Understanding Disney's Magicbands and Magicband+
It’s no secret that smartwatches and fitness trackers are on the rise. Studies show that around three in ten people have some kind of “smart wrist” device, a figure that has jumped by over 9% year-over-year. You can bet theme parks are taking notice!
As you plan your Walt Disney World vacation, you might see new wearable devices included in the features and goodies available to you. Along with other tech, Disney’s MagicBand and MagicBand+ can add a lot of convenience to any trip. From unlocking your hotel door to vibrating in key areas, these devices are often worth the cost.
However, new guests might be confused about what to expect. What are these magical bands, and how are they different? Let’s take a look at the basic MagicBand, the upgrades of MagicBand+, and how to decide which version you need.
What Are Disney MagicBands?
The original MagicBand, released in 2013, marked a huge change for park visitors. With a host of convenient features, these bands made park stays much more seamless. They also added an extra touch of magic to an already magical experience.
These small devices are waterproof wristbands that come in several solid colors. They include a tiny radio frequency (RFID) chip to function. This chip “unlocks” various experiences during your time at Disney.
Though these bands have gotten several tweaks over the years, today’s visitors will be using the MagicBand 2.0, released in 2017. These modified MagicBands can do a few helpful things:
- Unlock your room at a Disney hotel
- Enter a theme park after purchasing a valid ticket
- Pay for food, merchandise, and other purchases around the Disney parks and resorts
- Access your Lightning Lane reservation after booking
- Connect your Disney Photopass pictures to your My Disney Experience account
To connect with the experiences above, all you have to do is tap the Mickey symbol on the center of your band against a receiver. You’ll find these receivers at your hotel room door, checkout registers, Lightning Lane entrances, and other areas on Disney properties.
Disney MagicBands are inexpensive upgrades, costing between $10-25 depending on the style.
As you might expect, these digital wearables have been a huge hit. However, Disney wasn’t finished adding convenient guest experiences. The MagicBand+ adds a ton of interesting features to the classic band.
MagicBand+ Style Upgrades
The Disney MagicBand+, released in 2022, upgrades the experience of the traditional MagicBand.
These upgrades start with the wristband itself. While the traditional MagicBand comes in different colors, the MagicBand+ has a different, rounder style with a larger center circle.
In addition, though you can still get solid colors, the upgraded version can include fun Disney-themed designs. Users can choose bands that feature their favorite Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars character designs.
MagicBand+ Lights and Vibrations
These bands also feature color-changing light sequences and haptic vibrations. You can trigger these sequences during certain interactions around the Disney parks and resorts.
Your MagicBand+ may vibrate in time with the Magic Kingdom fireworks, for example. It will light up to signal success when you’re entering your Disney hotel room or a Lightning Lane. As you get close to park icons like Cinderella’s Castle or the Tree of Life, your band will light up in the area’s signature colors.
MagicBand+ Special Experiences
If your Walt Disney World vacation planning revolves around special experiences, you won’t want to skip MagicBands+. You can use these bands to access one-of-a-kind experiences throughout the parks.
Guests can use a MagicBand+ to enjoy the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters experience in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is a fun interactive game that uses the band’s lights and haptic feedback. As you move around the Black Spire Outpost, you’ll find virtual bounties hidden around the area.
Gesture recognition also allows visitors to interact with the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary statues around the parks.
MagicBand+ Setup
Where the original MagicBand only uses RFID technology, the lights and vibrations of the MagicBand+ require charging. These wristbands have rechargeable batteries and come with a small USB cord upon purchase.
On average, the battery of a MagicBand+ will last between 24-72 hours. The average charging time is around 90 minutes.
Setup is easy. You’ll start by powering on your MagicBand+ and tapping it against your phone. Your phone should prompt you to open the My Disney Experience app.
From there, your screen will direct you to link your MagicBand+ to your Disney account and pair it to your phone. You can use the app to customize your band’s settings and preferences. This includes turning the vibrations on or off and changing the color of the lights.
MagicBand+ Cost
Thanks to the added features of the MagicBand+, these wearables are more expensive than the traditional MagicBand. You will pay around $35 for a solid MagicBand and $45 for a themed option. However, if you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, you may get a discount on your MagicBand+.
Like the traditional MagicBand, you can buy these bands at shopdisney.com or most stores throughout the Walt Disney World parks and resorts.
Which Should You Choose
Should you choose MagicBands or MagicBands+ for your Walt Disney World vacation? The answer depends on your preferences!
Both of these bands are worth the cost for the right guest, especially if you’re staying at a Disney resort. The original MagicBand offers plenty of convenience at a low cost. For many Disney visitors who only need the basic functions of these bands, the MagicBand is a good choice.
If children are a big part of your Walt Disney World vacation planning, however, a MagicBand+ can be a fun addition to the experience. These bands are also great for Disney enthusiasts who want to add an extra dose of magic to their experience.
Upgrade Your Walt Disney World Vacation
When you want some extra convenience on your Walt Disney World vacation, these wearable bands make great upgrades. Whether you want the simplicity of the MagicBand or the spectacle of the MagicBand+, these unique items can improve your Disney experience.
As you plan the details of your trip, let Finding the Magic Travel pave the way! We can help you navigate tricky decisions like this one and much more. Feel free to contact us with questions at any time.