Disney announces the MagicBand is coming to Disney World soon

The bracelet is coming.

Disney today announced that a new reservation system called My Magic+ complete with an RFID bracelet will be introduced to Disney World.

Image from FCC filing

Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, writes on the Disney Parks Blog, "Linking the entire MyMagic+ experience together is an innovative piece of technology we developed called the MagicBand. Worn on the wrist, it will serve as a guest’s room key, theme park ticket, access to FastPass+ selections, PhotoPass card and optional payment account all rolled into one. We’ve began testing certain aspects of MyMagic+ in Florida last month and the early reactions we’ve gotten have been fantastic.

This collection of tools is another step forward in the ongoing evolution of our guest experience, giving us even more ways to help friends and family create the unforgettable Disney memories that they want most. We’ll be testing, adjusting and adding features to MyMagic+ and My Disney Experience over time and will continue to make improvements based on our guests’ feedback."

Under the new system, guests will be able to use the My Disney Experience website to preselect three FastPasses before leaving home for rides or V.I.P. seating for parades, fireworks and character meet-and-greets, according to a report in  the New York Times

Guests will also be able to preregister for the bracelets.

The RFID technology can also be used to enhance a visit and interaction with employees and areas of the park. Hidden sensors could be take some of the information you decide to place on the tag -- such as if it is your birthday -- and display messages or have employees wish you a Happy Birthday without having to wear a button.

According to the FCC application applied for in October for the RFID tags, the device is a wrist worn arm band that transmits a 2.4 GHz signal to an indoor wireless infrastructure. The band is potted in plastic and completely overmolded with thermal plastic polyurethane. The band has no on off switch and is powered with a non-replaceable coin cell.