UPDATE – 6/1 — Testing for My Magic Plus will begin on June 20th-26th for selected guests. Guests chosen will have a check-in date of June 20th-22nd, and will be staying at the Contemporary Resort or the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House.
Disney World has made a billion dollar investment in My Magic Plus, a revolutionary system that Disney feels will revolutionize the way we tour theme parks. While many of the details are still a mystery, the Mymagic+ system is scheduled to begin integrating into the Disney Parks throughout 2013.
Fastpass + is going to replace the current Fastpass system. When this is going to happen is unknown at this time. There will be a lot of angry and confused people initially, just as there were when Fastpass came out. Here at Mousehints, we can’t change the direction Disney is going, so we aren’t going to waste time pontificating about things we can’t control. Our goal will be to help you take advantage of this system and integrate it into your touring plans. Please see our section on Fastpass+ to stay up-to-date on this new system and all of the news and rumors that come.
Disney Magic Band
Currently, the plan is to have participating guests wear a colorful band as seen in the picture above. Resort guests that are used to just carrying around their Keys to the World, now will just need their bands.
The wrist band will allow guests to purchase food, souvenirs, enter the park and use the Fastpass system. Disney is also looking to allow participating guests to have better views of parades, fireworks and other activities. There is no question that initially, as many guests are apprehensive, guests using this technology will probably gain many benefits.
My Disney Experience
Disney has rolled out a new website and a free new app. This app allows you to quickly make dining reservations, and will be expanded to allow for Fastpass + reservations. Owning a smartphone will be a necessity for guests who want to have ultimate flexibility in the parks. While Disney will certainly make allowances for guests that don’t have smartphones, they will likely be in the form of machines, which means….more lines.
How will this affect you?
Initially, you will be able to tour Disney as you always have. It’s unlikely that the current infrastructure is going to change significantly. Not everyone wants to do the RFID tracking, and it is going to be optional.
However, it is likely that the older fastpass system will be going away. At that time, you will need to use the Magic+ system if you want to tour the park efficiently.
Updates
4/23 — On April 12th and 13th, limited testing of My Magic Plus was conducted at the Animal Kingdom. Very little information positive or negative information has come out regarding these tests. Disney is still planning to roll out the full package later this year
6/1 – Testing will take place between June 20th and June 26th. We will keep you up-to-date on the results from these tests and any further news we receive.
As updates continue to come out, we will continue to keep this page updated with any of the latest news regarding this system. Please continue to check back frequently as we all try to learn how best to use the new My Magic+ system!
Next, let’s look in detail at the new FP+ system:
Part 2: Fastpass Plus
My family is coming to Disney World in one week (20 June) for a week. Is this system available? can we use it? test it? any advice for good websites to get info on how to make the experience as efficient as possible? My husband and I are both retired Marines and we have eight year old triplets and a four year old with our first visit to Disney World right around the corner. thanks for any advice.
karon curry
Karon,
At this point you are on the old FASTPASS system which works just fine! I highly recommend starting HERE, and continuing through the series. It should give you some great information and help you stay ahead of the crowds, as it will be a busy time of year.
Biggest tip I can give, is get there early 30 minutes before the park opens. However, it’s all covered in our Beating the Crowds series.
We will be returning to the World for the week of Thanksgiving. Any rumor as to when Disney plans to go fully operational with the new system? As with ALL things Disney; if you want the most out of your trip and money; advance planning is absolutely necessary. I don’t know if I would like having to think about parades and fireworks six months in advance, but with Disney you either get on the train or get left behind. You either work the system or get worked by the system. No big deal if you PLAN. Thanks for all the updates.
Supposedly late Summer. I would think by Thanksgiving it should be operational unless the upcoming tests go horribly. Yes, advance planning will be crucial with the new system!