Disney MagicMobile | How to Use & Tips
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.
The nice thing about the magic bands is that they don’t require batteries. My cell phone has a comparatively short battery life. I’m not thrilled about the idea of tying everything into that weak battery life. I hope they continue to support the magic bands for the indefinite future (although I don’t mind that they aren’t included , at least not too much)
If the apple watch can do the same thing, I would be excited. Using the magic bands will still be better, I think. Get to the room with your hands full and don't have to fish out a card, push buttons on an Iphone (if it still has a charge) or press buttons on an apple watch. As far as I know, the magic bands have worked perfectly. Hope the apple watch or Iphone does the same. So sorry for all the people who don't have either.
@Bruce Webb, Also sometimes the Disney apps on my Iphone 8 are a little slow to come up, or will not come up at all.
I'm NOT looking forward to the magicmobile. I prefer the Magic Band. I have been collecting magic bands since there debut, I have no intention of throwing them away. I have better things to use my phone for then an entry ticket into the parks. And what about my children they don't have phones. It's bad enough that Disney has the park pass reservation system, which makes it really hard to enter into Hollywood studios. Not to mention we can only park hop after a certain time instead of whenever we felt like it. The pandemic is making everything less magical then it was before. But now with these new updates I feel like I should never go to Disney again, it's not worth the headache. All it is doing is making me frustrated before my trip even starts. So you have to create a pass on the app and link it to a digital wallet. Why can't we just keep the magic bands if we already have them all set up. Once they phase out the magic band I refuse to use my phone for anything except pictures and video. If that means going back to paper tickets then so be it, that goes for the Fastpasses as well. They had a great idea with the magic bands, even if they aren't giving complementary ones anymore at least give people the options of purchasing them online. I like wearing wristbands especially if my favorite character is on it. The park pass reservation system and this magicmobile option. I will not go back to Disney until they get rid on at least one of them. Complete disappointment coming from "the happiest place on earth" more like the "Giving us a hard time place on earth"
@Crystal, Agree with you 100%.
@Crystal, Exactly. I don't want to HAVE to depend on my phone for everything. So much easier to just swipe your wrist. I hope they get this type of feedback and don't replace magic bands altogether.
I have been an annual passholder of Disney for 40 years now. I am not very tech-savvy. So it was only until right before the parks closed that I finally got used to the "my Disney experience". It took me a very long time and I can only use it online not on a app on my phone. I don't own a smart phone, I can only make calls and text messages on my phone. The magic band was a real savior for me because it was not so complicated. How will I be able to go to the parks now? I was plaining to wait it out until the park pass reservation system was gone before going back. But now they plan on taking magic bands away too. I used to go to the parks back in the day when they used to have paper tickets to enter and for fast passes. If those come back as an alternative I am all for it. If not then my happily ever after will come to an end.
I used my phone on my last visit. I'd have to take the phone out, start up the app, go to wherever I needed to be in the app to open my door, enter a park etc. Besides draining my battery, it was not worth the extra steps. It's faster to keep the cards in a lanyard around your neck as I did in Universal. I still have magic bands that work and will buy new ones as needed for as long as they are being used and sold. I won't say I would never use my phone, but it will not be my first choice.
I have never really objected to Disney upgrades or changes even if prefer the original. As long as it works and I can adapt, no problem. This is a little different for me.
Not a fan of just mobile devices. I do not own an "I"- device of any kind and not planning to. I think the magic bands are great. Being a regular visitor with my family for over 35 yrs, I consider the "bands" the best thing they had done. So easy. The Disney App doesn't always cooperate quickly and for me is more difficult to use. Also, when I'm in the pool at the Beach Club I climb out by the pool bar, get my refreshments by just tapping my magic band. Does that mean I have to go back to the table at the other side of the pool area and have to walk back all the way around the pool to the pool bar? It means I can't finish my drink at a table by the bar, then jump back in the pool and continue swimming. I would have to walk all the way back to where we are sitting, drop off my phone, then go back in the pool. If that's the case we will be spending less time and $$ at the pool refreshment and bar area. Same with the water parks.
Super inconvenient for families. We have enough magic bands for 2 or 3 lifetimes (ok, at least 2+) so using one is no problem. Would even buy the bands with the characters as we have. Not a problem.
But I prefer if they at least give us the option, not just have only the mobile device, only one way of doing it. Will not say that I'm so upset that I won't go back. Disney will just have to work with me. And I expect they will because "It's the happiest place on earth". Right?
Terrible idea to replace the Bands. They work great. What if you don't own a phone? Or lose it? Or the battery goes dead? One of the worst ideas Disney has ever had. I wish they would offer both the Band and phone access permanently.
I like the Magic Bands. I’m not that crazy about having to whip out my phone all the time, although I do see it would be better for the environment. I’m wondering, though, how the mobile thing will work when you are with kids who don’t have phones.
I’m going to miss the magic bands. I personally enjoy wearing them
And feel that they are so convenient to wear. Much more convenient when you are at the pool or the water parks where you will not be able to carry your phone around. Plus kids don’t all carry a cell phone with them
I am Positively AGAINST phasing out of the magic bands! They are fun for kids,convenient,and the best thing Disney has had!! Battery life in phones is short lived, and part of the Magic is NOT carrying a phone all day!! Another change that the execs at Disney decided that the public is against!!
I have no cell phone /mobile device at all...not because I can't afford one - but because I don't WANT one. I think it's very unfair to take away the magic band and have no clue what I'll do if the only way to get into the park (eventually) will be with a mobile device. This is not a good thing in my opinion. Disney is not taking into consideration those of us who do not have a mobile device and do not want one. 🙁
I rather have Magic Bands, I'm use to them and I never had a problem.
I still want to use the bands. I don’t want to have my phone touching all the spots you would use it!
Wonder how that is going to work for the small children? Not like they all have phones...........
The thing is that you have elderly coming to the Parks, too, and we don't switch easily. At 70 years old, my husband and I just got used to the magic bands, and already they want us to get a smart phone. I don't like smart phones, I think phones should be phones, and games should be on computers. Noses that are glued to smart phones are rude, so why should I get a smart phone if I don't want one?? I like the magic bands, and have gotten used to them. I can use them in the shower and the pool. If I need to communicate with my family, THEN I can carry my phone, which isn't waterproof, can be stolen from the pool area, and has a value that magic bands don't have. If you want to use your phone, fine, I would rather use a magic band.
@Leeann Clapper, Last year in the "before covid" time, I spent winters in Orlando at Disney, and my wonderful son-in-law bought us character magic bands. I don't know the cost, but I do know we never used them because covid began its pandemic, and we went back home to Michigan, and I've been inside in my house ever since. Now I have my vaccinations, and I wanted to go again in May, but I can't even go into the parks anymore. I think we may just sell our points and get out while we can get part of the cost of our 900 pts back. It's not our choice, but Disney is becoming stressful instead of stress-free, and it's becoming too complicated. I have magic bands that need to be used, a special way to get into the parks, a remote system for safety of my home that I can't even program, a special doorbell, and a new water faucet that speaks to me. The box up in my closet represents a lot of stress and $$, and it's all connected to Disney....
I really kind of enjoyed the magic bands . I'm not an I phone user, maybe I should be. But it will all work out I'm sure.
Be glad to be maskless though, going down in 6 weeks, and I went twice late last year, I know the drill and its uncomfortable.
I hope you pass on all these concerns and opinions to the powers that be at Disney. There is an old saying "if it's not broke dont fix it"
Leave the Magic Bands alone. I want a carefree holiday. Not having to worry about battery life. I thought Disney was supposed to be fun, Magic Bands are fun. They really are taking the magic out of the whole experience. Children and people not tech savvy, how will they cope. Shame on you Disney.
The magic bands are great for ALL ages.....please don’t take them away. They’re also phasing out the magic express airport transferring services. It seems you’re paying more, and getting less all the time. We might start rethinking another trip to Disney......so disappointing.
This is a TERRIBLE idea on so many levels! Come on Disney...rethink this.
i am sad the magic bands are going we are from England and have been going to WDW for 20 years and don,t like all the changes being made we found the magic bands worked brilliantly and one thing we love is to get away from our phones when on vacation
@Stephen Walker, also i have an Android phone
It's not fair to make us purchase Magic bands if the mobile device doesn't work on my Android phone. I have a Samsung and now I'm being punished. Disney should take that into consideration for those of us who have Android phones.
Love the magic band. Not looking forward to phone use only
I am planning a trip for next July with three boys, ages 16, 14, and 12. Each has a phone capable of NFC transactions. The 16 and 14 year olds have Disney accounts, and the switch to MagicMobile should be pretty easy.
When I tried to make an account for the 12-year-old today, I was told that you must be >=13 in order to have an account. Given that the target audience is kids, I would think that they would be allowing kids to have accounts, even if they are managed by their parents.
I am curious if anyone knows how they intend to handle MagicMobile for this age group. Will they continue to utilize MagicBands or some similar token for younger guests? Or will they open up the mobile device functionality and allow these kids to have managed accounts?
I love our magic bands. It adds to the excitement of the upcoming trip. Plus, I usually stow my phone for most of our day, except for the photo here or there. This means you have to keep your gps on at all times, use your phone for mobile food, park entry, fastpass, photopass, ride photos, room entry, etc. Big drain on the battery. Maybe they want you to buy their portable battery packs now instead. PLUS... if you have ever tried to get a boarding pass for Rise of the Resistance, you'll notice the Disney wi-fi doesn't work well. In fact, it is advised to use your data instead. Imagine when everyone is trying to access their app all at the same time to get in to MK.
I do find it funny to say it is better for the environment when they are getting rid of Magic Express. Now, with hundreds more cars going to and from the airport (Ubers/Lyfts, etc), our environment will be more polluted and congested than ever. Make up your mind, Disney!
It may be good using phone but how does it work for 3 years upwards and paying for food on dining plans etc , and in water parks keep going back to locker for phone ?
@Tony, don’t worry. It doesn’t work for making payments anyway so that’s not really a concern. To be honest it doesn’t really do much other than sometimes let you into the park.
I don't like that idea at all!! The bands are much more reliable than our smart phones. If I have to struggle with technology on vacation, I ll not bother with DW at all.
Please leave the complimentary magic bands alone!
They are extremely convenient...it’s right there on your arm, and waterproof at the pools. A great ‘perk’, and there aren’t many of those left.
Disney just keeps charging more and more, for less and less, and LESS!!!
We’ve been DVC members for over 35 years, and the “magic” keeps being destroyed by Disney itself. Total greed!
@D. Obrien,
The word is out!!!!
Leave the bands alone!!!!!
I have a flip phone...not a smart phone. I assume not everyone has a smart phone. I hope Disney still allows guests to use non-smart phone technology.
The last time we were at Disney World, it was HOT....VERY ? HOT!! Some of our phones shut down because of the heat. What happens then, you can’t “do” anything??!! Little kids don’t have phones and devices. Why change something that works great for everyone of all ages.... and all of the time!!?? I’m sad and disappointed that they’re phasing out the magic band.
I am totally disappointed at the idea of using my phone instead of Magic Bands. My phone is an expensive item that I like to keep safely tucked away and I do not want to need to repeatedly take it out for fast pass+, park entrance, etc.at an amusement park. I didn't have to worry about the potential of damage to rubber Magic Bands. It was truly exciting to receive the Disney box with our personalized Magic Bands inside and they greatly added to the magic of our trip.
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.
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!
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?
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--
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.