As part of cost cutting initiatives,  Disney World stopped including complimentary magic bands with a Disney vacation package. This saves them a lot of money. A lot. And they have spun the marketing on this to promote the My Disney Experience app and the Disney Genie Service as its replacement. They certainly aren’t stupid over there at Disney. They want you to use your phone for everything and make it so you think it’s better than the free magic bands.

You need magic bands. Even at an extra cost they are an essential vacation accessory.  Part of the fun of a Disney vacation is the planning . Picking out magic band colors with your children is a fun little pre-vacation experience. Spending up for the limited edition bands they change frequently is well worth it. The kids love them and they double as souvenirs. My kids wear them as bracelets and they love telling their friends and classmates about their Disney trip.

Magic bands are, well, magical. Kids love tapping them to get into the park and to open the hotel doors. My kids race to the door to be the first to open it. And the memories of them when they are little and can’t get them to work are recreated as they get older and master the art. They are so proud of themselves for being able to do it, because they remember when it was hard for them. I love watching them obsess over tapping their magic bands when we go through lightning lanes.

You will be using your phone enough with Disney Genie. Enjoy the magic with the magic bands.