No Magic Band? No problem.
Earlier this year, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge debuted a new Digital Key Feature via the My Disney Experience App. Guests trying out this new feature were able to open their Resort Rooms with their smartphones.
Feedback for this new feature was positive and seen to be a wonderful addition to the My Disney Experience App. Now Disney is completing its roll-out to all Disney Resorts, including Disney Vacation Club properties.
How does it work?
Just like using your Magic Band, all you have to do is hold your phone up to the key reader and voila…access granted.
Although Magic Bands are 100% waterproof, many of us take it off to shower or when we go to bed at night. So, if you decide to run to the cafeteria for a quick snack, just to realize you accidentally left your Magic Band in the room, there’s no need to worry. As long as you remembered to grab your phone on the way out, you will have access to all the places your Magic Band can, including front gates, the pool, fitness centers, elevators, etc…
How to Unlock Your Door
- Make sure bluetooth is on
- Open My Disney Experience. Make sure your Hotel reservation is linked to your account
- View your Disney Resort Reservation
- Select Open Door
- Agree to use your device to Unlock Door
- Hold your phone up against the door lock
If you decide you want to deactivate this feature or you are having issues getting it to work, please visit the Front Desk.
Finding this feature on the App
When you open your My Disney Experience App, you will see all of your plans for your upcoming trip, including your Resort Reservation and your Room Details. If you are already checked in, then the Blue Bar should no longer say “Start Check-In” or “Update Check-in” and should now read “Unlock Door.”
Related Post: From Plane to Park: Bypass The Check-in Line And Check-In Online

Photo Credit: Disney
However, if you’re like me and just a little nosy to check out the new stuff, this button will not be activated since you have not yet checked into your Resort. In a few weeks, it should pop up on the front screen with the rest of my Resort Details. However, until then, this is how I found what I was looking for.