Details on MyMagic+ and how the Magic Bands will work when released in later 2013

Everyone has been wondering some details on MyMagic+ and the Magic Bands and FASTPass+ and how all of that is going to work once it is fully operational later this year at Walt Disney World, and now it appears as if some information is out.

WDWMagic says they have a source that is familiar with the project and revealed some information about the whole thing, and it is also a good bit of info that I’ve learned from sources working on the project as well.

A couple things first:

  • There is no confirmed date for the full roll-out of MyMagic+ and the Magic Bands. Some say October and others say the beginning of September. That all depends on if enough tests prove successful and enough bugs are worked out to have it go totally live.
  • Please let it be known that this news is not confirmed, but highly likely. As we have all learned with Disney, things can change over time or even in an instant. If something proves unsuccessful between now and release, it could be dropped or vice versa. This look just gives us all a deeper idea of how things will be.

FASTPASS+

  • You will be able to make FASTPASS+ reservations 60 days out from arrival, plus 10 days, similar to resort reservation dining.
  • The guest will select the park and the three preferred experiences. The system will then return up to 4 groups of availability from which to pick – early, mid day, late, or all day.
  • Grouping of guests allows one My Disney Experience user to copy the details to others traveling in that party with same FASTPASS+ reservations.
  • FASTPASS+ allows one park per day.
  • Return policies will be similar to current FASTPASS – must arrive within time window.
  • You will be able to modify your selected park until you use your first FASTPASS+. Once you use the first FASTPASS+ you can then only modify your remaining FASTPASS+ reservations at that park, and cannot switch park.
  • If you do not have a My Disney Experience account setup you will not be able to use FASTPASS+. Old non-RFID tickets can be converted but will be tied to a My Disney Experience account. This will make reselling of partially used tickets very difficult.

MagicBands

  • Colors available will include: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink, Orange, Gray, Purple.
  • The bands will be shipped worldwide to the guest within 30 to 10 days of arrival.
  • If inside 10 days, the MagicBands will be shipped to the resort.
  • If within 5 days of arrival no color choice is available, and gray will be supplied and shipped to resort.
  • Any replacement bands will be gray.
  • The band is waterproof, but does not float, and is equipped with a 3 year battery.
  • Each MagicBand can handle multiple ticket entitlements.

Annual Passholders

  • AP holders will have the same FASTPASS+ rules as resort guests, with 60 days out reservations, for one park only per day, and three selections per day.
  • Passholders will be able to add a credit card to the MagicBand and RFID card to allow ‘touch to pay’ charging.
  • First replacement band will be free, additional replacements will cost $50.
  • The RFID card will still be required for discounts.

Parking with MagicBands

  • The parking plaza booths will be equipped with RFID touch points to validate parking.

In Park Kiosks

  • For those without a smartphone, there will be kiosks in the parks. All guest relations will be equipped, and each park will also have a dedicated area. Magic Kingdom already has a location setup in Town Square Theatre. Epcot will use the old World Key kiosk area. The remaining locations are to be determined.
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