Since MyMagic+ and MagicBands were announced (and even when they were just rumored), many of us have wondered exactly how they would work in every aspect of a Walt Disney World vacation. Over the last few months, we have seen the system operate with FastPass+ for attractions, order ahead dining at counter service locations, and even touch-to-pay at stores. One thing we are now just seeing for the first time is exactly how the system will work at the many table service restaurants around WDW.

Last night I saw one of these devices in action at Olivia’s at Old Key West. I can only assume with the current MyMagic+ testing going on, this is at most, if not all of the table service restaurants at Disney World right now. It is essentially an iPod touch with a giant device hooked onto the back of it.

So, this is the device that will be used at every restaurant to utilize touch-to-pay with hard tickets and MagicBand ticket media. How will the process work? Well, here is what your server should say when you show up with your MagicBand and are using the Disney Dining Plan:

Hello! Welcome to ___________! My name is ____________ and I will be taking great care of you this evening. I see you are on the dining plan. That’s Wonderful! If you’ll kindly touch your MagicBand and enter your PIN, I’ll be able to preview your plan information. This will help me to better guide you through your dining experience.

This will be done to avoid guest and server confusion regarding the dining plan. The server will then need to touch your MagicBand again at the end of the meal. That might go something like this:

I see some MagicBands at the table this evening. If you plan to use your band for payment this evening, I can capture the touch now if you like. Thank you! I will bring back your receipt for signature.

If the guest enters an invalid pin, a blue Mickey icon will appear on the screen for the cast member. Three invalid pin entries may require you to use alternative payment.

The process seems like it may simplify the process a little bit for those on the dining plan at least… split checks are a whole other story for another post…

If you don’t have the dining plan, you will only have to tap your band should your credit card be attached to your account and you choose to use that as a payment method. There has been no word yet on if Tables in Wonderland or Annual Pass dining discounts will use this system or still have to entered manually. If you are paying with cash or a card not attached to your MagicBand, this process will not apply to you.

So, what do you think? Would this make it easier or harder for you to pay at a table service restaurant?