Do I really need a Magic Band

[Forevermarypoppins]

To put it nicely: I DO NOT want to spend $$ on more MB's. I had some that were 5 years old and tossed them. I'll have to look to see IF I still have mine from 2 years ago, making it 3 yrs old when I'll be back in WDW.
I know we can handle doing things the old fashion way - tickets!! IS THAT even an option?

I plan on writing to Disney Co about having a Buy Back program for Magic Bands. What at utter waste to throw them and keep buying. There should be a way to have a battery replacement at the resorts or at Guest Services. Money Grabs are a real pet peeve for me!

 

[CastawayDonald]

You don't have to have a magic band. You can use an Android or Apple phone / watch to tap into the parks and pay for things just like with a magic band. I have had hit and miss luck with my Apple phone unlocking the hotel door, but fortunately my wife likes to use her 11 year old magic band so that we don't have to get a separate room key. My magic band of the same vintage still works as well... I just prefer using my watch for most things. The only thing that I have an issue with Tron... you need a magic band OR one of the temporary key cards that the CMs will give you.

Worst comes to worst, you can still use a key card to get into the parks. etc.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

You can use a physical ticket media.
You don't need a magic band.
You also can use old ones so there was never a need to buy another.
So its not a waste.
Just make sure your location is on on your phone for MDE to get your ride pics where there is nothing to tap at the end of the attraction such as Frozen Ever After.
And if you notice a pic is missing you can give Disney info of what ride, what you were wearing, what time of day etc and they can usually find it.