If I buy magic bands on a rival night and get our tickets linked to them, can we skip that and head straight to the gates? TIA
First of all, to clear things up, you don't link anything to the magic bands.
a) Magic Bands are linked to your MyDisneyExperience account.
b) Tickets are linked to your MyDisneyExperience account
A+B = Magic Bands can access your tickets and anything linked to your MDX account (photos, Fastpasses, etc)
It's important to understand. Magic Bands are just a key, MDX is a safe. Tickets are not ON the magic band, they're inside the safe and the Magic Band is used to lock/unlock it.
Now, PP is correct, once your tickets are linked to your MDX account, and matched to the guest who will be using them, the only thing you need is a "key" to be able to use them.
You can buy Magic Bands at the airport, at the disney Earport. Have the Cast Member link your magic bands to your MDX account, and you're all set, Magic Bands will automatically "see" any ticket belonging the the person it's attached to.
short version : yes you can
