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Unlock the Magic: Linking Your Disney+ Tickets to Your MagicBand

Linking your Disney+ tickets (or, more accurately, your Disney Parks tickets) to a MagicBand is the key to a seamless and truly magical Walt Disney World experience. This simple process allows you to enter the parks, redeem Lightning Lane selections, access your Disney Resort hotel room, and even make purchases with a flick of your wrist. So, how do you do it? The process involves using the My Disney Experience app or website and linking both your theme park tickets and your MagicBand to your Disney account. We’ll break it down in detail below.

Step-by-Step Guide: Linking Your Tickets and MagicBand

The process is relatively straightforward, but paying attention to the details is crucial. You’ll need your My Disney Experience account details, your theme park tickets or reservation confirmation, and your MagicBand (or MagicBand+).

Using the My Disney Experience App:

Open the App: Launch the My Disney Experience app on your smartphone. Make sure you’re logged into your Disney account.
Navigate to “Link to Account”: Tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right of the screen to access the menu. Scroll down and tap “Link to Account.”
Choose “Tickets & Passes”: Select “Tickets & Passes” from the options.
Scan or Enter Ticket ID: You can either scan the barcode on your physical ticket or manually enter the Ticket ID number. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the linking process. The app will confirm the ticket is linked to your account.
Link Your MagicBand: Back on the menu, select “MagicBands & More.” If your MagicBand isn’t already linked, you’ll see an option to “Link a MagicBand or Card.”
Enter the MagicBand ID: Locate the unique alphanumeric code (starting with a letter) on the back of your MagicBand. Enter this code into the app when prompted.
Confirm Your Selection: The app will ask you to confirm that the MagicBand is being linked to your account. Once confirmed, your MagicBand is successfully linked!
Assign to Guest: The app will show a list of Guests in your party. Assign the MagicBand to the correct person.

Using the My Disney Experience Website:

Visit the Website: Go to the My Disney Experience website (disneyworld.disney.go.com).
Sign In: Sign in to your Disney account.
Navigate to “My MagicBands and Cards”: Hover over the “My Disney Experience” tab and select “My MagicBands and Cards.”
Add a Ticket: Click the “Link Tickets or Passes” button. Enter the Ticket ID number. The website will confirm the ticket is linked to your account.
Link Your MagicBand: Click the “Link a MagicBand or Card” button.
Enter the MagicBand ID: Locate the unique alphanumeric code on the back of your MagicBand. Enter this code into the designated field.
Confirm Your Selection: The website will ask you to confirm that the MagicBand is being linked to your account. Once confirmed, your MagicBand is successfully linked!
Assign to Guest: Assign the MagicBand to the correct person in your party.

Important Considerations:

Active Theme Park Reservation: Remember that you now need both a valid ticket and a theme park reservation to enter a Disney park. Make sure you have secured your park reservation through the Disney Park Pass system.
Troubleshooting: If you encounter issues linking your tickets or MagicBand, double-check that you’re entering the correct information. If the problem persists, contact Disney Guest Services for assistance.
Multiple MagicBands: You can link multiple MagicBands to your account. This is useful if you have older MagicBands or want different styles for different days.
MagicBand+ Differences: The MagicBand+ has some additional features, like charging. Ensure it is adequately charged before your park visits. The initial linking process is the same as a regular MagicBand, but you may need to update its firmware via the My Disney Experience app after the first linking.

FAQs: Mastering the MagicBand Linking Process

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of linking your tickets to a MagicBand and answer some common queries:

1. What happens if I lose my MagicBand after I’ve linked it?

If you lose your MagicBand, you should immediately report it as lost or stolen through the My Disney Experience app or website. This will deactivate the MagicBand and prevent anyone else from using it to access your tickets, hotel room, or make purchases. You can then link a new MagicBand to your account.

2. Can I link someone else’s ticket to my MagicBand?

No, you cannot link someone else’s ticket to your MagicBand. Each MagicBand should only be linked to one person in your party. However, you can manage multiple MagicBands within your My Disney Experience account and assign each MagicBand to the correct person.

3. I have an older MagicBand. Will it still work?

Yes, most older MagicBands (MagicBand 2) will still work. However, the original MagicBand (MagicBand 1) is no longer supported. If you have a very old MagicBand and are unsure, contact Disney Guest Services to confirm compatibility.

4. Can I use a MagicBand from a previous trip?

Yes, you can reuse a MagicBand from a previous trip, provided it’s still linked to your Disney account and in working condition. Simply ensure it’s still linked to your account and that it’s assigned to the correct person in your party.

5. Do I need a MagicBand to visit Walt Disney World?

No, a MagicBand is not mandatory. You can use a physical park ticket or the Disney MagicMobile service, which allows you to use your smartphone or Apple Watch as your park ticket and hotel room key. However, MagicBands offer a convenient, hands-free experience.

6. How do I unlink a MagicBand from my account?

You can unlink a MagicBand from your account through the My Disney Experience app or website. Navigate to “My MagicBands and Cards,” select the MagicBand you want to unlink, and choose the “Deactivate” option.

7. Can I use my MagicBand to make purchases if I’m not staying at a Disney Resort hotel?

Yes, you can use your MagicBand to make purchases even if you are not staying at a Disney Resort hotel, provided you have a valid credit card linked to your My Disney Experience account and have enabled the purchase feature.

8. What is the difference between a MagicBand and a MagicBand+?

The MagicBand+ offers enhanced features compared to the original MagicBand. In addition to the standard functionalities, MagicBand+ interacts with nighttime spectaculars, allows you to engage with Disney Fab 50 Character statues, and offers gesture recognition. It also needs to be charged regularly.

9. How do I charge my MagicBand+?

The MagicBand+ comes with a charging cable. Simply plug it into a USB power source to charge. You can check the battery level in the My Disney Experience app. A fully charged MagicBand+ typically lasts for 1-3 days, depending on usage.

10. What if my MagicBand isn’t scanning at the park entrance?

If your MagicBand isn’t scanning, first ensure it’s properly linked to your account and assigned to the correct person. Check that your theme park tickets are also correctly linked and that you have a valid park reservation. If the problem persists, visit Guest Services at the park entrance for assistance.

11. Can I use my MagicBand to access Disney Springs?

Yes, you can use your MagicBand to make purchases at select locations in Disney Springs, provided you have a valid credit card linked to your account and have enabled the purchase feature. You cannot use it for park entry, as Disney Springs doesn’t require park tickets.

12. What if I get a new phone; does that affect my MagicBand?

Getting a new phone won’t directly affect your MagicBand as long as you log into your My Disney Experience account on the new phone. The MagicBand is linked to your account, not your specific device. However, you might need to re-pair your MagicBand+ with your new phone via Bluetooth for interactive features to work correctly.