However, if we asked our kids whether they wanted the new band or would prefer we hand them $50 to buy more toys, I suspect those bands would have remained on the shelf. (What is the Disney World Cost for 2 Adults?). Just to clarify a fact for those who like using them, most functionalities of the band do NOT have an expiration date. Other than the price, the only drawback we see to MagicBand+ is needing to remember to charge it when you get back to your hotel at night. Will I be able to link my Disney tickets to my magic bands online before we go, saving us doing it on our first day (bearing in mind we're staying off-site? Hence, to get one, you'd need to purchase it. Related: How to plan an epic Disney 'Star Wars' trip that doesn't cost $6,000. While the MagicBand Plus offers additional features such as haptic and light-up effects, not all guests may find these features necessary or beneficial. They are also sometimes referred to as Disney Bands, bracelets for Disney, or Disney wristbands. First published January 29, 2021. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. I called WDW and talked to a CM. Only the current MagicBand+ can be used. 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. You might be wondering can you reuse magic bands well I am happy to report that I reuse mine all of the time! We are going in July. A bar code is emailed to you. All other functionalities like linking to park . Though the MagicBand freebies are over, you can still buy new bands. For more TPG news and deals delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Hi Leah! But in the real world, people report using them for WAY longer than that! (And yes, they did allow Disney to keep an eye on where you made purchases, where crowds were forming, etc.). One big bummer about the new MagicBand+ is it is yet another thing you need to keep charged while at Disney World. If youre with a large group, every party member requires a card, and, like the MagicBand, remember to keep them safe. 4) Follow the directions in the app to link your band to your Disney account, assign it to someone, and pair it with your device. I have a 2 year old whom I bought a magic band for but my guess is it will not work with the lights and haptic vibrations if it's not linked to a pass/ticket. If you have heard that MagicBands are free with your stay, this is no longer true. What is a Disney MagicBand+? If you need to access Friends and Family members passes, just double-click the side or home button (on iPhones) to swipe through the other passes. Youre also better off with a MagicBand if youre likely to forget or lose your phone. Thank you so much for this very detailed post. When I first used a MagicBand, back in the olden days of 2013, my reaction was, MARVELOUS! Seven years laters, my feeling is a more neutral, Meh.. Or if you are into DIY, you can get some tattoos and nail gems for a few dollars and decorate away! There's only one way to find out, so my family plunked down $150 (with the annual pass discount) for our four MagicBands the day they debuted and set out to put them to the test. However, with the introduction of new technologies such as Magic Mobile, its possible that Disney may shift its focus away from the physical wristbands in the future. We certainly think so! You can play as little or as long as you like and the app will save your progress so you can pick the game back up on future trips. Opinions are the author's and not financial or legal advice. Since Magic Bands last for years, if you can break the cost up over several trips (and get them at a discount through Disney) then they are a no-brainer. Ride photos will also magically appear in your account soon after riding. The designs are really cool, so the chances your kids will want an upgrade from a solid color band are pretty high. MagicBand+ is officially available for purchase as of July 27th and will come in over 25 different designs. 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. There is even a Disney gift shop at Orlando International Airport that carries MagicBands. You might be wondering what makes Magic Band Plus different from the original Magic Bands and if they are worth the additional cost. ), A Look Back at The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 1994, Five Things to Know About Slinky Dog Dash. You can connect your tickets to a band, it doesnt matter how you bought them. Maybe after that they give you a card, but there is no mention of it? 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. 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). Also with the advent of the new Magic Band Plus (Disney loves adding a Plus to everything right?!) 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. However, the world of Disney MagicBands can quickly become complex, with different types, designs, and functionalities. Log into your account. I do love using the MB to charge things, which you can't do without staying on property, but that's not the only benefit. The only thing a MB would do that a ticket wouldn't is to capture ride photos or videos if you have purchased Memory Maker. I got one when I went with my Dad last month (the first time I had been to Disney in 20+ years) and none of us really understood the point. 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). We've been three times recently and can't make sense of when they charge and why lol. scan the MagicBand with your phone to link it. Please leave a comment below or join the discussion over in my FREE private Facebook group for my Disney site, The Budget Mouse! Great article on pros and cons. Each MagicBand+ comes with a charging cable with a USB-A connection and this is an important change with the latest version, as you'll get just hours with these new bands instead of years like the old MagicBands provided with their original batteries. MagicBand+ is a new evolution of Disney's MagicBand, a hands-free device that has been around for nearly a decade and lets Walt Disney World Resort guests enter the parks (with valid admission),. They make everything SO MUCH EASIER and are just a lot of fun! They have their pros and cons, but theres no doubt they remove some of the stress during your time at the park. While the feature is still being rolled out and may not be available on all devices, it is a promising alternative to the physical MagicBands. While they offer undeniable convenience and customization, potential comfort and operational issues might sway some guests opinions. They've been in the Walt Disney World parks since 2013. Whats your current thinking on MagicBands? Doesn't have any of the interactive features, but they are FREE, which is very rare at Disney!! Disney MagicBands are not necessary to enjoy a trip to the parks, but they can make the experience more convenient and efficient. At first glance, Disney MagicBands may seem like a simple accessory to enhance your park experience. 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. So I'll have to sacrifice mine so that my daughter can use hers and see all the lights/haptic vibrations etc. The software update took less than 10 minutes using Disney's Wi-Fi. I think this would be best used for antsy kids who aren't interested in sitting through the fireworks. When deciding, are Disney MagicBands worth it, there are several factors to consider. I loveaffordable family travel (especially to Disney World) and saving money on everyday expenses. If you dont live in the US, your MagicBands will be waiting for you at your hotel when you arrive. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Since I dont have a smart phone and dislike fumbling for a card I love the functionality of the magic bands. Are MagicBands Worth It For A Single-Day Visit? 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. What is the Disney World Cost for 2 Adults? Prices range from about $10.00 for a solid color version (the ones that used to be free), purchased online by a Disney hotel guest in advance, to about $20.00-$40.00 for fancy themed versions sold in the parks and on shopDisney.com. 33 reviews. If youre staying at a Disney Resort hotel, youll receive a complimentary MagicBand for each guest in your party. Next, add your pass to your phones digital wallet this can be Apple Wallet, Samsung Pay, or any other compatible cardless payment system. Related: 19 mistakes to avoid at Walt Disney World. I took advantage of this new feature to mix up our wristband colors for one of our trips. You do not need a card to enter the park, at least initially. If youre staying off property you can use a Magic Band as your park admission, to check in for Lightning Lanes, access the Disney World Virtual Queue, and for Photo Pass. If I am just heading to the food court or to the pool for the afternoon, I dont take anything else with me. Related: It's a changed world after all: 9 things you must know if you're heading to Disney World. If it does lose its charge while you are still in the parks, the standard MagicBand functions like tapping into the park and entering your hotel room will still work, but the interactive games will not. When I first used a MagicBand, back in the olden days of 2103. Definitely yes - Magic Bands are worth it if you plan to visit Disney World in the future again. I may even wear a belt bag with my resort mugs hanging from it, all while referencing my Passporter! The alternative to having a MagicBand is that your Disney resort will give you a standard plastic card use as a room key and hotel ID. I just have one more question: We have four adults in our group. Having both as free options would be nice as it brings about an element of choice, but its also easy to understand the shift to digital passes. We are staying at a Disney Resorr, do we buy them there? A basic band costs $19.99, while those with more intricate designs cost $24.99 and above. Ive now done both DisneyLand and World and have to say that the ease of the magic band, especially considering I was on a DAS pass, made the visit so much easier. 17 helpful votes. If youre planning a one-day visit, carry physical tickets or use the app to access them. For those of you with Pokmon Go experience, it was very similar. MagicBand+ is a new evolution of Disney's MagicBand, a hands-free device that has been around for nearly a decade and lets Walt Disney World Resort guests enter the parks (with valid admission), open their hotel rooms and more. It works magic during a Walt Disney World vacation! We aren't staying on property, however I've decided to pay for the memory maker given the size of our group. We saw bands priced as high as $44.99. In most cases, this feature is automatically activated, but if it isnt, I recommend turning on Express Mode manually. Its basically a way to access MagicBand features using eligible iPhones or Google Pay-enabled Android phones. @Erin: I was surprised that your pros & cons didnt make mention of the on-ride photo functionality. To help you decide whether a MagicBand is something you want to pay for, here are some of the pros and cons of MagicBands. Magic Bands worth it for 2021 Disney trip? 14. You may get a better selection than what is available online! If you dont really care about these interactive features, then you are fine sticking with the original Magic Band. (I never understood the logic of eliminating the FastPass for COVID; in fact, I thought Disney should have expanded it and eliminated the standby lines for COVID safety. Most guests have smartphones, and with the My Disney Experience app being free to download and use, for many, its just a no-brainer. Here's how it saved me nearly 3 hours in line. No, you can pair others' bands as long as they are linked as your Family & Friends. In addition to all of the same basic features of the original bands, these bands feature interactive color-changing lights and haptic vibrations when you are in the theme parks! to use your band. What Are The Advantages Of MagicBands Over MagicMobile? Here are some tips that we learned during our experience: Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters: Your job is to locate and collect targets hidden behind doors throughout Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. When we go this year, it will be our first visit since 2007. Then you just tap your phone (or Apple Watch) against a touch point to take advantage of the features. Do the bands make entering park/using FP easier? Disney MagicBands are plastic bracelets that are worn you can use throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. If youre serious about savings, youre better off using a MagicMobile pass from the Disney app or getting a Key to the World card. You can also subscribe without commenting. If you misplace your phone and cant access the My Disney Experience app, any Guest Relations location at the park can help you. My family (parents, siblings, siblings spouses, nieces, nephews, husband, daughter and I) is going to DW the week of Thanksgiving. Wave your hand in front of each statue to help Tinker Bell spread pixie dust; the statues will then greet with you a reaction like a catchphrase or a short musical tune. A power bank is a good option to help with this, and I recommend bringing one on your trip. But they are no longer waiting to charge everything the night before checkout so I will update the post! If you are getting further away, it'll turn red. Sorry I just saw this. This keeps them safe in the event you lose your band. Double the price for some haptics seemed a little ridiculous. Disney says the batteries are designed to last for 2 years. Now the pricing is important to note. While Disney MagicBands offer a convenient and all-in-one tool for park entry, FastPass+ reservations, and purchases, they may not be the best option for all guests. anyone else notice the cheapest magic bands are now $10.00? Will the room charges reconcile the night before checkout? Magic Bands are adjustable, waterproof wristbands that have a small radio frequency (RF) chip inside. The most affordable MagicBand+ bands feature a solid color and start at $34.99 before any potential discounts. For frequent . You will love the convenience of being able to open your hotel room and charge purchases back to your room with your Magic Band. 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. You can also use them to open the door to your Disney Resort hotel room, charge park purchases to your room (during your stay), and connect your PhotoPass images to your Disney account. You may have noticed that Magic Bands come in one size only. Makes it so easy compared to using a phone for everything." MagicBands at World of Disney A Disney MagicBand is a wearable device that allows guests to access various features and amenities in the parks. These last two options are free and perform the same functions as a MagicBand. Yes, Magic Bands are reusable. It provides many of the same functions as the MagicBands, including park entry, FastPass+ reservations, and purchasing items. Usually, all you have to do is touch the MagicBand to a sensor (called a touch point), and youre good to go. Currently, your standard Disney magic band sells for around $19.99 at shopDisney. I have MagicBands from 2014 that still function. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. A few years ago Disney revamped the design of the MagicBand for the first time since they rolled out in 2014. Additionally, issues with the MagicBands not working properly can add to the frustration. The wristband can serve as your park pass and room key so you don't need to carry extra cards. 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. While Disney has not made any official announcements regarding the future of MagicBands, the company has been rolling out new technologies such as Magic Mobile that may eventually replace the physical wristbands. You will (or already have) set up and manage an account for your 2-year-old. Additionally, the bands can be customized with different designs and colors, allowing for a personalized park experience. When pondering the question, Are Disney MagicBands worth it?, its essential to dive deep into the pros and cons of using Disney MagicBands. The new Magic Band Plus on the shopDisney site starts at $34.99. The fact that you can use your band to buy things makes some folks worried. (Should You Buy It?) But what are the differences between the two? join the discussion over in my FREE private Facebook group for my Disney site, The Budget Mouse! Home Frugal Travel Disney World Disney Magic Bands Ultimate Guide. Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. Disney World changed the way people paid and moved about its parks in 2013 when it first introduced MagicBands. That is why they allow you to use your Lightning Lane reservations and park tickets that are in your account. As you get close to them, your MagicBand+ will light up in these signature colors and use subtle vibrations to bring the experiences to life. If you buy solid color bands in the parks, they cost about $15 each. Disney World has a reputation for creating some of the most stunning attractions. Learn about the MagicBand+ Cost and if this lil piece of tech is worth the price tag. 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. When you make a resort reservation directly with Disney, your reservation will automatically appear in your My Disney Experience account. Copyright 2022 Frugal Travel Productions LLC | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, purchase a MagicBand Plus from shopDisney, Get the lowdown on using Genie + and the Lightning Lanes at Disney World in this post, such as using Orbitz to take advantage of the great discounts, this MagicBand puck holder that slides onto your watch wristband, how to turn your Apple watch into a MagicBand. All opinions are my own. As mentioned previously, the price of the bands can range from $19.99 for the original MagicBand to $34.99 for the MagicBand Plus. A MagicBand isnt worth it if youre only headed to Disney World or Disneyland for one day. Disney also sells the chargers separately if yours gets lost or broken. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Educate me on magic bands. While you dont need a Magic Band at Disney World, it can help make your vacation MUCH easier. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. And, as far as limited-edition bands are concerned, they can reach a price upwards of $50. This site is not authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc. or any of their affiliates. In a nutshell, a MagicBand is a wearable device that lets you tap into the magic of Walt Disney World Resort. Firstly, the frequency of park visits can determine are Disney MagicBands worth it. A MagicMobile pass is a digital alternative to the MagicBand available through the My Disney Experience app. for shows and such. 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. Find the right card for you. 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. In my experience, it takes about a week or two to receive them. With shimmering decorations to celebrate the 50th Anniversary, each of the four icons (Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, The Hollywood Tower Hotel and Tree of Life) have their own EARidescent glow. Once you get the MagicBand+, you can link it to your account and pair to your smartphone to customize its settings and match your preferences, like which colors you want it to glow and whether the vibration is on or off. The bands should charge completely in about 90 minutes. Note that the electronic ticket will get you in the park, but it will not do any of these other things. Whether buying a MagicBand is worth it (now) depends on your preference. Its crucial to weigh these factors when deciding if Disney MagicBands are the right choice for your trip. So, what can these bands do exactly and is the new Disney MagicBand+ worth the added cost? I bought a magic band keeper from WDW Ive seen them on websites like Etsy as well with the WDW keepers you get a little screwdriver. The upgrades for MagicBand+ combine these convenient features with new immersive experiences, like LED lights, vibrations and gesture recognition that let you become a part of the magic in the parks. 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. We saw a huge selection at Pin Traders at Disney Springs. Go to the My Disney Experience tab. You'll know that you are close to a statue because the band will start to vibrate to notify you. MagicBand+ has more features over the previous MagicBand 2.0 bands, including being rechargeable and interacting with various features in the parks like nighttime shows, statues, and several elements in Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios. MagicBand+ reacts to entertainment and interactive elements in the park. Once we found the statue, we waved our arms in front of it a few times per the instructions and were rewarded with different audio at each statue (themed to the statue, of course). Then, you'll need to make sure the battery is charged enough to use it for the new interactive game (more on that in a bit). The cheapest MB I can find are 34. Magic bands, worth it? Youll get a shipping notification in My Disney Experience along with a tracking number so you can make sure your package arrives safely. You dont need to buy a MagicBand or set up a MagicMobile pass. Save Disney's new Magic Band+ launched in August 2022, and promised several fun features that would make time spent at the parks more fun and interactive. The expense is nil for having something cute to wear and look at. However, if youre not staying at a Disney Resort hotel or if you want to purchase a different design, you may need to do some research to find out where you can buy MagicBands online or in select stores at the parks. You can purchase it at ShopDisney.com, or guests with upcoming reservations can purchase it through their My Disney Experience account. Another major difference from the original MagicBand is that the Magic Band Plus has a rechargeable battery. The process of obtaining Disney MagicBands can be confusing and overwhelming for first-time visitors. 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. First, you'll need to periodically update the software on your MagicBand+. I've been to every continent except Antarctica, and I always looking for the next adventure. , Many young children are strongly attached to a transitional object, commonly known as a lovey. With these alternatives to the Disney MagicBands, guests can still enjoy a convenient and seamless park experience without having to wear a wristband. You are correct that if youre staying off site, you cant charge food/merch to your band and you obviously cant open your room with a band. Save time by quickly paying for food and merchandise on your MagicBand+. 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. If you want a pattern on yours like your favorite Disney princess or Star Wars character, prices start around $24.99 and can go up from there depending on the design. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. To set up a MagicMobile pass, log into your My Disney Experience app and pull up the apps menu. Any questions about Disneys Magic Bands? The fact you need to pay for a MagicBand while the digital alternative remains free of charge tells you all you need to know about the situation. Walt Disney World (FL) The Pros and Cons of MagicBands in 2021 June 16, 2021 Erin Foster 21 Comments MagicBands When I first used a MagicBand, back in the olden days of 2013, my reaction was, "MARVELOUS!" Seven years laters, my feeling is a more neutral, "Meh." Its grey on original Magic Bands and the same color as the rest of the band on Magic Band Plus. I have read of batteries lasting for up to five years. So even if you have a Magic Band from up to five years ago, I suggest bringing it along to test if it still works at Disney World. These include the Disney MagicKeepers and the Disney Smart Watches. If guests encounter any issues with their MagicBands, they can visit a Guest Relations location for assistance. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Now, unfortunately, a single wristband costs $19.99 in addition to the cost of the ticket. All 3 of our magic bands started lighting up. Ive seen my children just sitting and looking at theirs, possibly daydreaming of all they saw, heard, and experienced . What is a Magic Band? 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.
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