ArcaMax

Even the glitteriest magic wand won't cut it at Walt Disney World these days. But wave a MagicBand and see what happens.

Touch the Mickey icon on your neon-colored wristband to matching Mickey touch-points throughout the Disney parks and you can avoid lines to the most popular attractions, meet-ups with the kids' favorite characters or prime viewing spots for parades and fireworks.

And there's more your MagicBand can do: open your Disney hotel room, chronicle your digital Disney photos and pay for souvenirs and meals (once you put in a four-digit pin). Most important, with the new MyMagic-plus technology on the web, the free mobile app and MagicBands the kids can lead the way.

Even Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman, Tom Staggs, found that to be the case when he gave the new technology a "test run" with his three sons aged 16, 14 and 9. "They said, 'we've got this!' and were in charge!" Staggs told me in Orlando; we where there for the new MyMagic-plus program unveiling, which took place with great fanfare.

That's because we all know when it comes to new technology the kids figure it out faster than we do. They'll like the fact that Disney cast members can greet them by name (as long as you've programmed that into your information on the website!) Certainly, the kids can help grandparents use the new system, Staggs suggests, noting that Walt Disney World is an extremely popular destination for multigenerational groups these days.

(There's a new deal for them: Groups of six or more who purchase a four-day ticket by June 14, get an additional free day for everyone in the group -- a big savings given that Disney just raised its prices! Also look for deals that can save you as much as 30 percent on Disney hotels this summer www.disneyworld.com/together).

Another tip: You can use the system, pre-programming your experiences and downloading the app even if you buy tickets elsewhere in advance, like from undercovertourist.com, which offers significant discounts and in some cases, a free day's admission.

The one caveat: Before you can wave your MagicBand around, you've got to figure out how the system works. (It has been years in the making and outsiders suggest cost an estimated $1 billion dollars.) No date has yet been announced for the program to be introduced at Disney's California parks, but it will be, Staggs said.

If you're heading to Walt Disney World, the first thing you need to do -- once you've booked hotels and bought your park tickets -- is set up a www.mydisneyexperience.com account and link everyone who is traveling with you so that you can book experiences and rides together and share photos. (Book the MemoryMaker package for $149 before your arrival and everyone in your travel group gets access to all of the photos taken by Disney photographers, as well as action shots on the attractions.)

If you are an annual pass holder or staying at a Disney resort, including the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin just outside Epcot, you can start pre-booking rides and "experiences" 60 days in advance. You'll get your personalized MagicBands free in the mail. If you are staying off-property, as long as you've booked your tickets, you can start scheduling experiences 30 days out. You can purchase MagicBands for $12.95, but your ticket also work at all of the touch-points.

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