Our family, from Canada, is planning a visit to Disneyworld in Oct 2018. 2 adults and 6 kids so we know it's not going to be a cheap few days at Disney so we have chosen to NOT stay on site. A couple of the kids have been going on about the Magicbands and how they want one during the trip. Lucky for me most of them are fine with the simpler, cheaper bands so I don't mind so much. We also have the photo package purchased (MemoryMaker ??). In any event, I have a couple of quick questions for clarification and perhaps those with more Disney and Magicband experience can help me out:
1) I understand that if you are staying on site the Magicband has a bit more functionality such as acting as your room key and for minor purchases but am I correct in understanding that since we are staying off site the bands will essentially only act as a means to use FastPass, for park entry and for tie in with the MemoryMaker photo option?
2) Without staying on site there is no way to preprogram them with a small amount of money each kid could use, right?
3) Someone has told me that the Magicbands may also be useful should you get separated from a kid. There is a way Disney staff/security can scan to see where the missing child may be should there be an issue? (Then again, maybe I could trade up. LOL)
So, other than the convenience of making sure the kids don't lose their cards because the Magicband is more firmly attached to them...is there any other benifit or drawback I should consider?
1) I understand that if you are staying on site the Magicband has a bit more functionality such as acting as your room key and for minor purchases but am I correct in understanding that since we are staying off site the bands will essentially only act as a means to use FastPass, for park entry and for tie in with the MemoryMaker photo option?
2) Without staying on site there is no way to preprogram them with a small amount of money each kid could use, right?
3) Someone has told me that the Magicbands may also be useful should you get separated from a kid. There is a way Disney staff/security can scan to see where the missing child may be should there be an issue? (Then again, maybe I could trade up. LOL)
So, other than the convenience of making sure the kids don't lose their cards because the Magicband is more firmly attached to them...is there any other benifit or drawback I should consider?