Disney Digital Key has been in the works for some time now and was initially rolled out to certain resorts over the last few months. This started with Disney’s Wilderness lodge back in March/April time frame. Now the Digital Key feature is being rolled out to the rest of the Disney World resorts including DVC properties! What the Disney Digital Key is, is a system to allow resort guests to use their phones to unlock their resort rooms. This will also allow guests to unlock other things such as Common areas (fitness centers, elevators, etc.) doors and entrance gate at the resorts.
How to unlock this feature?
When you check into your resort, you will have the option to opt-in to activate this feature. The digital key uses the My Disney Experience app on your phone to unlock your door. This can be set up on the day your are to check-in to the resort. There is a short set up process within the app to get it working. When you get to your door after the room is ready, you can tap the “unlock door” button on the app and hold your phone to the lock on the door. The digital key uses your phone’s Bluetooth technology to unlock the doors. You will still have access to the rooms with the MagicBands.
If you do online check in at your Disney resort, you are able to bypass the front desk and use the digital key to unlock your door when it is ready. Guests can sign up for notification when their room is ready. With this, you are able to reduce stress and possibly get to your room faster than ever before.
Hold on to the MagicBands
Even if you opt to use the Digital Key feature, you’ll still need your MagicBand. You’ll need the bands to have entry to the Disney Parks, PhotoPass and FastPass redemption. Plus other members of your party will need their’s bands for the room entry.
I look forward to trying this feature out during our next Disney vacation. I think the safer bet would be to utilize both the Disney Digital Key and MagicBands to unlock resort doors for easier access during your stay.
What do you think? Will you be using the Digital key or sticking with the trusty MagicBands? Let us know in the comments below.