Hi Nicole,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! What a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary.
MagicBands are complimentary for Walt Disney World resort guests but you would need to purchase them if you are not staying on property. Since you have not booked your hotel yet, I do hope you will consider staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. There are resorts to fit different budgets and I personally would not want to lose the benefits of staying at a resort on property.
Given the crowds that visit the theme parks, you will want to be able to book your
Fast Pass+ selections as early as possible. You can start making Fast Pass+ selections at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Standard time 60 days prior to your vacation as long as you have a Walt Disney World resort hotel reservation and valid theme park tickets.
Resort guests also get access to
extra magic hours, which would allow you into the park early or later, before or after the parks are open to non-resort guests. And, resort guests can make
dining reservations 180 days in advance for their entire trip up to 10 days. Dining reservations are critical for some restaurants, particularly character meals.
Nicole, My husband and I honeymooned at the Walt Disney World Resort. We stayed at
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter. It was simply magical. I am so happy for you and wish you many more years of love and laughter!
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell