What are MagicBands? First & foremost, MagicBands are an optional trip tool. They are plastic bracelets embedded with identification technology that come in a variety of colors & patterns. They come in one size & have an adjustable fastening system to fit any wrist. The embedded technology in the MagicBand is linked to guests in the My Disney Experience account. Once linked it can then be utilized to:
The MagicBand is not the ONLY tool that you can use to complete these tasks. There are other methods in place for any who does not want or does not have a MagicBand. What is MagicBand+? On July 27, 2022, Walt Disney World released MagicBand+. This new upgraded MagicBand still carries out all of the same functions as the standard MagicBand with some new added features. MagicBand+ features vibrating & light up features as well as technology that allows it to interact with the theme park. It lights up with portions of the nighttime entertainment, activates sound bites from the Fab50 statues found throughout all 4 theme parks & is part of some interactive games such as Battu Bounty Hunters in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. These additional features must be charged regularly, so MagicBand+ comes with a USB-A charging cable with a cradle feature for the MagicBand+. Even if the battery for the added features gets drained, MagicBand+ can still perform the standard MagicBand functions. My initial thought is that MagicBand+ is a great upgrade option for guests who are planning to be part of the in park-interactive experiences like Batuu Bounty Hunters or finding the Fab 50 statues. The playDisneyparks app actually connects with the Fab 50 hunt to help keep up with what you have interacted with/found. First time guests are likely to find these features fun, but I think where this upgrade will really shine is with returning guests. It gives them a new way to explore & interact with the parks. Standard MagicBands are not being retired & are still available for purchase. Do you need a MagicBand or MagicBand+? No. MagicBands are completely optional. All the functions of MagicBands are available in free versions. One version is a physical Key to the World card that you can get at the front desk of your resort. The other is a digital option using the My Disney Experience app & setting up Magic Mobile. You could also mix & match with different members of your travel group using MagicBands, Key to the World Cards & the My Disney Experience App. If you do opt for Key to the World cards, consider grabbing a lanyard to store them in for easy access. With that said, I do recommend them if it is within your budget. They are extremely convenient & add a magical touch to your trip. I love the efficiency of so many things being on my wrist. I love we are not constantly juggling other things to complete MagicBand functions. My kids love having their own MagicBand, being able to open our room & even wear them around at home. We also love that we can reuse MagicBands from past trips so we don't always have to purchase new ones. What if you do not get MagicBands? You have a couple of options. First you can use the My Disney Experience App. There is a feature that creates a Mobile ticket (called Mobile Magic) that can live in your Apple Wallet. You are able to swipe through each member of your travel party & can even connect it to your Apple Watch. It should be noted that charging to your room is not a feature of the app, but if you are using your phone, you could easily use Apple Pay or another digital payment form. I am also not crazy about the bluetooth settings for some on ride photos utilizing this option Next, you can get digital Key to the World cards. These are free at your Resort front desk & every member of your party can choose their own character. They have ALL the same functions as the standard MagicBand. If you opt for this, I would bring along lanyards so you can still access them easily throughout the day. How do you order Magic Bands? Ordering MagicBands is something you will do for your travel party. As a resort guest you are able to order from a selection of bands at a discounted rate through the My Disney Experience after your resort stay is linked. To access the discounted MagicBands, I recommend using the web browser because using the app just redirects you to a web browser. From a web browser:
From the app:
From there you can select MagicBands for each guest for each resort stay. If you have multiple resort stays, you can order multiple bands, but you do not have to. Once MagicBands are linked to you they apply to all of your stays & tickets. If online inventory is low, you may want to continue checking leading up to your trip. There is a wider variety available at the airport Disney store as well as at resorts and in parks. If you cannot find ones that you like for everyone in your party, you could purchase the ones you like & let everyone else choose theirs on site. You do have to process whatever you are getting (whether for everyone or just some people) at the same time. So you cannot process an order for 2 people today & expect to go back in a few days later to check for new inventory for the rest of your group. If you want these shipped to your home ahead of your trip, order by 3 weeks before your trip. You can order up to 7 days prior to your trip to have them available at your resort. FAQs Can I reuse an old MagicBand? Yes! MagicBand batteries for the standard functions are meant to last 3-5 years, so as long as it is still working, you can re-use an old MagicBand. What is the perk to buying advance? As a guest staying at a Walt Disney World resort, you are able to purchase at a discount when you purchase in advance. There is a selection available on My Disney Experience that you are able to access after your resort reservation is linked to your account. Should I get my child a MagicBand? Our family opts to get our children (even those too young for a park ticket) a MagicBand. They love using it to open our room door. Children who are older than 2 are able to use it to scan into the park, for photos & to scan into Lighting Lanes. We love the convenience of the MagicBand & it is just so easy for our kids to have that on their wrist. Our kids even love wearing their MagicBands once we are home. What if I do not have a resort stay at a Disney resort, such as a good neighbor or other offsite option? You can still use a MagicBand without a resort stay. You will purchase a MagicBand at a retail location & link it to your My Disney Experience account. Where can I purchase MagicBands? You can purchase at a discount from My Disney Experience when you have a linked Disney resort. You can also purchase from shopDisney.com or on site at gift shops at the airport, resorts, Disney Springs & in the theme park Can I use someone else's MagicBand? Unfortunately you cannot. MagicBands cannot be reassigned to new guests. Do MagicBands come in different sizes? MagicBands come in a standard size with an adjustable band. For children or guests will smaller wrists, there is actually a way to remove the outer edge of the MagicBand to make it smaller. Each MagicBand has a perforated outer edge that is gray. This section can be removed, but it cannot be added back on. How do I link my MagicBand? If you purchase through your My Disney Experience account using a linked reservation, your MagicBands will arrive already linked. If you purchase from shopdisney or in person you will use the app to link the MagicBand. Go to the menu (3 lines in bottom right corner) & scroll down to "My MagicBands." Here you can link your MagicBands to your account. DON'T FORGET TO PIN THIS POST FOR LATER.
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Kristi SullyI have loved Disney World from my first trip there in 1988. I’m taking decades of experience to help make your vacation even more magical. Archives
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