You'll need the pouch.
No they are the same you need the pouch , however you do not need to take it out of the pouch to open the door or when you are swiping it places.
We prefer to put ours in our pockets . I see you are on the Dream so you will have to put one of the cards in the light slot to turn your lights on in the cabin or bring any old card to do this if you don't want to keep taking it out of the pouch.
Does the lanyard still come with the pouch though? Mine last year did. That is what I meant by the same - that you get lanyard with pouch. Or is it now just lanyard and no pouch?
I couldn't tell from the OP's question if they meant do you need A pouch (meaning they didn't think the lanyard came with it) or did they need to keep the pouch on there.
To the OP regarding the card in the light switch thing... Yes, you need to have A card in there, but an old gift card, the key card from your hotel the night before, even a thicker business card will work.
I think they were asking whether a lanyard they already have (with no pouch) would work. Just my feeling. There are many people who have lanyards for work or other reasons that just have a hook/clasp on them, no pouch.
Some cruiselines will punch holes in room cards for people to use those lanyards (not recommended for DCL KTTW cards, however).
On our last several cruises (actually for as long as I can remember) the lanyards came with a pouch. We have punched a hole in the corner of our KTTW and it worked fine with the other type of lanyard from home. As long as you don't punch through the magnetic strip it should be fine. In fact, I have seen guest services punch holes in KTTW cards for people.
MJ
I've been told they no longer punch holes as they can't confirm where the little chip is in the card now.
You don't have to take the cards out of the pouch any longer, just tap them on the door scanner to unlock.
There is a card slot that activates the lights in the room. I've been told that it does not control the air conditioning.
Hmmmm. So do they or don't they have pouches now? I'm lost.
Are the lanyards (with pouches) free for cruisers? Or does anyone know where you can purchase Disney (looking) lanyards (with pouches)?