We're Participating in the Magic Band Test

I've been a bit MIA from the blogosphere this week as I was traveling through the Mississippi Gulf Coast, reviewing hotels and attractions for Trekaroo. Trekaroo is a travel site that specializes in family travel. Most of the reviews are user-driven (meaning family travelers like you and me review destinations, attractions, restaurants, hotels, etc.), but there is also editorial content. I was fortunate enough to be chosen as a Superoo--a reviewer who has the opportunity to review destinations in exchange for free passes, stays, etc. Long story short, we were able to spend three days at the beach, enjoying all the Biloxi area has to offer, for the cost of our gas and a few tips here and there. I'm in the process of writing my reviews, but I'll be sure to share those links with you once they are up on the site.

All that to say...I haven't been giving Disney much attention this week. However, while we were away, I did receive an email invitation to test the new Magic Bands and the MyMagic+ program on our trip to WDW next month! I was so excited that I ordered our Magic Bands right away--and they arrived on our doorstep the day we arrived home! Here they are:



We have all our reservations (resort and dining) synched through My Disney Experience. At this point, I have only been able to synch up MY park ticket and not the rest of the family (seems to be a snag with ordering tickets through the Homeschool Days program...they have different kinds of reservation/confirmation numbers), so I have yet to choose our FastPass+ options. But I'm going to give them a call today to see if I can resolve this. We have friends doing the test this month, so I'll be anxious to see what they think. I'm still skeptical about the program, but excited to get to test it!

Updates Around WDW

I'm checking sites and getting some last-minute info before we head out to see the Mouse. Since I've become aware of several readers who are also going to WDW next week, I thought I'd share a few things that we're looking forward to, or are going to look into, on our trip:

• There's a rumour that the talking Mickey might be making appearances for the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party this year. We hope to stop by Town Square Theatre in the late afternoon on either Tuesday or Friday (nights of parties) in case he shows up early!


• Some guests are getting previews of the new Fantasyland attraction, Enchanted Tales with Belle. I specifically read that guests exiting Mickey's Philharmagic have been offerred this experience. You can bet that we'll be hitting MP at least once on the trip, in hopes of getting a preview!


• The NextGen FastPass technology is also currently being tested by some guests (you would be informed prior to arrival). While we haven't been chosen, I intend to spy on those who have--or, at least get a look at the machines and try to see how everything works.


• We just happen to be arriving at the Art of Animation Resort on the day the Ariel section opens. I don't know if there are any opening-day plans, but we intend to arrive as early as possible (which won't be very early, as we're driving from Atlanta that day) and hope to join any festivities.


• Our girls are definitely planning to visit with the newest Disney Fairy on the block, Periwinkle, at TinkerBell's Magical Nook (Magic Kingdom).


• For the first time, I'm actually going to take my iPod into the Parks and take advantage of the newly-added free wifi! And I'll be trying out the new "My Disney Experience" app too!


• Finally, I'm going to talk to every Cast Member I can--those I know and those I don't--and try to get any hints they can offer on rumors that are flying around (too many to list here). Sure, most of them will be guessing, just like the rest of us. Still, it's fun to hear what those on the inside think about the possible changes and additions around the World.

"My Disney Experience" App Now Available

I mentioned this week that Disney has been installing free wi-fi throughout the Parks in preparation for the new "My Disney Experience" app. Well, it's now available as a free download for iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad on iTunes (Android format is not yet available). You can either click on the App Store icon on your device or go here for more information.

Some of the features of the app include park hours, guide maps, wait times, Fastpass return times, and dining options. And although there is already a ton of information on the app, Disney has plans to expand this "Next-Gen" experience in the future. Can't wait to see what they come up with next!