You do not have to wear a MagicBand to explore the Walt Disney World with a minimum of fuss. The theme park introduces a Disney MagicMobile service that uses your phone or smartwatch for access and other features. All you have to do is create a pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to your virtual wallet. From there, you can bring your device near an access point like a MagicBand.
The feature was initially available “later this year” to iPhone and Apple Watch owners as part of a phase-out rollout. The company will still have MagicBands available, and you will still need to use My Disney Experience for digital camera keys on your phone. Disneyland does not use MagicBands for granted, so you should not expect the MagicMobile option in California anytime soon.
It can save you trouble if you do not want to pick up a MagicBand instead. It can also be considered a safety precaution as vaccinations increase and people are more comfortable visiting Disney World. If you did not receive a MagicBand by mail, you do not need to buy one on the spot and wear something that another person has recently touched.