Everything you need to know about MyMagic+

I’m back from spending a few magical days experiencing Walt Disney World (WDW) parks and resorts, where I had the opportunity to test out Disney’s ever-evolving MyMagic+ technology.

Originally introduced in 2014, MyMagic+ is the umbrella term for a series of personalized tools (namely, the MyDisneyExperience website and mobile app; the Disney FastPass+ service and the MagicBand) aimed to enhance the guest experience, allowing them access to information on demand, customize their itinerary using their smartphone, and never need to carry cash.

According to Marlie Morrison, ‎managing director, marketing and sales at The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd. Parks and Resort, MyMagic+ has proven to be particularly popular amongst Canadian visitors.

“Canadian guests use it more than American guests,” she explained in a one-on-one interview. “[Canadian guests] are very savvy online, [they] don't like lines, and [Canadians] also want to maximize their time because it’s a commitment to fly from Canada down to Florida.”

The breadth of what MyMagic+ offers in terms of information and customization is such that I found myself asking Disney cast members for assistance on more than one occasion, but once I wrapped my head around its uses, I later found myself missing my MagicBand after my visit – particularly when digging through my purse for cash, or waiting in the customs line at the airport.

“We always knew that it wasn't going to be a one and done,” Morrison said of the tool’s development, which is constantly being re-evaluated. “We knew it would be something that we would learn from and then evolve based on how our guests are using it and what they want from it.”

After a whirlwind few days at WDW, whereby I feverishly set my mind to see and do everything, I can now say that MyMagic+, while still young and so not without the occasional technical hiccup, is an extremely convenient way to go about a Disney vacation.

With that said, having the ability to consult a Disney specialist and acquaint one’s self with the MyMagic+ technology prior to their trip would be beneficial, so that guests can make the most of their vacation once they’ve arrived.

Below are a few must-know details about the MyMagic+ program:

The MyDisneyExperience app has all the answers

Available both online and via smartphone app, MyDisneyExperience allows guests to make and manage restaurant, attraction and personal itineraries throughout the parks and resorts. The family & friends feature makes it possible for one group or family to exist within a single profile, each with their own name, profile picture and set of reservations, tickets and passes.

How it works:

Guests can access information about restaurants, attractions and events throughout WDW, wait times for rides, Disney character appearances and where to find them, additional guest services such as babysitting and locker rentals, and shopping – all from the easily-navigated smartphone app. Free WiFi is available throughout the parks and resorts, making all the app information easily accessible from almost anywhere – no international phone plan required.

Photos of guest experiences taken from attraction cameras and character meet & greets are also viewable on the website/app, and available for purchase on Memory Maker (a service which allows immediate, unlimited downloading), or on the Disney PhotoPass website.

My favourite part: With only three days to experience the parks, I found the app particularly useful when trying to determine where to eat. Every restaurant for every resort and park is listed, as well as its range of menus, the average pricing (on a scale of $-$$$), and its location is made visible in a map of the park. This collection of information made it easy to make informed choices on where to eat, and the ‘find a table’ feature allows you to make reservations on the spot.

You should know: Making reservations at restaurants requires putting a credit card down, and if you miss your reservation, a $10 charge is applied. I found myself using the app to see whether tables were available, but avoided making actual reservations to maintain a more flexible itinerary.

FastPass+ is so much more than a line-skipper

Because I opted to try FastPass+ blind (without much pre-research), it took a little figuring out at the start, but by the end of my first day, I was absolutely in awe of all that it could do.

How it works:

FastPass+ is a complimentary service that allows guests to reserve a place in line at various attractions, events, and character appearances throughout WDW. FastPass+ is managed through the MyDisneyExperience app, as well as at kiosks (and their helpful cast member liaisons) available in the park, and reservation time options are based on availability, taking place within a certain timeframe (typically an hour). Wait times are also drastically reduced (my longest wait in a FastPass+ line was 15 minutes, as opposed to 30) using this feature.

Guests can make three FastPass+ selections up to 30 days prior to arrival. As mentioned, guests can make up to three FastPass+ reservations at a time. Once all three have been used, guests can visit a FastPass+ kiosk on park property to make a fourth reservation. Once that has been used, a fifth can be made; a system which ensures all guests get the best possible chance to experience everything on their must-do list.

My favourite part: Selections are revisable (a useful feature for families with different and changing priorities), and each attraction or event includes a wealth of information accessible through the app, including height requirements, health advisories, hours of operation and wait times.

You should know: Some attractions aren’t FastPass+ applicable, and on nights where there are special events, such as the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, FastPass+ access ends at 7pm, even though the park is open until midnight.

The MagicBand becomes a part of you

Admission ticket, credit card, room key and FastPass+ chip all rolled into one colourful, customizable bracelet, it’s no wonder that MagicBand was among Fortune’s “26 Coolest Gadgets of 2014” in its “Best of the Year in Business” issue.

How it works:

Available in a host of bright colours, MagicBands are customizable and can be inscribed with family names or nicknames. They can be ordered at least 10 days prior to arrival, and in the case of international visitors, are available to pick up at a guests’ resort front desk upon check-in.

MagicBands contain guest name, address, phone number and payment information (optional), all of which is available with the simple tap of the band to a corresponding pad. It can be used to gain entrance to the park, open your resort room door, and even pay for gift shop purchases and meals.

Security features means purchases require the additional step of entering a pin, and MagicBands can also be deactivated if lost or stolen.

My favourite part: The MagicBand meant I didn’t touch my wallet the entire time I was at the park, and there was no fumbling for room keys either. Everything I purchased in WDW was tallied up in my resort bill upon check out, and emailed to me as well. Following my visit, I found that photos and videos had been taken of me during different rides and attractions, and had been uploaded to the MyDisneyExperience app automatically – made possible by the information provided when I tapped my way into a ride.

You should know: MagicBands stores no personal information – only a randomly assigned code that securely links to an encrypted database. Guests can opt not to use the MagicBand, and rely on an RF-enabled card instead. But you shouldn’t, because the MagicBand is an adventure in convenience that every guest should experience.