For years, guests at Walt Disney World have been using MagicBands to handle all their needs while visiting. However, we now have new information about the MagicBand’s successor, Disney MagicMobile and we’re going to share with you how to use it and everything you need to know.
The Disney MagicMobile service is a contactless way for guests to use the same features as a MagicBand normally would, all through your mobile device instead of wearing a wristband.
We’ve been waiting for this news for some time as we discussed in our post on the future of MagicBands at Disney World, and that change has now been on the move for the past couple of years. Even though Disney recently launched the new MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile will be a big part of the guest experience moving forward.
In fact, the MagicMobile pass is now available for iPhone, Apple Watch, and Google Pay-enabled Android phones, with other mobile devices on the way.
Right now guests can use MagicMobile for theme park entry, Disney PhotoPass, Virtual Queue or Lightning Lane access, food or merchandise purchases, and with more features coming soon.
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Table of Contents
How Does MagicMobile Work?
To enable Disney MagicMobile, guests first need a mobile device. In this phase of the rollout, both Apple and Android devices are supported. For example, iPhones, Apple Watches and Google Pay-enabled Android phones all work.
Guests will then create a Disney MagicMobile pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to their smart device’s digital wallet.
Once the MagicMobile pass is in your digital wallet, you can tap your mobile device to any tap point in the park or at your hotel the same way you do with MagicBands already.
Guests can also customize their MagicMobile pass by choosing from special Disney designs like characters, parks, and snacks. The Disney Fab 50 Character Collection, including Mickey Mouse, Figment, Olaf, and more.
There is also the option to upload Disney PhotoPass photos and videos to your profile.
MagicMobile can save you time upon your arrival at Walt Disney World. In most cases, once you link it to your My Disney Experience account you can go right to the parks and just use your MagicMobile pass.
What Features Does MagicMobile have?
Most of the features that MagicBands handle are also included in Disney MagicMobile. Seeing as it can be used as a totally MagicBand replacement, it makes sense Disney wanted to include all the features here too. Let’s take a look at what it can do.
MagicMobile Functions:
- Theme Park Entry
- Virtual Queue and Lightning Lane Reservation Redemption
- Charging food and merchandise to your Resort Hotel Room
- Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your account
The first feature on this list that was made available with MagicMobile was theme park entry, and since then Disney has expanded the list of features.
For example, you can tap your phone on the park entrance tap point just like you do with a MagicBand now and it gives you admission to the park.
With the launch of the Disney Genie system, guests can now use the MagicMobile feature on their mobile devices to enter the queue if they have a spot in the Virtual Queue or the Lightning Lane when it’s their turn to arrive.
The latest feature allows guests to charge food and merchandise around the Walt Disney World Resort to the payment on file at your Disney Resort hotel, just like you would with a MagicBand. When you use MagicMobile to charge something, it will go to your room account, not directly to your credit card.
The existing digital room key feature will continue to be offered in the My Disney Experience app, and it’s not necessary to build that feature into MagicMobile when there is already a solution in place. We’ll let you know if Disney updates this.
Disney did reassure us that if you don’t want to use your phone for room entry, the option to use a Key to the World card from the front desk will still be an option.
How to Setup and Use Disney MagicMobile Pass
How to Setup Disney MagicMobile Pass Instructions:
- Download the My Disney Experience App
If you don’t already have the latest version of the My Disney Experience App downloaded on your mobile device, download it now. Make sure your account is all set up before proceeding.
Keep in mind the Disney MagicMobile Pass works on Apple devices and Google Pay-enabled Android phones, yet not everyone has access to the service yet. Some peoples’ devices just say “Coming Soon” but are covered at this time. - Search for MagicMobile Option
Once you are in My Disney Experience, you have two options to look for the MagicMobile option. First, you can just go to the search bar at the bottom of your screen and type MagicMobile. Once you do that it will show you the results that you can then click to move ahead.
You can also go to the Menu and click on “Disney MagicMobile Pass”
- Set Up Your Pass
Once you find the option, it’s time to set everything up. Click the “Set Up Your Pass” option from the page.
- Customize Your Pass
Here is where the fun begins. Each guest can customize their pass. There are many designs to choose from, each of them themed to one of the theme parks, characters or even popular Disney snacks.
There are even special designs for annual passholders to choose from. - Add Pass to Digital Wallet
Once you have customized your MagicMobile pass, it’s time to add it to your digital wallet in your mobile device. This is what will allow you to use it to scan into the theme parks and use its other features.
Once your MagicMobile pass is set up, you will get a confirmation screen telling you it is complete.
- Tap into a Theme Park
Now you can use your MagicMobile pass to tap into one of the Disney World theme parks. Once it’s in your digital wallet, you don’t even have to unlock your phone to use it, just touch it to the park tap point and you are good to go.
- Use Another Feature
Besides tapping into a theme park, you can also test the MagicMobile system by charging food or merchandise to your Disney Resort room, connecting Disney PhotoPass images to your account, or using it to enter attractions with the virtual queue or Lightning Lane entrance.
One nice feature is that you can also get MagicMobile passes for all guests on your Friends and Family list and add them to your digital wallet. You then need to open your digital wallet and swipe their passes to redeem them.
REMINDER – The Disney MagicMobile service requires a valid theme park admission and a Disney park pass reservation and those must be linked to your account.
Can I Still Use My MagicBand?
At this time, guests can choose whether they want to use a MagicBand or the MagicMobile service. You can even alternate between the two during your trip at your convenience.
Looking at the bigger picture, Disney is eventually phasing out MagicBands and moving to the MagicBand+ system. Disney has already stopped giving resort guests complimentary MagicBands with their stay and if you want to use one you need to pay extra for it.
Even though they are still selling MagicBands, this is Disney’s way of offering additional options to guests not wanting to spend the money on the new MagicBand+.
When is Disney MagicMobile Coming?
The Disney MagicMobile service is already available for guests at this time. Again, it is available for iPhone, Apple Watch, and Google Pay-enabled Android phones. It will be available in the future for more guests, though Disney has not specified a date at this time.
Disney wanted to make MagicMobile fully functional in time for the Disney World 50th Anniversary as it is a convenient way for the influx of guests to make their way through the parks.
This has been a phased rollout and not all of the features were made available immediately. More features are being released one by one, to work out any bugs before opening them up to guests.
With MagicBands taking a different direction, it’s nice to finally see a fully-functional alternative you don’t have to pay for. As long as it has all the features of MagicBands and improves on functionality we think this is a good move and it makes sense from an economic perspective and from the guests’ point of view.
Most people have their mobile devices with them at all times anyway, so not having to wear a wristband everywhere you go will also be liberating. It’s also better for the environment, with a lot less plastic being wasted.
Giving more options to MagicBands makes sense from all sides and we’re eager to see if it is widely accepted by guests as the months go on.
Stay tuned for more info on the Disney MagicMobile service soon!
Your Thoughts
I want to know what you think about the new Disney MagicMobile service…
- Do you like using it?
- Which do you prefer, MagicBands or MagicMobile?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.
Shannon M
Tuesday 17th of August 2021
I am not sure about this new service. Like mentioned u will use your phone more and the battery will die faster. Not only that what about us Canadians? If we need internet to use it and the wifi is not working properly are we out of luck? I don't want to be charged for using my data each day.
Michael Nelson
Friday 2nd of April 2021
I agree with all of you when it comes to Magic Bands- KEEP THEM for many reasons stated. Also here are other things WDW should retain 1. Magical Express- even if they have a charge for it,2. Longer hours in the park- in June the Magic kingdom closes at 6!! 3. Bring back the Electrical Parade- a guest favorite!! Just a few ideas--
Mary Ann
Friday 2nd of April 2021
I prefer the magic bands. I do not take my phone to the park for fear of losing it. I think the magic bands were easy to wear and to use. I’m sorry to see them go and I think the new plan is a terrible idea. What about kids who don’t have phones?
Chris Greenwood
Thursday 1st of April 2021
My family loves the Magic Bands! It would be so awkward to have to get your phone out all the time at the park, especially a waterpark, be worried about the battery dying, what to do for the small children in your group who don't have phones, the older people in your group who can't navigate a phone, and everyone who wants to leave the phone in the room because the point of a vacation is to unplug from a phone! By the time you finish dealing with all of the these issues, your day is no longer magical. I'm very much in favor of keeping the Magic Bands!
Rick G.
Wednesday 31st of March 2021
I am 79 years old from Canada and have been a guest of WDW at least two dozen times. I am computer savvy, I do have an i-phone and would have no difficulty programming the mobile pass. BUT I don’t want to ! The wrist band is a convenient, fast, efficient way to navigate pretty much everything at Disney. No worries about dead batteries, overheated phones, or continually fishing my phone out of my pocket a dozen or more times a day. Of all the things they have to worry about preparing for their 50th anniversary in the midst of a major health crisis to change something that works so well and most guests are okay with makes no sense.