With all the changes happening at the Walt Disney World Resort, it should come as no surprise that Disney is expanding the features of the MagicBand service to Smartphones.
Currently MagicBands serve as an all in one accessory to help guests get into the theme parks, use FastPass+, enter their Disney World Hotel room and to pay for purchases throughout the resort. MagicBands are worn on guests wrists for easy access and scanning at locations that take them.
Now, Disney has announced that guests phones will start to be used in addition to MagicBands starting in 2021. Currently, guests can use their smartphones to unlock their Walt Disney World room door. This digital technology will be expanded to allow guests phones to act as their park entry and FastPass+ entry at select attractions.
With MagicBands, Disney will stop offering complimentary Bands to guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in 2021. Guests will still be able to purchase discounted bands before their arrival if they want them.
The MagicBand system in general will still be active and used even as Disney shares their features with smartphones. Guests with existing MagicBands will still be able to use them.
Disney plans to unveil new offerings in 2021 and retire complimentary MagicBand distribution only.
