Why Magic Bands Are Not Needed Anymore
Stop using MagicBands! They are SO 2013. Here’s everything you need to know about MagicMobile.
MagicBands were introduced in 2013 along with the MyMagic+ program, also called My Disney Experience. If you haven’t noticed, Disney likes to create multiple names for basically the same thing: Disney Genie+ / Lightning Lane and Memory Maker / PhotoPass are good examples. MagicBands were how guests entered the theme parks, opened hotel rooms, charged meals and merchandise, and entered FastPass queues.
In January of 2021 Disney began phasing out MagicBands and stopped including them for free with Disney World vacation packages. Your entire visit to Walt Disney World is managed through your phone, so there’s no need to have a separate MagicBand when your phone can do the same things, plus more.
Today, it’s rare to see someone wearing a MagicBand in the Walt Disney World theme parks.
MagicBand displays in retail stores went from taking up entire walls to just a small selection, usually near the check out line - almost like an impulse item at the grocery store. I have even found them at the Disney World outlet store here in Orlando.
A very limited selection of MagicBands for sale at World of Disney, the largest Disney merchandise store in world.
On a recent visit to Disney Springs, I found only a handful MagicBands in the technology section of the store. I could get any color I wanted as long as it was army green.
World of Disney is the largest Disney store in the world.
It’s worth noting that MagicBand+ is sold at Disney Pin Traders inside Disney Springs.
So, what happened to MagicBands?
It’s not that MagicBands are bad in anyway, in fact they are neat little gadgets. It’s just that we don’t need them anymore, they're outdated.
Today most people are using their smartphones instead. Yep, your phone comes with a hidden MagicBand inside. Smartwatches too.
Your smartphone (or smartwatch) can now do everything a MagicBand does, plus more.
Disney World MagicMobile
Disney World MagicMobile uses the wallet feature in your phone. If you’ve used your phone to pay for items in a grocery store or to board a flight, you have already used your phone’s wallet technology.
If you haven’t used the your phone’s wallet feature yet, that’s ok! I’ll go over it here. Plus, Disney’s app will walk you through the setup process in just a few steps.
Using MagicMobile at Walt Disney World
Enter theme parks
Connect Disney PhotoPass (MemoryMaker) images to your account
Gain access to virtual queue attractions when your boarding group is called
Open your Disney World hotel room
Charge to your Disney Resort hotel folio during your stay
Enter theme park parking lots (complimentary for Disney resort hotel guests and Annual Passholders.)
How to set up Disney MagicMobile:
Download and install the Disney World app on your phone.
Set up your account by linking your package reservation number or your standalone ticket order number to your account. Note: If you have a room and ticket package, you do not need to link your tickets separately.
In the app, tap the Disney MagicMobile tile.
Click the plus (+) sign to begin setting up your pass or passes.
The app will then guide you through the setup process one step at a time.
If you need assistance contact Disney World Internet Help at 407-WDW-HELP.
📱 TIP: If anyone in your party has their own My Disney Experience account, I recommend the lead guest use the “Select Passes to Share” tab within the app and follow the steps.
Using Your Phone to enter the Disney World theme parks
At the park entrance you’ll need to tap your phone on the tapstyle, just as you would a MagicBand. You don’t even need to have the Disney app or the wallet app open. Your phone will automatically open to the wallet when it’s tapped against the reader. It’s magical. Your phone may even play a little jingle.
If you are managing passes for others, such as children, you’ll then swipe the screen to the next pass and tap again.
Cast Members are standing by ready to assist if you need help.
Is Disney MagicMobile free?
Yes, this feature is free to all guests of Walt Disney World, even if you’re not staying on property.
What to Do If You Lose Your Mobile Phone
If you lose your mobile phone or smart device, please go to Guest Relations for assistance. Don’t worry, you’re vacation isn’t over!
What is MagicBand+ and do I need it?
Read my full article Easy Guide to MagicBand+ here.
Will an old MagicBand from a previous trip still work?
Yes. Disney says that MagicBands should last up to 2 years however I have several that are much older than that and they still work. Just make sure they are listed as “active” in your My Disney Experience account.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Disney World: What if I forgot to make a park reservation?
Forgot to make a park reservation at Walt Disney World? Here are some options.
You are required to make theme park reservations for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Theme Park Reservations are made on the Walt Disney World website only, not on the mobile app.
But what happens if you forgot to make a reservation and the parks are at capacity? Can you still get into the park?
Sometimes same-day availability opens up, so keep checking the website everyday.
Do not show up without a reservation expecting to plead your case to the Cast Member at the gate. You will be denied entry without a reservation, assuming reservations are at capacity. Disney is firm on this. I see it happen all the time - heartbreaking!
One solution might be to add the Park Hopper option to your ticket. If you see availability at other Disney parks, make the reservation then park hop to the park you really want to visit.
Just keep in mind that park hopping begins at 2 pm.
The fee is approximately $100 per ticket, but on multi-day tickets, it will be valid for all your remaining ticket days.
I was hoping that Disney would eliminate the need for park reservations in 2023, but it appears leadership is just getting started. There are rumors that premium (paid) park reservation options may be coming.
Park reservations are subject to availability and they do book up on certain days - especially weekends.
It’s best to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. They can be adjusted later if there is availability.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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