Do You Need A MagicBand at Walt Disney World?

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you’ve probably come across MagicBands in your research. These wristbands have become somewhat iconic in Disney parks, but do you actually need them for your vacation?  I’m going to give you all the info so that you can decide what works best for you.

What Exactly Are MagicBands?

Magic Bands are waterproof wristbands that connect to your My Disney Experience account and essentially link your info from the mobile app to your wrist.

They can serve as your:

• Park ticket
• Room key (if staying at a Disney resort)
• PhotoPass identifier
• Payment method (when linked to a credit card)
• Lightning Lane access

There are various themes, colors and patterns available.  Depending on where you live, you can order them on the Disney Store before you go (check the shipping available, the RFID chips inside can’t be shipped to certain countries like Canada).  You can also purchase them at the resort gift shops, Disney Springs or merchandise locations.  You can find more information here in my post “What is a Magic Band”

The Big Question: Do You NEED a MagicBand?

No, you don’t absolutely need a MagicBand to function on your Walt Disney World vacation – but they DO make it easier.

Disney has evolved its technology over the years, and while MagicBands were once the primary way to access many features, that’s no longer the case. Today, you can use your smartphone just as effectively (but not as conveniently).

Alternatives to a MagicBand

The most significant alternative is the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone.

Through the app, you can:

• Access mobile tickets for park entry
• Unlock your Walt Disney World resort hotel room door
• View PhotoPass photos
• Make mobile food orders
• Use mobile checkout at stores
• Access Lightning Lane reservations

Disney also offers a plastic Key To The World card that works for park entry tickets and resort keys.  You will be given these at the front desk when you check in.

My MagicBand is always on

Why You Might Want A MagicBand Anyway

Even though they’re not essential, MagicBands do add a something special to your Disney experience:

1. Convenience: I love not having to dig for my phone or wallet to get in to the park, my room or to access my lightning lanes. Parents this can make thins super easy when you have your hands full!
2. Photos:  My ride photos just show up on my app and I don’t need to manage multiple cards with the PhotoPass photographers.
3. Fun Factor: C’mon, let’s be honest – they’re fun!  Kids especially love having their own “Disney technology,” and adults do too.
4. Water Parks: If you’re visiting Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, MagicBands are super convenient since you don’t need to worry about your phone getting wet.
5. Souvenirs: They make great keepsakes that remind you of your magical trip long after you’ve returned home.
6. Vacation Vibes:  I put on my MagicBand usually when I am on the road from the Airport to the resort.  I do take it off at night, but it’s the first thing I do in the morning.  That MagicBand stays on my wrist until I am home (and sometimes a little after).  There’s something about it that signals to my brain that “I’m in Disney vacation mode!”

Bonus fun if you buy the MagicBand+ there is interactive components too! MagicBand+ interacts with select entertainment, including theater shows and nighttime spectaculars.   It also allows you to participate in the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters game in Galaxy’s Edge AND Disney Fab 50 Character Collection sculptures.

My Thoughts

While MagicBands aren’t a necessity for navigating Walt Disney World, they certainly add some extra fun to the trip. You also don’t need to buy a new one if you have older magic bands at home from a previous trip!

If you don’t want the additional cost, you’ll be absolutely fine without a MagicBand.

Fun fact if you’re thinking of investing in one: AWalt Disney World or Disneyland Resort MagicBand+ can be used as a DisneyBand+ on select sailings of Disney Cruise Lin. However, the original MagicBand (not MagicBand+) are not supported on Disney Cruise Line.