POLL: Magic band or no magic band? Is one easier than the other. Opinions welcome

[Megsmachine]

Magic Band (magic band+) is it easier especially for first timers. We are going with extended family that haven't been. I hate for them to add another expense but I want things to go smoothly for them and we have always used a magic band or magic band+ (since they've been around) and its easy. If no magic band What To do for kids that don't have phones etc.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I would get the free cards that are handed out the first time you enter a park. Simple and free. No need to purchase MB+.

 

[Megsmachine]

I would get the free cards that are handed out the first time you enter a park. Simple and free. No need to purchase MB+.

DO you have to take time out of entering the park? Like you have to go to guest services before entering? Could you do it the day before at Disney Springs somewhere?

 

[pens4821]

We just use our phones and it’s easy. Although having kids without phones while not hard you would then have to go into your phone to change to them I’d assume.

The one thing we don’t like is (if you’re staying onsite) using the app to get in the room. You have to open the app and click unlock door. But sometimes Disney WiFi isn’t great and it takes a minute.

On check in day we go down to the desk and get room keys for everyone. Not only do they work for your room but they have everything in it you need for the park. So no need to buy magic bands.

 

[lovethattink]

DO you have to take time out of entering the park? Like you have to go to guest services before entering? Could you do it the day before at Disney Springs somewhere?

Are you staying onsite? If so, you can get a card at your hotel that would be your room key and your tickets would be linked to it.

I prefer magic band over room key or phone. It’s easier for me to tap a mb I’m wearing, then dig for my card or phone to tap. My son and daughter-in-law prefer card because they don’t like wearing a mb.

 

[OKW Lover]

I dislike MBs so I just use my phone/watch. I'm local and have an AP so I'm seldom actually staying at a WDW resort. I'd second the recommendations above for those that are staying on WDW property to just use your room key rather than buy a MB.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I like to get a card to use instead of the phone.

 

[loves to dive]

I prefer the MB, I've only used my phone maybe twice to open my room door, never to get into the park. Some people have a problem with their MB coming off but I've never had that happen, the new MB+ does seem to have the issue more often then the older one. The first time my DIL went with us she didn't have a MB and just used her room key, which she got at the front desk on check in. I'm an AP holder but always either ask for a plastic key or try to go get a physical AP card every time I renew so I can use those if necessary. Actually, I'm not sure if they still give out physical AP cards.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

MB makes things so easy - park access, purchases, etc. Second choice would be a card. For as much as I use my phone during a Disney stay, fiddling around with it for scanning into the park or into a LL just isn't for me.

 

[scrappinginontario]

One note, I do believe your poll may not give you the answers you’re looking for.

To me MB is easiest by far but, I also could not justify asking friends to pay the cost for multiple MBs purely to make things a bit easier.

The card you get at your resort to open your room or at the tap-stile when you enter your first park, is a very close second for me. The difference is minimal. Tap my wrist or reach into my pocket for a card? It’s not worth paying a minimum $35/person for minimal convenience.

Some like to use phones but personally I find them the least convenient, especially with the multiple people needing to use one phone. It’s an option, just the least preferred by me.

 

[Ronaldo17]

We prefer the MB, particularly when at the pool area.

 

[jcolvin5]

Since you didn't mention cost, MB's are the most efficient, minus the additional setup/charging. If you have an Apple watch linked to your Disney account, that's a great option as well. Really, none of the options are what I would consider bad options.

 

[Griffin11]

Another vote for the free card! If you don't want to dig into your pocket for it, you can get a lanyard or badge reel for much less than the cost of a magic band.