Disney MyMagic+, FastPass+ and an App…Oh My

Disney MyMagic+, FastPass+ and an App…Oh My

Call me “Old School” but when they started rolling out the new Disney technology, lingo and arm candy….I felt like a deer in headlights. For years Disney has kept me pretty even keel, set in my ways and comfortable in my Disney smarts. Here’s the latest Disney MyMagic+, FastPass+ and My Disney Experience FAQ…for folks like me {insert deer}. Because I know I cannot be the ONLY person out there that felt lost in a sea of Disney language. So deep breath, let’s dive in together.

My Disney Experience

There’s a new app in town. MyDisneyExperience.com or the My Disney Experience App helps to plan your next Disney vacation starting at HOME. Plan a little or a lot, this allows the OCD persona and the on-the-fly person to get the most out of their Disney experience.

Online

• Book your FastPass+
• Book Hotel
• Add Magic Bands/Disney Tickets
• Book Dining Reservations
• Your Disney dictionary – info about the park, times, attractions, dining
• Order and customize Magic Bands
• Connect vacation plans with family/friends

The App – GPS enabled

• Closest attractions with updated wait times
• Disney character meet and greets
• Restaurants nearby – search for restaurant based on food preferences
• Access to your personal itineraries, hotel info
• Tips
• Maps – tons of interactive maps – including where the nearest bathroom is to you
• FastPass+ selections/modifications

FastPass+

You may be very familiar with FastPass. It allows your to skip the line at certain popular Disney Ride Lines. But now they added that “+” at the end. What does that little plus sign mean? Well….a lot of changes.

1. NO more slips of paper – You’ll find that there’s no longer a mob scene of folks running for those FastPass Machines at rope drop time.
2. All of your FastPasses are now planned via the My Disney Experience Website/App. Link your ticket in access your FastPass+ options
3. You can plan your FastPasses up to 30 days before your visit. Up to 60 days if you’re staying at a Disney Resort.
4. You are allotted 3 pre-planned FastPass+ ride skips per day per park. These 3 ships can be changed/modified, etc. up to your redeemed time via the app (or kiosk…see below)
5. Can you get more? After you have used up your initial 3 passes, you can then get 1 extra to be used that day (based on what’s available). This last FastPass is considered a “Rolling” Fast Pass. After you use your extra, you can keep choosing a new ride to skip until the park closes (or there’s no more).
6. How do you get more? There are new FastPass+ Kiosks throughout the park. You must visit (aka stand in line) and have a Disney Cast Member add this one for you.
7. There’s still the good ‘ole standby lines
8. The bugs – NOT every FastPass opportunity is created equal. If you choose a certain ride to skip, you may not get the option for another heavy hitter. Choose wisely!

Magic Bands

The crown jewel and the big buzz word around Disney. Magic Bands. Comes in an assortment of colors, accessories and is completely customizable, the Magic Band is like the extension of your Disney personality. Also one of the biggest Disney merchandise ventures of this century, The Magic Band can hold your Disney experience right on your wrist. Uses radio frequency technology (not GPS) to connect guests to their Disney vacations.

• Park Tickets – No need to carry a ticket (though you still can) – Just tap your Magic Band to the fancy touch point and wait for the light to turn green. Voila.
• Disney PhotoPass/Memory Maker – Take a pic. Give the photographer your wrist to scan. All of your pics can now be saved via your Band.
• Disney Hotel Room Key – No more credit card room keys. Open your Disney hotel room via your Band. That’s definitely less headache!
• FastPass+ – No more slips of paper, you just touch your Bands to the FastPass+ touch points before going on a ride
• Credit Card Connection – You can put your credit card info onto your band and be able to make purchases around Disney. This can be good (for those that don’t want to carry around money) and bad (if bands are stolen, no child or adult spending limits, etc.)
• Note ~ A Magic Band is NOT required to enjoy Disney. You can still obtain a Disney Ticket (with a radio frequency-enabled chip) to access the park. This is more like a fashion fad where everyone that’s Disney “cool” wears one.

Each band has a Universal Fit from small children to adults. It is waterproof, hypoallergenic, able to withstand hot and cold temperatures, and is very durable. The Magic Band contains an identifying number so you can link to your Disney Experience, but can be activated, deactivated at any time.

How do you get a Magic Band? Annual Passholders are getting ones for free (with color choice). You can get a Magic Band when you stay at a Disney Hotel. OR, you can purchase a band at one of the Disney stores for $12.95.

MyMagic+

To put lightly, this is a fancy term for the upgraded Disney vacation experience you now have available to you. AKA…the three things above we just talked about, all culminated into 1 term.

• My Disney Experience App/Website
• FastPass+
• Magic Band

Disney anticipates changes to MyMagic+ (i.e. additions), so you may see this terms used with other features in the future (I know, deep breaths). But for now, know that MyMagic+ = your Disney experience via these 3 things.

So, I’m a visual person. Here’s my little cheat sheet to understanding that slew of info I just threw at you:

So that was a whole lot of info. I’m sure to get some Disney experts pinging me for using incorrect terms, etc….but here’s the info as I know it from the Disney Media Event I attended. What to see what else I learned? Check out the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train post! The official opening of the ride is TODAY! Check out my video, FAQs and more about this ride!

Was this helpful? What still needs to be explained?

I attended a pretty amazing Disney media event. Coming back with a sea of knowledge, I want to be sure that you are not lost with the Disney lingo! Be sure to follow Saving Said Simply via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube for more Disney info, Orlando Travel tips and more.