If you’ve been following along with Disney news, then you know that Walt Disney World is launching a new way to access your park tickets!
There’s a new way to scan in to the parks!
The MagicMobile service is a way for guests to access all the features of MagicBand within the My Disney Experience app and on their phones. This new system is available to use, and guests are starting to wonder which is better: MagicMobile or MagicBands? We polled our Instagram followers to find out which one they plan to use, and their responses were pretty shocking!
But first, let’s back up a bit. If you haven’t heard of the service yet, you’ll need a little crash course! MagicMobile has rolled out in phases throughout 2021 on select Apple and Android devices. (We’ve got a step-by-step guide to set it up — click here to find out more!)
Magic Kingdom Tapstiles
Through MagicMobile, you can add your park tickets to your digital wallet and tap into the park without even unlocking your phone. Pretty cool, right?!
©Disney
Of course, you’ll also be able to add your family and friends’ passes to your digital wallet. You’ll just have to unlock your phone to access those!
©Disney
If you want to streamline your Disney experience down to your phone (or your Apple Watch!), MagicMobile sounds pretty exciting. Okay, so back to the BIG question! Which is better: MagicMobile or MagicBands?!
©Disney
The results of our online poll were STRONGLY in favor of MagicBands, with 88% of our followers sharing that they planned to keep using the fan-favorite accessory. Only 12% of those polled said they were eager to use MagicMobile.
Note: this poll was conducted earlier in 2021, when the program had only just started to roll out.
Wow, our followers have some STRONG opinions!
We weren’t entirely sure what to expect when we asked this question, but these results really blew us away! We thought for sure that more people would be interested in the possibility of using their phones as an all-in-one tool. So, WHY did our followers answer the way they did?
Our Apple Wallet screenshot when our MagicMobile pass was scanned. Voila!
We received several messages in response to our poll, especially from fans who were concerned about their phones dying in the parks. One person said “Phone batteries die!! Magic bands are forever! (Well they last the whole vacation.)” Another responded, “There’s more than enough that’s already sucking the life out of my battery. MagicBands help with that problem!”
MagicBands are the saviors of our phone’s battery life!
Some of our readers’ responses were related to the fact that they were pretty attached to their MagicBands. One said that they recently spent the money on a Dooney & Bourke band and really wanted to get the use out of it, while another shared that they were torn between the two options because they really like to collect MagicBands. We can’t say we blame them, we’ve amassed quite the collection from our many Disney trips! 😉
There are SO many MagicBands to choose from!
However, we also received some comments from the 12%. One person shared their thoughts with us, saying “I am so shocked that this is so polarizing! I LOVED using my phone when I was in Disneyland! Everything was convenient and streamlined. No worrying about having to remember my MagicBand, and Lordy Lordy none of the tan lines. 😂”
MagicBand Scanner at Magic Kingdom
We have to agree with that last one — we were surprised to find the results so skewed! And as far as MagicBand tan lines go, some wear them as a badge of honor, while others despise them. No matter how you feel, they’re pretty much a dead giveaway as to how much time we spend in Disney World! 😆
Baby Yoda MagicBand!!!
Curious to learn more about MagicMobile? Click here to see more! And click here to see some newer pass designs that have become available through MagicMobile.
Be sure to check back with us for more updates about MagicMobile and other Disney news.
Here’s Your Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up MagicMobile!
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Will you be using MagicMobile or MagicBands going forward? Tell us in the comments!
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I try to disconnect from the real world on my disney vacation and like to leave my phone in the hotel room and I am not tempted by Social media when in the parks
I am wondering: how long a magic band can last, and how to confirm if they are working before arriving? I have one that is 6 years old, and another from last year, and would love to reuse them.
I won’t use my phone. The Magic Band is right there, on your wrist & always available. The phone needs to be pulled out of the purse or backpack & the app brought up.
Not to mention the problems I’ve had with the Disney app crashing or being super slow when a lot are accessing it. Tried to make an ADR the other night & the app said there were no restaurants available, at all, in any WDW location, park, resort or Disney Springs. Got online and made my reservation no problem. I’ve never had a problem using my Magic Band (and I’ve never gotten tan lines). I have had problems with the app. I prefer the reliability of the Magic Band.
If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it!
I would not use my phone. I love my magic bands! They are a fashion accessory.
I hope they don’t decide to do away with magic bands! My son LOVED scanning his band and watching it light up! I think that is half the fun! It’s part of the Disney experience. One that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Magic bands because it would be less to carry in the park and Lose your phone on rides or Leave it somewhere. I don’t know
I will continue to use the magicband… it can get wet without getting ruined… and didn’t cost me $1000 to get damaged or lost.
If you use a smart watch, like the Apple Watch, it sounds convenient to be able to load your MagicBand into the watch so that you don’t have to wear both! Plus, then you don’t have to worry about running down your phone battery each time you swipe.
I think a reason why I voted against is because it’s nice not having a reason to constantly pull your phone out or be on your phone. When I’m at Disney I really like to be in the moment so I don’t want to feel like I need to be attached to my phone. Magic bands allow for you to enjoy your vacation hands-free!
I will continue to use my Magic Band. I’m sure I would have a dead phone and not be able to do a thing. Sounds awful plus you would have to have your phone out all the time. I like mine tucked away.
Phone batteries die and magic bands are …well… part of the magic. We just bought new magic bands for our May trip snd have plan to use the phone except many mobile ordering. We are not crazy about that either.
I feel like the 12% are prolly either money conscious and want to use something they already have rather than buy something else, and/or they are Disneyland people and prefer the system the use more often. (I’m guilty of both of these in the other direction! I have sooo many magic bands i don’t want to waste that money investment. Also I’m native Floridian, Disney world is MY park. I’m used to how we do it so naturally I think that’s the BEST way. Like when you’re in a relationship and you both know the “proper” way to load a dishwasher.)
We had magic bands on our last trip in December and used them. We had to use our mobile phones often (restaurant ordering, wait times, etc.). As a result, I had to carry an extra battery charger which we used. I prefer magic bands. My husband does not because they are not big enough for his wrist. To each is own.
I FEEL THERE ARE MORE IMPORTENT THINGS DISNEY SHOULD BE SPENDING MONEY ON SUCH AS GETTING THE NEW RIDES OPEN ASAP ,GETTING ALL RESTRAUNTS AND HOTELS OPEN ,FAST PASSES BACK ,EXTRA MAGIC HOURS ,DINING PLAN AND DONT GET ME STARTED ABOUT THE fIREWORKS ,TRAMS AND MAGICAL EXPRESS
Phones are a link to the world of reality. I go to Disney to live in the magic. As soon as the endangered Magical Express crosses under the Welcome arch at WDW, the phone shuts off, not a newspaper will be lifted, and never a news channel will be seen. That Magic Band is my key to enchantment. Don’t take it away.
(1) We’re used to Magic Bands! That counts for a lot.
(2) Magic Bands are much easier to use than phones, even if your phone is already in your hand! (Which it very likely isn’t.)
As everyone has experienced, mobile doesn’t always work. I never used it for our room key, because I didn’t want to be stuck depending on my phone. Besides the bands are cool!
I was so glad when Disney came out with Magic Bands — I was part of the original test group for the bands! It only happened twice, but back when the rooms used cards for entry, I managed to lock myself out of my room just going to get ice because I’d just slip on a set of warmups to go to the ice machine & forget to grab the key card! With Magic Bands that NEVER happens because I put mine on the day before drive down to WDW & don’t take them off until I return home. With the use of a phone & NO Magic Band, I can envision locking myself out of my room again!!!
Additionally, I’m not one of those individuals that are ubiquitous nowadays — tethered to their phones! I frequently hit the parks or go out to eat without my phone, & now that Fastpasses aren’t available, I leave my phone in the room even more now because I don’t need it to keep track of my times, special events, or even any of the tours that I’m so fond of taking!
I’ll be using my magicband. I have a whole collection to match my leggings and backpack. I do not want to take out my phone. I will continue to use my magicband. I love them!!
I won’t be using my phone. I like having my hands free, and women’s clothes don’t typically come with pockets. I usually stow my phone in my husband’s backpack since I don’t use it often while I am enjoying the parks. Phone batteries dying are another consideration. Finally, magic bands are cute and easy. I enjoy wearing my various magic bands! The phone system is a nice backup for people who forget their bands or don’t wish to purchase one.
Did Disney do any kind of guest survey regarding this new system? Seems a waste of money for something no one wants to utilize. Or will Disney force the issue and eventually you won’t have a choice? Seems to me Disney’s not caring about guests perks anymore. They’ve lost their Magic.
We are in favor of magic bands because we do not keep our phones out at all times and put them away until it’s absolutely necessary we need to use them. Seems to us by using the phone all the time increases your chance in losing or dripping it.plus using the always there magic band certainly cuts down on re-charge tand fumbling for your phone time.
Some people (like me!) may not walk around with their phones in their hands at all times. I’d rather tap a Magic Band than have to grope in purse for my phone!
It is bad enough that we need to have our faces looking down in our phones to order food, get Rise of the Resistance alerts and look for wait times. Have a phone out for one more thing- it so takes away from being detached from reality and totally immersing yourself in the park. Of course batteries will were down, but there is also a greater chance of losing your phone or dropping it because it is always out.
I say get your head out of the phone and look up and enjoy the Disney experience!
I like both ideas but am a MagicBand collector. That said, I am one of those people who insta-tan, so the moment I took off a MagicBand for a moment, there goes any trace.
I run a business and when on vacation, it’s nice to disconnect from your phone and even leave it in the room while enjoying time with my family and not having the temptation of checking emails and messages while in the parks . The magic band is nice, especially when that doubles as a wallet and I don’t have to drag a external charger around.
I liked the magic band, because having to keep pulling my phone out of my pocket, unlocking it, and finding the app. takes a lot more time then just having the band on my wrist. And I agree with the battery drain. I don’t like having to carry around an extra fuel cell all day.
There is a lot of misconception about the technology being used. It will not drain your battery, and your MagicMobile will continue to work even after your battery dies (on iPhone Xs and later).
This technology is very little known because it’s only used on University Campuses with Student ID in the apple wallet, as well as credit cards in your apple wallet for transit charges in cities where it’s supported.
A user does not need to even open or unlock their phone or apple watch – they’ll just tap their device to a reader like they would tap their Magic band
Part of being on Vacation, is not being attached to my phone all day long. I hate this.
Another reason to stick w magic bands is that cell service at WDW is spotty at best.
We go so often we have an apartment just north of Magic Kingdom and cell service is poor there too.
Great if you have a smart phone. I’m a 70+ senior and I have No interest in having a smart phone and won’t pay the ridiculous prices for one! I abhor texting! Not everyone is interested in this technology.
With battery DEATH being a real possibility and no way for the end user to replace the battery in a smart watch, not being waterproof (many of them) and having to be within a certain distance for bluetooth to connect to the phone I’d rather stick with a Magic Band.
A clunky phone will have to be withing a few inches of the tap spot which means taking it out of where ever you’ve stuck it to be out of the way, also not being waterproof or water resistant, taking your pictures and videos with it and power being eaten up from having to switch to Data when WDW WiFi cuts out on you I’d still want a Magic Band.
To me this is a no brainer… my -hone is not in my hand 24/7, it is in my front pocket, back pocket, jacket pocket,,purse, shoulder bag, you name it. With some female guests, this could be a problem as the phone can easily be pushed to the bottom of a over the shoulder bag Nd get lost the the vast array of items within the bag. You have to locate it, take is out or remove it from what ever pocket it may reside and then tap it to use it. With. Magic band, all of that is not,In play, it it like your watch and always there. As for the tan lines… don’t make me laugh. If that is your problem, maybe you need to rethink that one. The Magic band is so much easier, jump out of the pool, go to the snack bar for some goodies… try that one with your phone in the pool… one less thing to carry. Disney opened the Pandora’s box with Magic Bands, got everyone hooked on the convenience and is now trying to pass the buck by making you use your phone. I have enough to do, worry about without constantly looking for my phone to open my resort room door, or pay for something on the spur of the moment. Magic Bands were a cutting edge ground breaking innovation and wildly successful. If you want me to stop spending money at Disney with wild unabandon, then making me use my phone would be a great way to do it. Just my opinion….
I HATE having to rely so much on phones in the parks. We were there in November and even having 4 phones and switching usage they still died. Plus mobile ordering is a royal pain! When too many people are on the WiFi things slow down. This had BAD written all over it!!
I’m surprised that Disney would roll out something that does not make money for them. Think about it? How many different bands does a person who visits Disney purchase?
Why don’t we just strap a computer to our backs. I come to Disney to escape technology !
Nope, will not use mobile magic, bring back the band.
I don’t have Instagram so I didn’t know about the poll. I would have voted for MagicMobile. I’m always having to adjust the MagicBand because no matter how tight I make it, it rolls around. The nature of my wrist, I guess. Plus, my watch is on one wrist and I’d love to be able to wear a bracelet where the MagicBand is.
People are so funny. When Magic Bands first came out there were TONS of folks complaining about them – tan lines – hot and sweaty – ugly – whatever.
I prefer the magic band. so quick and easy to charge things to the room, especially if you’re in the pool! its water proof. Magic Band is so easy to scan for all our passes(on each kids band), to have family members hooked to room charges and the children always having their room key. The kids dont have a phone and I don’t like having my phone in my hand constantly. I dont even like using My Experience for everything now! Were constantly pulling out our phone to order food, fastpasses, opening the room(which I never use), PLAY…. Dont even go there on battery use. I already bought a huge charger that I have to carry around for the parks. This will make it worse. I want the magic band.
I much prefer the MagicBand. I always know where it is at and don’t have to fumble around for my phone. And how do they handle kids who don’t have phones? What does this have that MagicBand doesn’t? I don’t get it.
What about those folks who still use the very exciting Flip phones?
Will magic bands still be available?
I know the Magic Bands work! The latest update to the My Disney Experience is terrible and I resent being forced to use it when the majority of the reviews say it doesn’t work, is problematic, more headache that it’s worth, and basically it’s garbage! The other problem with the MDE is that if you don’t have the IOS 13 + you can’t update to the latest version and as a result, you also can’t use your old version on your phone, so it’s useless. Why would I want to use this new mobile system, when Disney can’t get the MDE to work right?
I loved the older version of MDE – it worked perfectly. The more they add the more they muck up the works. The more they outsource, the cheaper and worse the product becomes.
I’m sure DIsney is making a nice chunk of cheese from what seems like a daily release of ‘limited‘ bands…why would they want to discourage people from using magic bands…?…..odd..?
Planning to stick with the Magic Bands. Disney does a ton of things right, but they have had some serious issues with their app . it’s way too unreliable to have everything depending on it
My past experience is that the Disney Phone app sometime crashes. What happens then?
Magic Band all the way!! it is dependable, where my phone is not.
I don’t have smart phone and don’t intend to get one. An important part of why I like my Disney trip is the convenience of the magic bands. I am in my seventies and try to bring my son who has Down syndrome to Disney each year. Magic bands and the magic express from the airport are a couple of reasons why I can still do this trip. It’s sad that Disney keeps taking away the parts of a Disney vacation that has allowed older people to continue to enjoy this special vacation.
Interesting, but not surprising Magic Band preference. We’ve been DVC members since 1997, so like zillions of others have raised our family there. C’mon…. phones are impersonal. Magic Bands are sooooo much more than just a band…… they are part of the Experience, a customizable collectible that we can take home…. like a special pin…. part of the memory of our latest trip. Is that really so hard to understand??.
I’m surprised you were “blown away” by the result. NOT GIVIN’ UP MY MALEFICENT MAGIC BAND! ….;)
OKWDAD
WHEN MY SON AND I GO TO DISNEY WE USE HIS PHONE FOR MOBILE ORDERING, FAST PASS, AND WAIT TIME CHECKS. HE HAS A BELT CLIP TO HOLD HIS PHONE. I DON’T LIKE HAVING TO CARRY MINE AROUND. WE USE MAGIC BANDS FOR EVERYTHING THING ELSE. IT’S JUST EASIER. LONG LIVE MAGIC BANDS