending them over and over and over and over. Looks like spam to me.

By using the service you did solicit them.

From the My Disney Experience Terms and Conditions:
The MagicBands can also be read by long-rang readers placed in select locations throughout the Resort used to deliver personalized experiences and photos, as well as provide information that helps us improve the overall experience in our parks. Guests can participate in MyMagic+ and visit the Resort without using the MagicBand and by choosing and RF Card, which cannot be detected by the long-range readers...

Just like you agree to the park terms and conditions when you enter the gates, use of the MagicBand means you agree to those as well, including the subsequent related messaging. Plus every email has an unsubscribe option, and it would only take a moment to stop receiving future emails

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I wear mine on my right hand but with Mickey upside down if I am looking down at it - that did the trick for me and made life a lot easier.

Its true, if you flip it around, its so much more comfortable. We live off site, but for us APs, our MBs are the beesknees. Its so easy just to grab it and head out the door. (We keep them in the 'key bowl' right by the door, with our keys, so we can grab and go at all times. No tix check.) Also, my husband HATES watches, etc, but he used his MB 99% of the time too.