Magic bands/ memory maker/ fast pass -off site

[1973jk]

Since our last Disney visit in 2013 the fast pass thing has changed.
I am aware I can book fast passes in advance. We are staying off site in July/ August. I am looking at ordering tickets online paying a deposit initially. I assume I will need to have the tickets in hand 30 days before our trip in order to book fast passes. Do I create an account with Disney or something to do this?
Do magic bands make life easier even when staying offsite? Is it beneficial for one person in my group to have a magic band for ease of memory maker ( ride videos etc). Do children enjoy a magic band or find them an inconvenience?
Thank you in advance

[Shooby doo]

You need to set up a My Disney Experience profile, you won't get your passes/code until you have paid them in full - once a pass has been allocated on MDE it can't be removed. If you are offsite then each Fastpass date "opens" 30 days from the date that you are visiting each park - you get 3 that must be in the same park but then book your next, after you have used these & so on & so forth.
As for MM & MB, without a MB you won't get the ride video for 7 dwarves or ToT but still get normal pics.
SD

[Powlay]

We bought our daughter a band (she was 9 at the time) and grand daughter one (4) and as adults we used the tickets. Kids loved having them and obviously i have their cards as a back up.

Makes it easier for photos and stuff at times yes.

Theyre cheapest at the outlet disney shops, but it is worthwhile looking at a disney booking for their campsite, you will get free magic bands and 2 days free parking (check in and check out days if booking 1 day) and thats about $60, so its well worth it, because parking for two days is $40!

[1973jk]

Thanks for the helpful info and tips.
I’m struggling with getting a quote for a night at the campsite. We are a family group of 5 adults and 5 children. Where do I look?

[Shooby doo]

You need to look on the US Disney site.
SD