Every little thing you’ll want to learn about Disney Magic Bands plus my greatest ideas and methods!
MagicBands could be my favourite factor a couple of Disney World trip. They make every part SO MUCH EASIER and are simply quite a lot of enjoyable!
In case you are questioning what a Magic Band is or wish to study concerning the new Magic Band Plus, you’ve come to the best place.
What are Disney Magic Bands and do I want one?
Magic Bands are adjustable, waterproof wristbands which have a small radio frequency (RF) chip inside.
RF is a standard expertise present in every part from online game controllers to keyless automobile entry.
They’re additionally typically known as Disney Bands, bracelets for Disney, or Disney wristbands.
If you end up at Disney World, you need to use your Magic Band to:
- Unlock your resort resort room
- Enter theme parks (so long as you’ve bought a ticket, in fact)
- Entry your Lightning Lane reservations
- Cost purchases and eating again to your resort resort
- Add Disney PhotoPass footage to your account
You faucet the Mickey image in your Magic Band to a receiver in your room door, on the turnstiles, at checkout registers, and so forth. to make use of your band.
When you don’t want a Magic Band at Disney World, it could possibly assist make your trip MUCH simpler.
Learn on to study every part you’ll want to know to determine if it’s price it to purchase one in your journey!
What’s a Disney Magic Band Plus?
In July 2022 Disney launched a brand new era of Magic Bands – Disney Magic Band Plus.
Along with all the similar primary options of the unique bands, these bands function interactive color-changing lights and haptic vibrations when you find yourself within the theme parks!
For instance, they:
- Use gesture recognition to mean you can work together with golden sculptures present in all 4 parks
- Mild up in time with fireworks and different nighttime leisure
- Can be utilized in a digital bounty searching recreation in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios
One other main distinction from the unique MagicBand is that the Magic Band Plus has a chargeable battery.
If you buy a MagicBand Plus from shopDisney you’ll get a charger with a brief USB wire.
The cost ought to final 1-3 days relying on use, however it’s really useful that you just cost the band every evening.
The bands ought to cost utterly in about 90 minutes.
Nevertheless in case your MagicBand Plus runs out of battery, worry not! It is going to nonetheless perform as a daily Magic Band.
It simply gained’t mild up or work together within the parks.
Are Magic Bands Free?
Magic Bands had been supplied to each visitor staying at a Walt Disney World resort resort at no extra cost by way of the top of 2020.
Beginning in 2021, company should purchase a Magic Band in the event that they wish to use one throughout their keep.
So sadly, Magic Bands are not free.
Should you aren’t staying at a Disney resort you possibly can nonetheless purchase and use a Magic Band, although what you are able to do with it is going to be restricted (extra on this under).
How A lot Do Magic Bands Price?
The brand new Magic Band Plus on the shopDisney website begins at $34.99.
Click on right here to take a look at the MagicBand+ which might be at the moment accessible.
You should purchase bands at different areas resembling Amazon, however for ease of use and to ensure they are going to give you the results you want, I counsel shopping for them from shopDisney instantly.
You probably have an upcoming Disney World resort reservation, you might be able to get discounted bands! Learn on to learn the way. 🙂
After you buy a Magic Band you possibly can hyperlink it to your My Disney Expertise account.
You may then use your MagicBand to enter the theme parks and verify in for Lightning Lane reservations. (Get the lowdown on utilizing Genie + and the Lightning Lanes at Disney World on this submit)
The place To Purchase Magic Bands
As I discussed, you possibly can purchase Magic Bands on-line from shopDisney earlier than your journey whether or not you’re staying at a Disney resort or not.
An alternative choice is to purchase Magic bands in a present store at Disney World when you arrive. You could get a greater choice than what is on the market on-line!
There may be even a Disney present store at Orlando Worldwide Airport that carries MagicBands.
I like to recommend shopping for them there so you possibly can set them up earlier than you hit Walt Disney World property!
Do I Want a Magic Band If I’m Staying Off Property?
Should you aren’t staying at a Disney-owned resort you possibly can nonetheless use a Magic Band, although what you are able to do with it’s restricted.
Should you’re staying “off property” you need to use a Magic Band as your park admission, to verify in for Lightning Lanes, entry the Disney World Digital Queue, and for Picture Cross.
You’ll NOT be capable of cost purchases in your band, nonetheless.
How do you get low cost Disney Magic Bands?
You probably have a reservation at a Disney World Resort resort, you might be able to pre-order Magic Bands in your journey at a reduction!
In My Disney Expertise, choose “My Magic Bands and Playing cards”.
Relying on availability, you might be able to buy solid-colored common MagicBands beginning at solely $10 every (the common worth is $19.99).
However it’s a must to order by way of the My Disney Expertise app or website to get these low cost Magic Bands.
You may as well order Magic Band Plus and specialty bands at a reduced worth.
Are Disney Magic Bands price it?
In case you are staying at a Disney World Resort resort and can be capable of use your Magic Band a number of instances, then the reply to the query “Are Disney Magic Bands price it?” is unquestionably YES!
You’ll love the comfort of with the ability to open your resort room and cost purchases again to your room along with your Magic Band.
In addition they make redeeming Lightning Lane reservations SO MUCH simpler, because you simply faucet your wrist to the turnstile.
Since Magic Bands final for years, if you happen to can break the price up over a number of journeys (and get them at a reduction by way of Disney) then they’re a no brainer.
Nevertheless, if you happen to aren’t staying at a Disney World resort and are solely visiting as soon as, I don’t assume it is sensible to put money into a Magic Band.
Learn on to discover ways to use your cellphone as a substitute of a Magic Band and save your cash for another enjoyable expertise in your trip.
Can I Use My Cellphone as a substitute of a MagicBand?
Sure, normally you need to use your cellphone as a substitute of a MagicBand within the Disney World theme parks!
You probably have an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Google Pay enabled Android cellphone, you need to use your cellphone for theme park entry and to redeem Lightning Lane reservations.
First, be certain your park tickets are linked to your My Disney Expertise account.
Then, click on the hamburger menu within the backside proper nook of the app, and choose Disney MagicMobile.
From there you possibly can arrange a Magic Cellular move for your self and people linked in your Household and Pals.
When you arrange your move, it is possible for you to to only maintain your cellphone as much as the turnstile (no must unlock your cellphone) and scan it as you’d a magic band for park entry.
If you’ll want to entry Pals’ and Members of the family’ passes, simply double-click the aspect or house button (on iPhones) to swipe by way of the opposite passes.
Magic Cellular is a good different to a Magic Band in case you are staying off-property or solely visiting as soon as and don’t wish to spend the additional cash on a Disney wristband.
How do I arrange my MagicBand Plus?
Right here’s arrange your Magic Band Plus based on Disney:
1) Flip the band on by urgent the ability button on the again as soon as.
2) Faucet the band to your cellphone.
3) You’ll be directed to obtain or open the My Disney Expertise app in your cellphone.
4) Comply with the instructions within the app to hyperlink your band to your Disney account, assign it to somebody, and pair it along with your gadget.
That mentioned, this course of didn’t work for me.
I purchased a band from shopDisney and wanted to hyperlink it to my daughter’s account. My cellphone didn’t do something after I tapped it to my cellphone however I used to be capable of hyperlink it to her account right here.
You’ll then be capable of see in case your band is charged and if you’ll want to replace the software program (you normally will).
Do Magic Bands work at Disneyland?
I’m pleased to report that Disneyland parkgoers FINALLY can use Magic Bands within the west coast park beginning October twenty sixth, 2022.
Nevertheless, solely the brand new MagicBand+ will work at Disneyland. Authentic Magic Bands (aka Magic Bands 2.0) gained’t work.
So you need to use the identical Magic Band Plus at each Disneyland and Walt Disney World!
How Do MagicBands Work with My Disney Expertise?
My Disney Expertise is each a cellular app and web site that lets you entry your trip plans and share plans with others.
After you create a My Disney Expertise account, you’ll be capable of see your resort reservations, eating plans, Lightning Lane reservations, and park tickets.
I discover My Disney Expertise fairly straightforward to make use of and entry, notably with the cellular app.
MagicBands are basically a hyperlink to your My Disney Expertise account.
That’s the reason they mean you can use your Lightning Lane reservations and park tickets which might be in your account.
You probably have a number of MagicBands (since you are splitting your keep between two resorts, for instance) they can be utilized interchangeably as a result of they each hyperlink to your similar My Disney Expertise account.
Magic Band vs Magic Band +
You could be questioning what makes Magic Band Plus totally different from the unique Magic Bands and if they’re definitely worth the extra value.
First, the lowest-cost Magic Band is $19.99 and the lowest-cost Magic Band Plus is $34.99. So for a household of 4 who all need Magic Band+, you’re looking at an extra $60.
Each variations of Magic Band mean you can redeem Lightning Lane passes, use the bands as your ticket to enter the parks, make costs again to your room, and so forth.
The principle distinction between the kinds of bands is how interactive they’re. The brand new Magic Band Plus lights up and vibrates throughout firework reveals, on the Fiftieth-anniversary statues, and when you find yourself in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Should you don’t actually care about these interactive options, then you’re effective sticking with the unique Magic Band.
How Lengthy Do Magic Bands Final?
A query I get requested quite a bit within the feedback is “How lengthy do Magic Bands final?”
I”ve been capable of reuse my Magic Bands for as much as 4 years.
The truth is, I’ve by no means had a battery give out, however I haven’t tried to make use of it for past 4 years.
The official line from Disney is to anticipate the battery to final for 2 years.
However in the actual world, individuals report utilizing them for WAY longer than that!
So even if in case you have a Magic Band from as much as 5 years in the past, I counsel bringing it alongside to check if it nonetheless works at Disney World. The worst case is you’ll have to purchase a brand new band, however you should still have battery life left.
Are Magic Bands Reusable?
You could be questioning are you able to reuse magic bands… properly I’m pleased to report that I reuse mine all the time!
Sure, Magic Bands are reusable. They run off of a small battery contained in the band. Disney says the batteries are designed to final for two years. I’ve learn of batteries lasting for as much as 5 years.
Since a Disney Magic Band is only a hyperlink to your My Disney Expertise account, it may be used for a lot of journeys till the battery not works.
Are Disney Magic Bands Waterproof?
Many individuals have requested me “Are Disney Magic Bands waterproof?”
I’m pleased to report that sure, your Disney Bands are waterproof! You may put on them when you swim within the pool and on water sights with out damaging them in any manner.
How Can I Customise Our Bands?
If you make a resort reservation instantly with Disney, your reservation will routinely seem in your My Disney Expertise account.
Should you e-book with a 3rd occasion (resembling utilizing Orbitz to reap the benefits of the good reductions) or a journey agent (I like to recommend Siera with Locations in Florida) it is possible for you to so as to add your reservation to your account with the affirmation quantity you obtain at reserving.
If you order your Magic Band by way of My Disney Expertise you possibly can customise the band along with your title.
One other very reasonably priced option to get a customized look is to order a Magic Band decal on Etsy!
The vinyl decal is straightforward to use to your band and they’re just a few {dollars} every. We obtained a number of compliments on ours.
Or in case you are into DIY, you may get some tattoos and nail gems for just a few {dollars} and beautify away!
Get extra detailed directions on this Magic Band DIY strategy right here.
Additionally, you don’t need to be restricted to only sporting a band in your wrist! Because of the detachable puck within the Magic Band 2.0, you’ve a number of choices.
My favourite choice is this MagicBand puck holder that slides onto your watch wristband!
You should use it with an Apple watch (or any watch) and it could possibly provide help to preserve observe of your Lightning Lane return instances without having to have two bands in your wrist.
How Do I Get My MagicBands?
In case you are staying at a Disney resort, your Magic Bands shall be mailed to your property quickly after you organize them.
In my expertise, it takes a couple of week or two to obtain them.
Should you don’t dwell within the US, your MagicBands shall be ready for you at your resort once you arrive.
They are going to arrive in an unmarked field from the USPS.
So in case you are making an attempt to maintain your journey a secret, don’t fear – the field is not going to give it away!
You’ll get a transport notification in My Disney Expertise together with a monitoring quantity so you can also make certain your package deal arrives safely.
How Does Charging Purchases Work?
If you check-in in your keep, both on-line or in-person at your resort, it is possible for you to to place a bank card on file to cowl purchases charged again to your room.
Since your MagicBand acts as your room key and a hyperlink to your resort reservation, you need to use it to cost purchases again to your room account.
The truth that you need to use your band to purchase issues makes some people anxious.
To begin with, you arrange a four-digit PIN quantity once you check-in on-line or at your resort.
You then need to enter the PIN once you make a purchase order with the band. This retains them secure within the occasion you lose your band.
Your bank card on file is not going to be charged for all purchases made throughout your keep till midnight the evening earlier than you take a look at.
If you wish to pay any of your room costs with a present card, it’s essential to accomplish that earlier than then.
I’m not going to lie – it’s VERY arduous to maintain your spending in verify at Disney World usually. MagicBands make that even more durable!
So long as you are ready for that and have some sort of price range in place, I feel the benefit of paying for meals and extra along with your Magic Bands makes trip less complicated and extra having fun with.
Are There Baby Sized Magic Bands?
You will have observed that Magic Bands are available one measurement solely. There aren’t any separate grownup or baby bands.
It’s because you possibly can flip any MagicBand right into a child-sized band by eradicating the additional piece of versatile plastic that surrounds the band.
It’s gray on authentic Magic Bands and the identical colour as the remainder of the band on Magic Band Plus.
It will successfully shorten the band so it is going to match higher on a baby’s wrist.
What Else Do I Must Know About Disney Bands?
It’s straightforward to hyperlink PhotoPass footage taken within the parks (resembling at character Meet & Greets) to your My Disney Expertise account along with your MagicBand.
The photographer simply scans your band after taking your image and it reveals up in your account a short time later.
Experience photographs may also “magically” seem in your account quickly after using.
This image of my daughter screaming in terror on the TOTALLY MILD Frozen Ever After trip makes me chuckle so arduous I cry.
What’s Magic Band 2?
A number of years in the past Disney revamped the design of the MagicBand for the primary time since they rolled out in 2014.
The foremost change was a small detachable “puck” within the middle of the band. You may take away the puck by unscrewing two tiny screws behind the band – you’ll want a mini screwdriver to do that.
I took benefit of this new function to combine up our wristband colours for certainly one of our journeys. I feel they give the impression of being actually enjoyable!
You probably have an Apple Watch, take a look at flip your Apple watch right into a MagicBand!
Disney Magic Band Abstract
Magic Bands are additionally typically known as:
- Disney bands
- Disney wristbands
- Magic Bands Disney
- Disney arm bands
- Bracelets for Disney
Since I journey with somewhat one in tow, I normally don’t have an additional hand for digging round in a handbag or pocket for my room key or bank card. I LOVE having every part I want on my wrist.
Typically after we go away our resort room the one factor I’ve to recollect is our Magic Bands. If I’m simply heading to the meals court docket or to the pool for the afternoon, I don’t take the rest with me.
If I’m heading to the parks and taking a bag anyway, I’ll deliver my ID and a backup bank card, simply in case I get carded or one thing’s not working with my band (although this hasn’t ever occurred to me).
I hope this submit answered the favored “What’s Disney Magic Band?” query.
Any questions on Disneys Magic Bands? Please go away a remark under or be a part of the dialogue over in my FREE non-public Fb group for my Disney website, The Price range Mouse!
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