My blog post today is in response to a client for whom I am planning a vacation for her, her husband, and 3 children to Walt Disney World. This family received their Magic Bands in the mail today for their upcoming vacation, and a band was included for her child under age 3. Her question to me was, “Does my child have to leave this band on their arm for our whole vacation? What if he hates it?” My answer: No! Your child under age 3 does not have to wear the Magic Band that Disney has sent for them. In fact, the band is likely to only open the door of your Walt Disney World Resort room and do nothing else. Disney sends a Magic Band for every person that is registered in your vacation party, no matter their age.
Tip: Don’t leave the Magic Band for your child under 3 at home! My 2 year old loves wearing hers when we visit the parks, and likes to pretend to scan it along with everyone else when we use our Fast Pass Plus reservations!
Magic Band Tips
If you don’t know what a Magic Band is, here is a quick summary:
- Magic Bands are Disney’s technology that replaces room keys cards. Magic Bands are RF (radio frequency) enabled cards that are inside a colorful wrist band.
- Magic Bands are made from a hypoallergenic material.
- Magic Bands open the door to your resort room if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort.
- You can add room charging privileges to your Magic Band and pay for things at the resorts and in the theme parks.
- Fast Pass Plus reservations for attractions are stored on your Magic Bands.
- Magic Bands are complimentary if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort.
- Magic Bands can be purchased in the theme parks if you are not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort.
- Magic Bands are one size fits all and can be adjusted to fit smaller children by tearing away the outer plastic edge.
- Accessories are now available at the theme parks to spice up your Magic Band, like covers and charms.
- RF cards are available to those that do not wish to use Magic Bands, or are not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort.
Happy travels and memory making! Save this post to Pinterest and let another family know.
I know this is a strange question, but this trip we are making in September is our first trip with a child. He’ll be just past 2 years old. Worst case scenario – he gets separated from us and someone wants to leave the park with him. Would this be possible, or is it like Chuck E Cheese where they have to match up with the person trying to take them out of the park? Do you know if the Magic Bands are used to exit the park?
Hi Stephanie, Unfortunately, Magic Bands do not have the capability to track your child and are not matched up when exiting the park. If you are concerned, consider a personal GPS unit.
are phone numbers attached to them, so if my child gets lost the could potentially scan it and get my number to call me?
No – Disney Cast Members do not have access to phone numbers from the magic bands. Have a peek about this article on lost kids: https://disneyunder3.com/lost-toddlers-and-kids-at-disney-world. Have a great trip!
Shannon- We have been travelling to Disney with an under 3 for many years. My kids who are too young to memorize my cell number get a new necklace for the trip. I instruct them to show a cast member if they get lost (we spend a few minutes at the beginning of the trip explaining how to recognize the badges all cast members wear). The necklace is a dog tag on a chain with my name and number engraved on it. I get it at petsmart and they have little hearts (we have all girls). They think it is so cool, and for less than $10 I get the peace of mind that they have my number. They also make temporary tattoos that serve the same purpose, but my girls want their “Disney necklace”.
Thank you for this tip! My daughter will be almost 3 during our fall trip and I was thinking about tattoos, but she will LOVE the necklace idea!
Hello,
This summer we are going to Walt Disney having the magic band sounds like a great idea to carry, but I’m still confused about it cause I have a 6 year old daughter and 4 year old son do they need to have a magic band also, or is it only one magic band per family or each adult need to have one. I’m going with my family which we are a little over 15 people. Please help me so I can have an idea what to with it.
Hello Sandra! If you are staying in a Disney Resort, magic bands are included in your resort reservation as they act as your room key. One is included for every traveler. If you are not staying at a Disney Resort, you can purchase Magic Bands at the park for $12.95 per person, but they are not required. Enjoy your trip!
But if you are not staying at a Disney hotel you dont need to buy one to enjoy your vacation you can still use your paper ticket to get in and get your fast passes through a cast member! No fearbyou need to buy one they are cool and great to hv but it adds up if you are having to buy them!