So I ended up being able to order upgraded magic bands through
shop Disney at the $10 price. They just arrived today and all are correct. Just thought I would share my experience here. I wasn't expecting a response given others experiences, but I decided to write guest services a respectful email expressing my frustration that they rolled this out without any restrictions on ordering. (i.e., People with sooner trips get to order first.) We check in July 9th. This is what I wrote:
Hello,
I would like to give a suggestion regarding your recent policy of allowing Disney resort hotel guests to purchase upgraded magic bands for $10. My family has an upcoming package booked at Caribbean Beach Resort for check in July 9. (Confirmation number XXXXXXX.) We only have one week left to customize our magic bands and have been unable to order upgraded bands because they sell out as soon as stock is released. I'm seeing reports on Disney message boards and facebook groups of people with reservations months and months out being able to upgrade their magic bands and the bands being shipped immediately. I really think you should consider opening a window for ordering upgraded magic bands depending on when a guest's trip is. (For example, one month before check in, similar to the advanced dining reservation and fast pass+ system.) This will allow guests with trips coming up soon to have priority and I would imagine it will help keep stock up since allowing anyone with a Disney resort reservation, regardless of trip date, seems to be causing them to sell out immediately. Since we only have a week left to customize our bands, I think it's unlikely we will get to participate in this and my family of 5 is disappointed. We were really excited about this new option! I hope you will consider the points I've made and think about editing your policy to allow everyone access to this new feature.
Thanks,
SBD78
As it turns out, I got a call from someone at guest services later that day with the offer to purchase upgraded bands for $10 out of whatever available stock shop Disney had. (Excluding special edition bands.) I was given the phone number many of you posted about and heard the July 3rd check in message but waited to talk to a person. I got nowhere with the first person, she had no idea what I was talking about and told me there was no stock. So I called back the woman from guest services and she called shop Disney with me on the line to make sure they put my order through. That time it worked and we were able to order our upgraded bands! I'm really happy they came through and made it happen. Just thought I would post in case it can help anyone else.