Magic Bands have two separate radio frequency identification (RFID) circuits... An RFID is little more than a unique identifier tag, it doesn't store any info it just links you to your My Disney Experience account.
- As Mrs.AMC notes, passive RFID relies on electromagnetic power from the reader (hotel room lock, turnstile, Lightning Lane scanner, payment pad, etc.), it only needs enough power to supply your tag info
- Active RFID has a battery is constantly and continuous broadcast your tag at a range of about ~15 feet (that can vary according to conditions). Rides read this tag and match it to your photos, videos (7DMT) , and can provide individualized interactions
Without a battery, you can still unlock your resort room, enter the park, enter lightning lanes, pay with MB, confirm tickets for any after-hours events, etc. But you would have to find your photo after the ride and manually touch the MB to the touch point to save it.