Disney, magically manageable: 4 new features

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Disney just got a little more fun, and whole lot easier. Last week, at 24 years old, I went on my first trip to Disney World. As a West Coast kid, I’ve always been an avid Disneyland-er and California Adventure connoisseur, but the sheer scope and size of the Florida theme park always seemed a bit daunting. That changed last week when I traveled to Orlando to experience the park’s new MyMagic+ program. Along withbrand new Disney World features like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the Disney Festival of Fantasy parade, these tech tools ensure an epic Disney World adventure is now not only manageable, but legitimately magical.

The new MyMagic+ system

Customize and personalize your Disney experience with this series of handy new features that make Disney World feel as though you can hold it in the palm of your hand. It’s made up of three different elements: The My Disney Experience (available as both a website and an app), the FastPass+ and the MagicBand:

My Disney Experience

The My Disney Experience smartphone app and website help visitors spend their time at the happiest place on Earth as wisely as possible, from providing park information and maps to restaurant reservations and wait times. On top of that, it adds a social component to your vacation, allowing family members and friends to link accounts and connect. Your plans and reservations are all conveniently stored in one place. Bonus: It comes with a magical compass!

FastPass+

The new FastPass+ takes the beloved Disney wait-management system to a whole new level. Rather than having to wait until the day your vacation begins to secure your space on a ride, you can use My Disney Experience to select up to three FastPass+ choices at one park per day at which you have valid park admission. But don’t worry… there is still room for spontaneity. The app as well as in-park kiosks allow for same-day FastPass+ access as space on the rides allows, and you can, of course, always wait in a stand-by line.

MagicBand

To round out the MyMagic+ experience, the customizable MagicBand bracelets are perhaps the most enchanting piece of the new system. Your park tickets, FastPass+ reservations, Disney PhotoPass, and hotel room key (if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel) are all stored on the bracelet (free when you stay at a Disney World Resort hotel, $12.95 plus tax by itself). No more crumply tickets or sticky paper FastPasses! On top of that, you can add a credit card to a MagicBand, making it, essentially, the only thing you really need to take with you into the parks. If you don’t want to wear the band or aren’t staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you can opt for a free plastic card that functions similarly.

Exciting new attractions

This summer is an especially great time to visit Disney World, utilize these innovative tools and “rock your Disney side” as construction on New Fantasyland wraps up. On my visit, I got the opportunity to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which will be the Magic Kingdom’s newest ride when it opens to the public May 28. After riding it four times (yes, you read that correctly), I think I’ve found a new favorite attraction. Make sure to grab a FastPass+ for this one in advance as it’s likely going to be one of the park’s most popular attractions for sometime. Also worth checking out is the new Disney Festival of Fantasy parade, which features classic characters like Mickeyand Minnie as well as other beloved film favorites like Peter Pan, Ariel and Merida. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, this summer promises to be a good time filled with all sorts of new, magical Disney experiences.

Tagged: Disney, Family time, Florida, Uncategorized