Quick Run down on Magic Bands please?

[fairytale]

Hello All

Since our last "on site" visit to WDW I can see Magic Bands are now in use.

We are staying at SSR this coming August, will we automatically get these at check in or do we still have the card option? If we get them at checkin do they get loaded up as such there and then with our tickets/dining plan etc?

Also, do you have a choice in colour? We are a family of 6 so you can only imagine how confusing it will get with 6 same coloured bands lying around in a morning !!!

Any more tips ?

Thank you in advance

Annette

 

[Jon84]

• Being from the UK, you'll pick your bands up at check in.
• If you really want a card, I think they can give you them, but the bands are so convenient
• Your hotel reservations, tickets, memory maker, fastpasses and Dining Plan are all linked to your 'My Disney Experience' (MDE) accounts - You can have an account per person, or use one main account and have your other travellers as named guests.
• Because everything is linked to your account, it does not matter if you lose a band, they can be replaced (at a cost) and linked back to the account of the person who missed it.
• Yes you can choose your colours via the MDE Website. - They also have customisable names on the back so you know whos is whos

I hope that's a starter for 10!!

On the main forums, theres loads more detail

 

[jon18uk]

Nothing is loaded onto a band, it just links to your MDE account. If you haven't already set up an account on Disneyworld's website and either have your friends/family you are travelling with set up an account and link it to you, or set them up as part of your account. Then make sure your reservation and tickets show in your account. Then when you make dining reservations online they should just show in your account, same with FastPass. By scanning your band (once you enter your PIN) the cast member can see details on your booking and account.

non-US guests need to pick up the bands at check-in.

You can also use the bands to collect photopass photos, the photographer taps the band to store photos in your account, on most rides the band will be read at long-distance and the photo add automatically.

 

[saintrob]

Yes, you can ask for a card if you prefer. I have friends who do this as they don't like to wear the bands nor do they like to pay for meals with them.

The bands however are so convenient.

 

[jon18uk]

Yes, you can ask for a card if you prefer. I have friends who do this as they don't like to wear the bands nor do they like to pay for meals with them.

The bands however are so convenient.

I don't see the difference between paying for meals using a card and with a band, both things are just something the waiter taps to authorise the charges.

 

[Jon84]

I don't see the difference between paying for meals using a card and with a band, both things are just something the waiter taps to authorise the charges.

Agreed, makes no difference with linking a card or using DDP Credits if it's a card or a band!

 

[fairytale]

Thank you everyone for replying

Can I ask, do they not get sweaty in the Summer heat ?? I cant even wear a watch in the UK

 

[Jon84]

Thank you everyone for replying

Can I ask, do they not get sweaty in the Summer heat ?? I cant even wear a watch in the UK

It's quick thick plastic so I never notices it getting sweaty.

I wear it pretty loose though

 

[saintrob]

Agreed, makes no difference with linking a card or using DDP Credits if it's a card or a band!

They just don't like the idea of being out to dinner in the signatures and handing over a band at the end of the evening. Each to their own.

 

[fairytale]

Thank you again everyone.

Now to choosing a colour

 

[mamaboogie]

I was very skeptical about Magic Bands. This was my first time with them instead of the cards. But I loved them! Like the others have said you personalise them on your MDE account. I linked mine to my credit card for making purchases etc. and this worked really well (using a pin number)

I too worried about having something strapped to my arm all holiday but they are very light and you almost forget they are there! They don't get sweaty and it's great being waterproof so you literally never have to take them off. I really missed mine when I got back to England. (My partner kept his on for a while!)

It was so convenient not to have to root in your purse for a card and then put them back in. I loved the ease of using them for fastpasses and the dining plan.

 

[ford family]

They just don't like the idea of being out to dinner in the signatures and handing over a band at the end of the evening. Each to their own.

Why would you "hand over a band"?
The band stays on your wrist and the server holds the card reader over the magic band, you input your code to the machine. Done.

ford family

 

[saintrob]

Use of a word........handing over their wrist, band, they prefer to use a card. No big deal.

 

[elaine amj]

I was sceptical about the bands when first announced too. I was just like - whatever...the Key to the World was perfectly convenient. I have to say, we LOVE the bands now. And every newbie I have taken have been completely impressed with how magical they are. They are SO awesome to use. And have an element of fun too!