Disneyland Magicbands

[Epicnemesis]

We have them only because we have passes and the way the app handles passes annoys me.

No way is it worth a purchase for a trip or two. If you have them already from your disneyworld trips just use those.

Right now the functionality is:
Front gate entry
Lightening lane/das entry
The bounty Hunter thing in Batuu
A silly distraction during night shows.

 

[Kender]

We have them only because we have passes and the way the app handles passes annoys me.

No way is it worth a purchase for a trip or two. If you have them already from your disneyworld trips just use those.

Right now the functionality is:
Front gate entry
Lightening lane/das entry
The bounty Hunter thing in Batuu
A silly distraction during night shows.

*Scan for PhotoPass (with PhotoPass photographers; not at rides)

They also apparently react at certain rides. Just a very mini lightup show. I haven't tested that myself, though.


Supposedly the function to let us scan for parking is coming (told to me by a parking CM and others are being told the same thing) and the ability to use them for discounts at dining and possibly merch locations (former told to me by a CM at MK Terrace; latter from a merch CM who insisted that's what they were told).

If any of that's true, it still really only benefits passholders. But we'll see what actually, if anything, comes to pass.

 

[chezcurrie]

OP, do you have memebers of your party who might want to split up and do not have their own phone? That would be the only way I could see it making sense from a logistical point of view. Even then I would probably only purchase it for that person, but given you are a party of 3 I’m thinking splitting up probably isn’t in your touring style.

We are local so can justify the purchase based on # of trips and our family’s interests, but if I was not local and couldn’t charge to the room, etc., It’d be a hard pass for me. Use that $$ elsewhere.

*Scan for PhotoPass (with PhotoPass photographers; not at rides)

They also apparently react at certain rides. Just a very mini lightup show. I haven't tested that myself, though.


Supposedly the function to let us scan for parking is coming (told to me by a parking CM and others are being told the same thing) and the ability to use them for discounts at dining and possibly merch locations (former told to me by a CM at MK Terrace; latter from a merch CM who insisted that's what they were told).

If any of that's true, it still really only benefits passholders. But we'll see what actually, if anything, comes to pass.

oh, parking would be lovely - I always pick the wrong lane and end up leaning over my passenger side to pay, etc. Would be great if it could link to payment as well for that purpose. I know, I’m dreaming here.

IMO the only bonus if you aren’t a Mkey or repeat visitor is if:
a) you have a group using G+ where people might split up and some don’t have a smart phone
b) you also have a WDW trip planned in the near future
c) you really want to play the Batuu bounty hunters game (my DS9 is in this camp)
d) you are using G+ and as the planner of things you are tired of always having to whip out your phone. <— it me. I also have never grown up and like the random light up features.

 

[disney-inspired]

We have them only because we have passes and the way the app handles passes annoys me.

No way is it worth a purchase for a trip or two. If you have them already from your disneyworld trips just use those.

Right now the functionality is:
Front gate entry
Lightening lane/das entry
The bounty Hunter thing in Batuu
A silly distraction during night shows.

Same! I have a magic key and hate having to pull out my phone every time.
Also, only Magicband+ bands are compatible with both DL and WDW.

I have a WDW trip scheduled in Jan so it really made sense for me to get my band.

 

[dina444444]

*Scan for PhotoPass (with PhotoPass photographers; not at rides)

They also apparently react at certain rides. Just a very mini lightup show. I haven't tested that myself, though.


Supposedly the function to let us scan for parking is coming (told to me by a parking CM and others are being told the same thing) and the ability to use them for discounts at dining and possibly merch locations (former told to me by a CM at MK Terrace; latter from a merch CM who insisted that's what they were told).

If any of that's true, it still really only benefits passholders. But we'll see what actually, if anything, comes to pass.

Mine interacted with the haunted mansion exit ramp last weekend.

 

[bluecruiser]

They also apparently react at certain rides. Just a very mini lightup show. I haven't tested that myself, though.

My band flashed red and blue when I rode Web Slingers today.

 

[Epicnemesis]

Yea my 6 year old gets a kick out of her band lighting up after rides, but that really doesn’t track as a value add for me. The photo pass thing was cool though. We used it for that last week.

 

[Kender]

Yea my 6 year old gets a kick out of her band lighting up after rides, but that really doesn’t track as a value add for me. The photo pass thing was cool though. We used it for that last week.

Added value is subjective. But it is still a function.

That said I would agree it's not enough of a function to tip the purchasing scale in either direction for many, but I also think it's a fun little bonus feature that might be a perk to someone. I certainly think it's fun . But it didn't sway my personal purchase decision for sure.

I bought an original MB years ago just for the PhotoPass scanning. I couldn't even use it for entry, but that one function was worth it to me at the time. And honestly is still worth it to me now lol