Once again, please let it be known that Disney is still in the testing phases for MyMagic+, MagicBands, and FASTPass+. With that being said, so much changes all the time, and it isn’t even fully live at all Disney Resorts, but the next phase does begin in early September.
Still, there is a lot that isn’t known and a lot that is quite confusing. So, I decided to speak with someone from Disney that is directly associated with the testing phases of MagicBands and see what is going on now, what is to come, and anything that could change.
NOTE: Please remember that yes, I know some of you may have information that differs from this, but it is has changed a lot and is changing all the time. Hence the reason that these are all called “tests.” This is information that I received on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, and is the most up-to-date as of this time.
But again, that doesn’t mean it can’t change….even tomorrow. So, on we go.
1.) Currently, MyMagic+, MagicBands, and FASTPass+ are only available to guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. Annual Passholders will be getting the MagicBands soon.
There are no plans at this time for everyday guests / those not staying at a WDW Resort to get MagicBands and use FASTPass+. This could change in the future, but these guests will receive plastic cards/tickets.
2.) Guests are “supposed” to be able to make FASTPass+ reservations 17 days prior to their check-in date at Walt Disney World. Now, this is changing all the time and at one point, was as far as 90 days out, but has been 60 days out for the majority. Until this is absolutely set in stone, please check periodically to see if you can schedule your FASTPass+ times.
3.) When making your FASTPass+ reservations, you will be able to make them for three attractions per day and in only one park. That will be your limit, unless you receive a BONUS FASTPass+ while scheduling.
Guests with MagicBands will not have accessibility to the original FASTPass machines as they still only take cards/tickets.
Any idea when Annual pass holders will be getting these? We are visiting in October but will be staying offsite. We will buy our AP’s upon arrival. Will we be able to get Magic Bands and therefore make FP+ reservations? Would we be better purchasing our AP before arrival just in case?
There really is no way of knowing. Rumors have MagicBands going live for APs in early October, but that is by no means, confirmed. Purchasing here or before holds no bearing at this time since we don’t know when they are officially coming for APs.
Thank you! Yes, I would prefer that they got all the issues sorted out. Hopefully if they are available for our trip, we can still make our reservations, depending on what is available.
We look forward to getting ours as Annual Pass Holders. I’m glad they are going slow with testing. People won’t use them if they role out with a ton of bugs.
Fully agreed. I would rather it come out delayed and more perfected than come out with millions of bugs.
W are going in feb, but we are staying off site. 🙁 any time frame where they will offer to us?
There is no time frame because as of this time, there are no plans to offer MagicBands and FASTPass+ to those that aren’t staying at a Walt Disney World Resort or that have an Annual Pass.
My family and I are going to WDW in Jan. 2014……while there is no set timetable, if you had to give a best guess, would you think Magic Bands and FastPass+ would be rolled out then for us to use?
Thanks!
Brett, all signs point to yes, but it’s hard to know for sure. Disney just started tests for more resorts yesterday and that brought the total up to nine at this time. More will surely come soon and then more. So many things I’ve heard say that Disney is looking to have the full roll-out happen by the end of the year. I’ve even heard that directly from Disney, but no confirmation.
Hopefully your family will be able to have them by then. Which resort are you staying at?
We will be staying in the Nemo suites at the Art of Animation. Also, for clarity sake……If Magic Bands and FastPass+ rolls out, if you carry both the magic band and a KTTW card, can you take advantage of FastPass+ and original FastPass? Thanks for the response!!!!!