Any chance we get a Magic Band redesign?

[sportsfrk214]

I got back from Disney World recently and had my first experience with the Magic Bands. I was overly impressed with how the entire system worked, and found it to be a simple experience that required little effort on my part. However, I can't say the same for the bands themselves. I know others may disagree, but I found them to be incredibly uncomfortable. A human wrist is oval, but because the top of the band (where the electronics are) is long and has zero give, it creates something that doesn't fit naturally. I found the band fitting overly snug on the top and bottom of my wrist, and very loose on the sides. I kept fiddling with it all day, and found myself happy when I could take it off for the day.

Seeing as the band is a technology product, I don't think it's unfair to say this could be considered a first generation product that could be updated in the future. I was simply wondering if anyone had heard any rumors, or could speculate on the chances we'd see a redesigned Magic Band within the next few years. Ideally, the electronics section could be smaller, that way the band can bend into a more natural oval shape. Any thoughts?

 

[rteetz]

I got back from Disney World recently and had my first experience with the Magic Bands. I was overly impressed with how the entire system worked, and found it to be a simple experience that required little effort on my part. However, I can't say the same for the bands themselves. I know others may disagree, but I found them to be incredibly uncomfortable. A human wrist is oval, but because the top of the band (where the electronics are) is long and has zero give, it creates something that doesn't fit naturally. I found the band fitting overly snug on the top and bottom of my wrist, and very loose on the sides. I kept fiddling with it all day, and found myself happy when I could take it off for the day.

Seeing as the band is a technology product, I don't think it's unfair to say this could be considered a first generation product that could be updated in the future. I was simply wondering if anyone had heard any rumors, or could speculate on the chances we'd see a redesigned Magic Band within the next few years. Ideally, the electronics section could be smaller, that way the band can bend into a more natural oval shape. Any thoughts?

At this time I don't think so. I do however think in the coming years apple watches could also serve as your magic band. Disney will continue sell themed magicbands to make money of course.

 

[OKW Lover]

I think there will be a revision to the MB's in a few years. I'm thinking different materials and a more wrist-watch type design for the band. With the current bands the only really important part is the area encompassing the Mickey head. The rest of the band is just there to hold it onto your wrist. It would also be possible to just have that "business end" attached to a lanyard or a retractable belt loop clip.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I think there will be a revision to the MB's in a few years. I'm thinking different materials and a more wrist-watch type design for the band. With the current bands the only really important part is the area encompassing the Mickey head. The rest of the band is just there to hold it onto your wrist. It would also be possible to just have that "business end" attached to a lanyard or a retractable belt loop clip.

We'll use our first MBs in a couple mos, but I'd love the option to have it on a lanyard or clip (like an ID tag) instead of having to wear the bracelet. I don't normally like wearing bracelets anyway, and maybe I'm being vain, but I'm not looking forward to sporting a weird looking tan line on my wrist. Although, maybe that'll identify me as a Disney lover for the rest of the summer...

 

[nicolepitts]

After two of our kids lost one on the first day of our last trip we put ours on lanyards I wore one and my husband wore one and we just scanned the kids for whenever that was needed.

 

[minniemouseforever]

I don't normally like wearing bracelets anyway.

This is especially true for those of with DISabilities that have tactile issue. Something that could be clipped onto something would be much better.

 

[DDLand]

I got back from Disney World recently and had my first experience with the Magic Bands. I was overly impressed with how the entire system worked, and found it to be a simple experience that required little effort on my part. However, I can't say the same for the bands themselves. I know others may disagree, but I found them to be incredibly uncomfortable. A human wrist is oval, but because the top of the band (where the electronics are) is long and has zero give, it creates something that doesn't fit naturally. I found the band fitting overly snug on the top and bottom of my wrist, and very loose on the sides. I kept fiddling with it all day, and found myself happy when I could take it off for the day.

Seeing as the band is a technology product, I don't think it's unfair to say this could be considered a first generation product that could be updated in the future. I was simply wondering if anyone had heard any rumors, or could speculate on the chances we'd see a redesigned Magic Band within the next few years. Ideally, the electronics section could be smaller, that way the band can bend into a more natural oval shape. Any thoughts?

Don't expect any changes for the time being. The current Magic Bands should be able to last for years to come. Disney wants longterm ROI right now.

Now as for other Magic Band type options? Maybe. The other advatage of the bands is they're cheap and uniform. I don't know if they'll want to mess with that for now. It would be a niche market at best.

 

[rteetz]

Don't expect any changes for the time being. The current Magic Bands should be able to last for years to come. Disney wants longterm ROI right now.

Now as for other Magic Band type options? Maybe. The other advatage of the bands is they're cheap and uniform. I don't know if they'll want to mess with that for now. It would be a niche market at best.

I think the next type of magicband will be the apple watch, the tech is there Apple just has to give developers the possibility.

 

[wareagle57]

I did not like how the magic bands felt either. It seemed like the only semi-comfortable way to wear them was sideways. So I decided to just attach mine to a retractable lanyard clip and then put a carabiner on the other end for my belt loop. But about halfway through the trip I got tired of using it for some reason and I got used to wearing it around my wrist.

 

[amberama76]

This is what I am soooo afraid of. I have issues with rubbery things on my skin! I just asked on a facebook planning board if anyone had an old one they would be willing to send me so I could get used to wearing the thing before hand and luckily someone said they would send one to me. Hopefully she is able to follow through with that. I might have to make a fabric sleeve to put it in if I can't get used to it in the next two months!

 

[rteetz]

This is what I am soooo afraid of. I have issues with rubbery things on my skin! I just asked on a facebook planning board if anyone had an old one they would be willing to send me so I could get used to wearing the thing before hand and luckily someone said they would send one to me. Hopefully she is able to follow through with that. I might have to make a fabric sleeve to put it in if I can't get used to it in the next two months!

Disney also sells those sleeves and other accessories in the parks or online.

 

[DDLand]

I think the next type of magicband will be the apple watch, the tech is there Apple just has to give developers the possibility.

I'm excited about the possibilities there. I've seen that talked about on Apple blogs too. Still Disney's going to have to keep their proprietary standard around until My Magic becomes something else.

It does show how brilliant Disney was. My Magic is completly compatible with major contactless data transfer methods, and I doubt Apple Watch will be the only product that can have this funtionality down the line.

Apple Watch will on the other hand be (after receiving the functionality) the best looking Magic Band. Sorry Olaf and Darth.

 

[sportsfrk214]

I'm not asking for Disney to do anything radical. Just a design that contours to your wrist a little better. Maybe I have large wrist so it feels different to me. I could easily see them releasing an update where they just quietly tweak the design, but who knows when they'd ever do this.

 

[HopperFan]

I doubt we'll see a change in the near future. Am sure they worked with designers to find a shape that was as generic as possible regarding wrist shapes. If they were open to changes, I would have expected that before they started selling all these themed ones that they are releasing each month. The problem is, on top of redesign, changing the production line would involve more than a tweak and drive the cost of the project up.

There is just no way to make it work for everyone. From their point of view I doubt they see a problem and will leave it to individual guests to wear it in a way comfortable to them. Tight or loose, add one of their fabric sleeves. I have seen many on lanyards, looped on backpacks, one parent wearing several and even seen folks just pull it out of their bag like a hard ticket or old KTTW.

I don't wear a watch or bangles or anything stiff on my wrists. I was worried. The first trip I wore one, it fit my wrist shape fairly well, I easily got used to it and actually still had it on days after I got home because I forgot it was there. My DS is disabled and hates things on his arms, he has no issues with the band and is able to get it lined up at the scanners. I can see them adding the "chip" to other items such as the watch for guests to purchase for a pretty price, but as far as the basic band I think it will stay this way for a while.

 

[JasonDeyoung30]

Heck Id be happy with just some new colors

 

[FamilyMan4]

Heck Id be happy with just some new colors

Id also be happy with paying a little extra for an Open Edition that you can buy at the parks, rather than get there, get a MB for checking into the resort hotel, then getting to the parks and buying an open edition and have two bands to deal with

 

[Lewisc]

Disney spent a lot of resources coming up with a design which is inexpensive and which fits comfortably for the vast majority of guests. I borrowed this link from another thread.
http://www.wired.com/2015/03/disney-magicband/ Disney considerations alternatives including a lanyard and a hat. The design may not be comfortable for everyone but I've read very few complaints.

I think the chance of a new design is near zero.

Prior to my last trip to WDW I thought a logical extension would be a watch which included a magic band. Disney discontinued the holiday watch promotion. I understand a decreasing number of people wear watches.

The next logical step would be integrating the "magic band" system with a smartphone. Some hotels are letting guests use a smartphone in place of a proximity key for hotel entry. Absolutely no reason why an Apple watch would be required. Possible issues include guests leaving their phone in their hotel room, dead batteries and guests visiting water parks. Magic bands can get wet, smartphone not as much.

 

[pooh2001]

Can you cut the magic band near the electronics section, leaving a few 'holes' in the band on either side.
Then attach the holes of the MB to a lanyard ?

Or turn the MB into the child size and hang it on a lanyard ?

Would that be a better way to wear/use the MB?

 

[yitbos96bb]

I got back from Disney World recently and had my first experience with the Magic Bands. I was overly impressed with how the entire system worked, and found it to be a simple experience that required little effort on my part. However, I can't say the same for the bands themselves. I know others may disagree, but I found them to be incredibly uncomfortable. A human wrist is oval, but because the top of the band (where the electronics are) is long and has zero give, it creates something that doesn't fit naturally. I found the band fitting overly snug on the top and bottom of my wrist, and very loose on the sides. I kept fiddling with it all day, and found myself happy when I could take it off for the day.

Seeing as the band is a technology product, I don't think it's unfair to say this could be considered a first generation product that could be updated in the future. I was simply wondering if anyone had heard any rumors, or could speculate on the chances we'd see a redesigned Magic Band within the next few years. Ideally, the electronics section could be smaller, that way the band can bend into a more natural oval shape. Any thoughts?

I find them uncomfortable too, much like a watch. I wear the magic band with the band part on the under part of my wrist vs on top. Way more comfortable.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Disney spent a lot of resources coming up with a design which is inexpensive and which fits comfortably for the vast majority of guests. I borrowed this link from another thread.
http://www.wired.com/2015/03/disney-magicband/ Disney considerations alternatives including a lanyard and a hat. The design may not be comfortable for everyone but I've read very few complaints.

I think the chance of a new design is near zero.

Prior to my last trip to WDW I thought a logical extension would be a watch which included a magic band. Disney discontinued the holiday watch promotion. I understand a decreasing number of people wear watches.

The next logical step would be integrating the "magic band" system with a smartphone. Some hotels are letting guests use a smartphone in place of a proximity key for hotel entry. Absolutely no reason why an Apple watch would be required. Possible issues include guests leaving their phone in their hotel room, dead batteries and guests visiting water parks. Magic bands can get wet, smartphone not as much.

I'm surprised they don't sell alan yard or hat version. More money.