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Last year, Daniel and I were fortunate enough to try out our Disney Magicbands during the testing period and since then, these little bands have completely transformed the way we Disney. I have been bombarded with questions from friends and family about magic band utilization so today, I am going to share some awesome tips on how to get the most magic from your band.

• Download the My Disney Experience App

This is a MUST. This app can book reservations to any of the uh-mazing restaurants on Disney property, snag fast passes to most major attractions, firework viewing spots and character meet & greets and sync it all to your magical little wristband. The app can scope out wait times, help you hustle your little ones to the closet restroom, and find the nearest ATM  so can pull all of your money out just so you seriously debate not paying your rent to afford a handmade Swarovski crystal covered Ariel. Basically, this app can help you create some real Disney magic from your mobile device. Added Bonus: If you are pathetic, like me, when you get a wave of DDA (Disney Distance Anxiety), you can open up the app and feel like your next Disney fix is right around the corner.

• Get those Fast Pass/Restaurant Reservations Early

You can start booking your Fastpass+ selections 60 days in advance. I am sure you can find a million blog posts about which Fastpasses are the most useful, but I think that you should pick the attractions  that mean the most to you. Everyone has Disney traditions and you should use your Magicband to efficiently schedule a magical day perfect for you and your family.  I think the best part about the fastpass+ system is that you can customize your schedule. Need some Mickey Waffles at Chef Mickeys? Done. Want to be gently rocked on Pirate’s of the Caribbean during your sugar crash from your Dole Whip ? Done. The key to the Magicband is planning ahead (60 days ahead to be exact). Trying to make the perfect fastpass+ schedule the morning of your day in Magic Kingdom is nearly impossible, trust me on this one. Our surprise visits are always wonderful, but the lack of fastpass+ availability is a little depressing. Just like anything else, plan ahead and you will get the most out of your day.

Disney Pro Tip:

There are Fastpass+ kiosks around the parks with friendly cast members to assist you with selecting your fastpasses. After you have used all of your fastpasses, you can return to these kiosks or the apps to select another attraction. If you are not interested in Anna & Elsa, the perfect firework/parade viewing spot, Seven Dwarves Mine Train or any of the other hot fastpasses, select 3 fastpasses for the morning, once you have completed them, head on over the kiosk and select another one. For the rest of the day you can continue to return to the kiosk (or app) to add more fastpasses. This is more of a fly by the seat of your pants method and may have you running from Frontierland to Tomorrowland, but if you are trying to cram every ride in one day and don’t have to stop to play with the spitting camel at the Magic Carpets – this may be the best option.

Use Your Magic

You can attach a credit card to the band to instantly pay for anything on Disney property , Link your Annual/Seasonal Pass, Photopass or meal plans. This thing even works as your room key at any WDW Resort. The best part: Magicbands are free to all anuual pass holders and all guests at any WDW Resort. You can customize the color, name and have them in the mailbox within two weeks.

But what if you aren’t a passholder or guest on Disney property?

It’s all good – Disney will still let you buy one, but at $150, You would probably save money and have a better experience by booking a room at a value resort.

Still have questions? Don’t be guppy! Leave me a comment or tweet me @manifestmermaid