Welcome to Local 6 Theme World
March 28, 2014
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MagicBands for Everyone
Just two weeks ago, I told you Disney started allowing Annual Passholders to request their own free MagicBands, and showed how you could sign up for one. (Mine should be in soon )
And just a week ago at this time, I told you how Disney planned to spread the MagicBands and FastPass+ Advance reservartions to all guests "soon."
Well the rollout must be going pretty well, because soon is almost here. Starting Monday, all day guests will be able to link their tickets or MagicBands to their MyDisneyExperience account. From there, anyone can pick FastPass+es 30 days in advance (60 for those staying at Disney Resorts) Of course, to book in advance you have to have bought your ticket and know which day you want to go. We'll keep a watch on how that plays out with FastPass+es being gone before the parks open for the day.
If the process sounds a little complicated, that's because it is. So Disney is spreading the word with a special website and informational pamphlets.
That was included in this packet that came in the mail this week to passholders.
It promises to make your next visit better. And calls the band:
As you keep unfolding and unfolding this thing, it becomes clear just how many parts there are to understand to MyMagic+/FastPass+/MyDisneyExperience.
That shot kind of makes it clear, doesn't it?? The good news: especially for people who are smartphone/computer savvy, it really is not that hard to get once you read the pamphlet and actually go on the website. And Disney is striving to help make this as easy as possible for those who aren't as tech-friendly. They still have kiosks with Cast members who can answer questions and help step people through the process.
Keep in mind... while I found the band to be comfortable, everything non-resort guests have access to right now in MyMagic+ can be done with your existing annual pass or ticket.
Day guests don't get the bands for free, but at $12.95 a piece, I expect many people will pick one in pink, blue, red, green, orange, gray or yellow. The bands are reusable, too. So don't throw them away at the end of your current visit.
You can see the band is printed with your name to help you know yours from other family members. It also has an ID number. That's the code the band broadcasts as you walk around the 28,000 acres of fun. Those signals will eventually open up a lot of customized experiences. They already send any on-ride photos of your family to your PhotoPass account (if you have one).
Since the bands act as your ticket as well, Disney also has some legalese that say you can't share the band with someone else.
And last but not least are the FCC requirements that shed a little light on what radio frequencies are used.
While safe, Disney does warn people to keep them 9 inches away from pacemakers.
I know I've been talking a lot about MyMagic+ lately, but trust me, there is a lot more going on the other attractions. Next week, I'll have an update on the new Cabana Bay Resort (which opens Monday) as well as construction reports from around Theme World. Though I'm always happy to keep answering questions about Disney's still-changing system, and will keep you posted on how it evolves.
Keep your emails, questions, tips and comments coming! I always appreciate the feedback. You can always find all of my blog entries at www.clickorlando.com/themeparks