Take A Backup Payment Method - Do NOT assume your Magic Band will work

[MattsPrincess]

I haven't been to the World since I was 12, so have no experience with the Bands yet. We're planning on going later this year and while I'm still totally confused about the bands/fp+ etc, I still have every intention of bringing cash or my debit (or both) and ID with me into the parks. ID is necessary for me because i DO NOT look my age, and I would like to have a glass of wine or something. And I really prefer to use cash for everything because I feel like it helps control spending. Watching cash dwindle away is better deterrent to overspending than just swiping a card (or band) and not seeing the real cost until you're back home.

 

[Cormoran]

We both carried our phones, (business reasons) but sure didn't need any back up batteries so that point is mute. Not sure where a phone and batteries got into the conversation?

If you want to use the Disney app in the parks, you have to carry your phone. Since the app requires a lot of power, people are carrying in extra batteries. So on this thread, some people are saying they like to leave their ID's in the room, but I'm wondering how many of these same people are still carrying their phones. the ID's are a lot less cumbersome than a phone.

 

[rajak73]

I haven't been to the World since I was 12, so have no experience with the Bands yet. We're planning on going later this year and while I'm still totally confused about the bands/fp+ etc, I still have every intention of bringing cash or my debit (or both) and ID with me into the parks. ID is necessary for me because i DO NOT look my age, and I would like to have a glass of wine or something. And I really prefer to use cash for everything because I feel like it helps control spending. Watching cash dwindle away is better deterrent to overspending than just swiping a card (or band) and not seeing the real cost until you're back home.

We had no problems with the bands in December. Only had tickets on them anyway. Carried a business card with all our ticket numbers and ADR # on them just in case. Not a big deal. Had a card for every day we were going to the parks. All of our trips to Disney, we have never used either the card or MB for purchases and low and behold, we have survived!

 

[srauseo]

FWIW, my Magic Band worked every time. And I still carried my ID, a credit card, my phone and a portable charger for my phone.

 

[rajak73]

If you want to use the Disney app in the parks, you have to carry your phone. Since the app requires a lot of power, people are carrying in extra batteries. So on this thread, some people are saying they like to leave their ID's in the room, but I'm wondering how many of these same people are still carrying their phones. the ID's are a lot less cumbersome than a phone.

Ok, now I see what you said, if you carry a phone why not a little piece of paper. I will agree, I don't know why anyone would not carry a ID with them. I have been ID'd at some places for a drink, let's just say we are over 55, and some places have a "must see ID policy" before they serve you.

 

[Moonwolf]

I will always bring extra form of payment (CC & cash), ID & Insurance card with me where every I go. I feel like the advantage in the band is being able to leave all those things at the bottom of my bag and not have to dig them out every time I want to do something. It's a great perk but not something I will depend solely on. Just like I always carry a little cash on me just incase a CC machine goes down.

 

[supersnoop]

"Magnitude?"

11 people in this thread reported MB problems that directly affected them on a trip(s). 11.

And not one has actually confirmed that this was a "band" problem. All reports refer to the dining plan, not room charge.

 

[Cormoran]

And not one has actually confirmed that this was a "band" problem. All reports refer to the dining plan, not room charge.

here's another thread that talks about it:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/major-magic-band-failure.3391617

 

[GillianP1301]

It's technology and no matter how great the technology is, there is always a risk of failure whether it's your home computer, or a giant company like Disney. Even though the impact of this risk occurring can be quite high, the probability is extremely low. In general, the benefits of technology far outweigh the risks and in this case the risk is easily mitigating by carrying a backup form of payment with you. I've always had a backup credit card with me and a little cash on the 3 magic band trips I've done and I've never had to use them. Still nice knowing it's there just in case.

 

[LilyWDW]

I have had payment systems go down at places besides Disney so this isn't just a Disney thing.

I personally have no had an issue at Disney with the Magic Bands. That said, I always keep cash on me as well as a CC, my ID, and my insurance card. It's just the smart thing to do.

 

[Jennasis]

We dont use the bands for charging as it makes it "too easy" to splurge or overspend without thinking...which is I am sure their intention.

 

[UncleMike101]

We dont use the bands for charging as it makes it "too easy" to splurge or overspend without thinking...which is I am sure their intention.

Yup....
We use the bands for food charges only.
That, along with our Disney receipts for the rooms and tickets, tells us exactly how much we spent on the vacation essentials.
We use cash or CC's for souvenirs and other non essential things.

 

[Kayabee]

We dont use the bands for charging as it makes it "too easy" to splurge or overspend without thinking...which is I am sure their intention.

I haven't used MBs yet but I never used my KTTW card for charging so I don't plan on using the MBs to either. The only place I have ever not had ID or CC or cash on me was on my honeymoon at the resort. We wore woven bracelets that showed we were guests of the resort and didn't need to show anything else.

 

[kaetra]

So if their system goes down after you've already eaten your Table Service meal and you have no other form of payment what do they do? Make you do dishes? Make you wait at the restaurant until the system comes back up? Take your word for it you are who you say you are and charge your room?

They should eat the cost and say "This one's on Mickey". That's called Customer Service.

 

[ellie05]

Everyone carries a cellphone if you have an iPhone you can use apple pay no need to carry more credit cards. Although I still have to carry our disney visa to get our discount.

 

[Cormoran]

Everyone carries a cellphone if you have an iPhone you can use apple pay no need to carry more credit cards. Although I still have to carry our disney visa to get our discount.

You may carry a cell phone , but I don't think you can speak for everyone.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I haven't been to the World since I was 12, so have no experience with the Bands yet. We're planning on going later this year and while I'm still totally confused about the bands/fp+ etc, I still have every intention of bringing cash or my debit (or both) and ID with me into the parks. ID is necessary for me because i DO NOT look my age, and I would like to have a glass of wine or something. And I really prefer to use cash for everything because I feel like it helps control spending. Watching cash dwindle away is better deterrent to overspending than just swiping a card (or band) and not seeing the real cost until you're back home.

I've never had trouble with Magic Bands and I have had 4 different ones to my name. Neither my husband nor my daughter have ever had any problems, either. As I sad, I have to carry my ID and credit card because there is no way for the bands to give you your Annual Pass or Disney Rewards Visa discount at this time. Also, you have to present your ID when you use a Tables in Wonderland card. But, I have never experienced a problem with my magic band. Not at all saying it doesn't happen, but I'd bet dollars to donuts that it is rare.

 

[ellie05]

You may carry a cell phone , but I don't think you can speak for everyone.

Honestly even my 85 year old grandma had her cellphone with her. If you don't then grab a card is simple. Not that we had ever had trouble with our MB.

 

[Cormoran]

I've never had trouble with Magic Bands and I have had 4 different ones to my name. Neither my husband nor my daughter have ever had any problems, either. As I sad, I have to carry my ID and credit card because there is no way for the bands to give you your Annual Pass or Disney Rewards Visa discount at this time. Also, you have to present your ID when you use a Tables in Wonderland card. But, I have never experienced a problem with my magic band. Not at all saying it doesn't happen, but I'd bet dollars to donuts that it is rare.

I'm sure you're right and MB's work really well most of the time. But like any charging system, when it goes down it is a big problem. This would be true if the same thing happened at your local grocery store. So I think, regardless of where you are, everyone should carry back ups.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I'm sure you're right and MB's work really well most of the time. But like any charging system, when it goes down it is a big problem. This would be true if the same thing happened at your local grocery store. So I think, regardless of where you are, everyone should carry back ups.

I couldn't agree more. I think that if Disney is going to market the bands by saying that that is all you will need in the parks, they need to be prepared when people don't have other forms of payment, but I also feel everyone should have the personal responsibility to have alternate forms of payment just in case.