Read on to learn how to use your phone instead of a Magic Band and save your money for some other fun experience on your vacation. We are at Disney World a fair amount and made the decision to invest in MagicBand+ as another way for our kids to have fun in the parks. Only the current MagicBand+ can be used. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Is MagicBand+ Worth it? DIS - Disney World But I digress.). MagicBands are a big part of what makes a Disney vacation unique. You can remove the puck by unscrewing two tiny screws in the back of the band youll need a mini screwdriver to do this. What do you mean by My Disney Experience account? The fact that you can use your band to buy things makes some folks worried. Are Magic Bands Worth it? - Wandermust Family This will effectively shorten the band so it will fit better on a childs wrist. You can also subscribe without commenting. Most people have a smart device, and Disney saves millions of dollars a year by not giving away MagicBands. Unless you really want bands for a souvenir, you can safely skip them. By tapping the band against designated touchpoints, guests can enter the parks, make FastPass+ reservations, and purchase items without the need for multiple cards or devices. On top of syncing your MagicBand+ to your account, you'll need to manage a couple of other details. The newer version is rechargeable and can be used at Disneyland as well as Disney World, whereas the older version may not have as many features and may not be as useful for some guests. However, it also comes with a much higher price tag and is . I took my daughter many times before she turned three and she always had her own band. Are MagicBands Worth It? WDW Vacation Tips I've been to every continent except Antarctica, and I always looking for the next adventure. Please leave a comment below or join the discussion over in my FREE private Facebook group for my Disney site, The Budget Mouse! I never buy new bands because I can re-use and customize the ones I have with stickers I can buy online (like MagicMyBand.com). (Get the lowdown on using Genie + and the Lightning Lanes at Disney World in this post). MagicBand vs MagicBand+: What's the Difference? - WDW Magazine Related: It's a changed world after all: 9 things you must know if you're heading to Disney World. You can buy MagicBand+ online at ShopDisney ahead of your visit so you can get it set up and charged. Well done! This feature worked well, but I was more interested in looking at the lights in the sky rather than the one on my wrist. What are Disney MagicBands? Home Frugal Travel Disney World Disney Magic Bands Ultimate Guide. You'll know that you are close to a statue because the band will start to vibrate to notify you. Our family has a healthy collection of the original MagicBands, as it was easy to invest in the fun, new creations back when they were previously priced at $15 each. When you check-in for your stay, either online or in-person at your resort, you will be able to put a credit card on file to cover purchases charged back to your room. So sure enough we went to DCA over the weekend and her band is not linked to any pass and it seemed like it was working when WOC came on. MagicBands have the upper hand in this scenario as you can use them all day, every day, without worrying about the battery. MagicBand+ is officially available for purchase as of July 27th and will come in over 25 different designs. While the Key to the World Card is not as convenient as the MagicBands, it is a cost-effective alternative. Disney MagicBand+ review: ultimate wearable for Disney fans? | Digital Magic Mobile is a great alternative to a Magic Band if you are staying off-property or only visiting once and dont want to spend the extra money on a Disney wristband. Anyway, the magic bands are nice, but if you forget your pin, theyre only good for getting in your room and park now, so itd be nice to not have the sweat band in the hot Florida sun. Disney MagicBand+. You may have noticed that Magic Bands come in one size only. I wear my magic band face side down. With this feature, guests can use their Apple Watch or other smartwatches to access park features and amenities. The Pros and Cons of MagicBands in 2021 | TouringPlans.com Blog Disney is offering a 20% discount on MagicBand+ purchases if you have an annual pass or are a Disney Vacation Club member and if you purchase a Disney vacation package you'll receive a $10 "pre-arrival" discount. Here's how it saved me nearly 3 hours in line, 50th anniversary of the opening of Disney World, How to plan an epic Disney 'Star Wars' trip that doesn't cost $6,000, It's a changed world after all: 9 things you must know if you're heading to Disney World, 19 mistakes to avoid at Walt Disney World, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We've been three times recently and can't make sense of when they charge and why lol. From now on, Walt Disney World visitors must pay for MagicBands. They have their pros and cons, but theres no doubt they remove some of the stress during your time at the park. Read on to learn everything you need to know to decide if its worth it to buy one for your trip! To help keep you in the loop about them, here are the 20 most asked Disney MagicBand questions and answers to help you plan your next trip. Disney proactively had extra employees around all the guest services kiosks helping people get set up, too, though we only saw smiling faces and other happy folks waving their arms in the air testing out the new device during our visit. Disneys MagicBands are waterproof, reusable, and removable wristbands that mainly act as park tickets. However if your MagicBand Plus runs out of battery, fear not! join the discussion over in my FREE private Facebook group for my Disney site, The Budget Mouse! Or, if youre not staying on property, you can use a plastic card as your park ticket and pay for items with cash or a standard debit/credit card or an electronic payment method such as ApplePay. If you dont live in the US, your MagicBands will be waiting for you at your hotel when you arrive. Or, you can pick one up while you are in the parks. If you have an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Google Pay enabled Android phone, you can use your phone for theme park entry and to redeem Lightning Lane reservations. The bands with the cool designs, the ones we all want, are $44.99. That said, this process didnt work for me. When you purchase a MagicBand Plus from shopDisney youll get a charger with a short USB cord. You can pick them up at the front desk of your Disney hotel and start using them immediately by unlocking your room door with one. Magic Bands, are they worth it? - Orlando Forum - Tripadvisor For you, the main uses of your band would be scanning into the park, using it to tap into Genie+ reservations, and linking any photopass pictures you might take to your account (if thats something you choose to do). Disney says the batteries are designed to last for 2 years. I see none for 19.99? Some folks use Disney's Magic Mobile service, while others still prefer the original MagicBands, even though they are no longer free. Though the MagicBand freebies are over, you can still buy new bands. The next page is about customizing your pass, so have a little fun with the options available (some are even animated!). Since a Disney Magic Band is just a link to your My Disney Experience account, it can be used for many trips until the battery no longer works. MagicBand+ premiered at Walt Disney World Resort in July 2022 and made it way to Disneyland Resort in October, offering a whole new list of features and benefits. 14. Your email address will not be published. The only difference is that some people find them easier to use for entry to fast pass queues instead of having to take tickets out every time. This site is unaffiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries. You can use it with an Apple watch (or any watch) and it can help you keep track of your Lightning Lane return times while not having to have two bands on your wrist. "Absolutely! So if you are trying to keep your trip a secret, dont worry the box will not give it away! Once it's ready to go, here's how you can use it at the parks: One of the most exciting elements of MagicBand+ is the ability to participate in adventures by completing virtual quests. there are additional features which include: All 3 of our magic bands started lighting up. Does each person need their own My Disney Experience account on their phone to pair their band? I took advantage of this new feature to mix up our wristband colors for one of our trips. Youll then be able to see if your band is charged and if you need to update the software (you usually will). Ride photos will also magically appear in your account soon after riding. For guests who visit the parks often, the convenience and time-saving aspects of the bands may make them worth the cost. Read on to find out how. In my experience, it takes about a week or two to receive them. For those who want to save money or prefer not to wear a wristband, there are several alternatives to Disney MagicBands that are worth considering. Well, not technically free, but they were included in the price of your ticket so they felt free! At least thats what I understand, but I invite techies to please come in and correct me so Im sharing the right information! As long as you are prepared for that and have some kind of budget in place, I think the ease of paying for food and more with your Magic Bands makes vacation simpler and more enjoying. A few years ago Disney revamped the design of the MagicBand for the first time since they rolled out in 2014. The transition to digital is underway, but you can still enjoy the benefits of your MagicBand before Disney makes it official. Are Magic Bands Free? It also comes with a charging cable so you won't have to worry about it running out of battery (which can potentially happen over time with the original MagicBand). But with MagicBand+, I suspect we'll think a lot harder before choosing a new design to add to our stash thanks to the substantially higher cost. While these wearables are not as well-known as the MagicBands, they are worth considering for guests who prefer a different form factor. But it took him longer to unlock phone (especially with mask on, have to enter a code) than to just put the band up to the reader. Since I dont have a smart phone and dislike fumbling for a card I love the functionality of the magic bands. You might be wondering can you reuse magic bands well I am happy to report that I reuse mine all of the time! The Passive functions are those that are also supported by plastic cards, and require physically tapping the band against something: park/fastpass/hotel room entry, room charges, photopass linking, custom test track car, etc. However, only the new MagicBand+ will work at Disneyland. The setup for our four MagicBand+ additions to our Disney toolkit worked seamlessly, and there was virtually no learning curve to using them, so we were able to begin collecting characters in the Fab 50 game almost instantaneously. Back then, MagicBands were offered for free to Disney resort guests, and it's fair to say they ushered in a new, ubiquitous layer to Disney vacations. First, make sure your park tickets are linked to your My Disney Experience account. A MagicBand isnt worth it if youre only headed to Disney World or Disneyland for one day. Its easier to notice when a bright wristband isnt on your body than when your phones not in your pocket or bag. Any questions about Disneys Magic Bands? That said, the MagicMobile pass is ushering in a new era of contactless payment. When booking your trip, you will be given the option to purchase bands for all members of your party. Are Magic Bands Worth It? Benefits & Tips - Vacation Hype You can also find it at one of the following stores within Walt Disney World Resort: MagicBand+ is also expected to launch later this year at Disneyland Resort. For example, your phones battery life will be a significant consideration for a day at Disney World or Disneyland, and unless youre willing to stop and charge your phone, you may have difficulties keeping it alive. And while the MagicBand face has traditionally only had the Mickey design, MagicBand+ has unique designs on the face to better complement the style of the band. 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You can buy bands at other locations such as Amazon, but for ease of use and to make sure they will work for you, I suggest buying them from shopDisney directly. Another major difference from the original MagicBand is that the Magic Band Plus has a rechargeable battery. (Should You Buy It?). No benefit at this point. Then click My MagicBands and Cards. Walt Disney World is known for its stunning fireworks and projections, and MagicBand+ now helps elevate these events. My Disney Experience is both a mobile app and website that allows you to access your vacation plans and share plans with others. Our band showed two of three bars on the charging meter, which turned out to be enough for a half day of gaming in the parks. Or if you are into DIY, you can get some tattoos and nail gems for a few dollars and decorate away! Adding another layer of magic to your visit, MagicBand+ syncs with entertainment and iconic sights to make you a part of the show. 6 years ago. The charge should last 1-3 days depending on use, but its recommended that you charge the band each night. But with a price tag of $34.99 and above, we all want to know if it's worth it. MagicBand+ has officially launched at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Most guests have smartphones, and with the My Disney Experience app being free to download and use, for many, its just a no-brainer. We'll have more to share about this exciting new technology in the future, so keep following us here at the Disney Parks Blog for updates. If you (or your kids) want a themed band, like the ones we purchased, expect to spend more. They're invaluable if you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort in Orlando. Are Disney MagicBands worth it? A Disney MagicBand is a wearable device that allows guests to access various features and amenities in the parks. The My Disney Experience app is a free tool that can be downloaded on your smartphone. If guests encounter any issues with their MagicBands, they can visit a Guest Relations location for assistance. This trip I used my Magic band, kids used their magic bands, husband used the app. Best Add a Comment cornfrontation 5 yr. ago It does make getting into fast pass lines easier, though you can get a lanyard for your tickets and go that route. Best Add a Comment superherostitch 1 yr. ago Family of four, two kids. Many people have asked me Are Disney Magic Bands waterproof?. Original Magic Bands (aka Magic Bands 2.0) wont work. If you are getting closer to the correct door, your MagicBand+ will vibrate and light up green. Some of the functions of MagicBands include: Disney hotel room key, park admission medium, food/merchandise payment method, and FastPass ticket (when FastPasses existed). If you book with a third party (such as using Orbitz to take advantage of the great discounts) or a travel agent (I recommend Siera with Destinations in Florida) you will be able to add your reservation to your account with the confirmation number you receive at booking. There are no separate adult or child bands. My confirmation email says show bar code at park entrance They also require to see your ID. Most Disney World and Disneyland guests dont visit the parks frequently, so the band they get on their first trip is unlikely to be operational by their second. After you've located your bounty, head to the doorway to the right of the bounty board to collect your credits. Is that different than the Magic Key Pass holder account I have linked to my Magic Band? If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. This week, almost a decade after MagicBands first came on the scene, Disney has upgraded the experience again with the introduction of MagicBand+. It also says to pair each band in order to access interactive features. The closer you get to your bounty, the quicker your band will vibrate. Its grey on original Magic Bands and the same color as the rest of the band on Magic Band Plus. I do spend a little extra on buying colorful, character bands. Youre also less likely to lose your band if its securely fastened to your wrist. They will arrive in an unmarked box from the USPS. If you revert to a plastic card and dont use a band, do you lose out on accessing those photos? Is there any benefit besides putting your credit card for for and whatever purches ? Older magicbands do not work on the cruise ships. I let my littles use their magic band to scan for food/purchases/open hotel doors, etc. It is easy tolink PhotoPass pictures taken in the parks (such as at character Meet & Greets) to your My Disney Experience account with your MagicBand. Like the Disney Fab 50 Quest, you'll need the Play Disney Parks app to play Batuu Bounty Hunters. Note that the electronic ticket will get you in the park, but it will not do any of these other things. I find My Disney Experience pretty easy to use and access, particularly with the mobile app. Is MagicBand+ Worth it? - Disney by Mark The basic bands, which have no designs, are $34.99. You dont need to activate a MagicBand its fully operational from the moment you get it. There are pros and cons to whatever month you choose to visit Walt Disney World. While this feature is still being rolled out, it is a promising alternative to the MagicBands for guests who prefer not to wear a wristband. "Though Disney World has had support for MagicBand for years, the MagicBand+ is the first to be supported at Disneyland Resort. You can deactivate it if it gets lost, and since its connected to your park tickets and your hotel account, youll want to keep it close. So you can use the same Magic Band Plus at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World! Is Disneyland MagicBand+ Worth It? Prices, Tips, Info - Mickey Visit Disney also notes that MagicBand+ has a rechargeable battery. While the Fab 50 character interactions are cute (especially for kids), the shining star of MagicBand+ is the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters game in Hollywood Studios' Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. You can then take the active disc from the wrist band and place it in the keeper I usually attach this to my handbag or purse with its clip. Some folks use Disney's Magic Mobile service, while others still prefer the original MagicBands, even though they are no longer free. Disney MagicBands & New MagicBand+: Top 17 Questions Answered All opinions are my own. The major change was a small removable puck in the center of the band. Since we were already at Disney when they were released, we completed our purchase on-site and proceeded to update and configure a MagicBand+ for each member of our party. Deep themes abound, including immersive experiences like the Star Wars Halcyon Starcruiser. February 21, 2021 At the start of 2021, Disney stopped a somewhat popular program. According to Disney, you may be able to receive a special discount if you already have a Walt Disney World Resort reservation or are an Annual Passholder. Is Magic Band+ Worth It? - Double Your WDW The wristband can serve as your park pass and room key so you don't need to carry extra cards. However, guests who have MagicBands from previous trips can still use them in the parks as long as they are linked to their My Disney Experience account. We aren't staying on property, however I've decided to pay for the memory maker given the size of our group. Though the bands do contain an expiring battery that is used to interact with things like Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom and the scavenger-hunt type games in Epcot, using the band to open your hotel door, to tap into the park entries, etc. These bands have gained significant attention among park-goers, but are they truly a valuable addition to your Disney experience? MagicBands: Everything You Need to Know - Disney with Toddlers Its crucial to weigh these factors when deciding if Disney MagicBands are the right choice for your trip. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). I may even wear a belt bag with my resort mugs hanging from it, all while referencing my Passporter! (What is the Disney World Cost for 2 Adults?). Sorry I just saw this. I loveaffordable family travel (especially to Disney World) and saving money on everyday expenses. MagicBand+ also lights up and vibrates in conjunction with Disney's nighttime shows, such as Harmonious at Epcot and Disney Enchantment at the Magic Kingdom. Do You Need Magic Bands at Disney World? | Park Nerds In DisneyLand I basically wear a lanyard all day with my ticket in the clear portion. During shows like Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom Park and Harmonious at EPCOT, the wristband will light up in pulses and vibrate during key moments of these performances. Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Executive Director, We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Maybe after that they give you a card, but there is no mention of it? Next, add your pass to your phones digital wallet this can be Apple Wallet, Samsung Pay, or any other compatible cardless payment system. We are 15 people ranging ages 2 to 59. Most folks don't even carry plastic cards to access their tickets anymore. Also with the advent of the new Magic Band Plus (Disney loves adding a Plus to everything right?!) Here's how it saved me nearly 3 hours in line. Disney offers electronic tickets too. for shows and such. So I guess as long as you are in proximity of the paradge/event/show and it has a charge, you will be able to experience the lights and haptic vibrations on the magic band. Are Magic Bands Still Worth It? (Should You Buy It?) - Park Nerds That doesnt mean one wristband sorts you out for life, though they only have a lifespan of about two years.

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