Do you really need Magic Bands any more?

[MrWreckless]

My phone's battery is stressed enough without having to use an app in the parks, to pay for things, as my room key, etc.... Magic Band makes it so much easier.

 

[Tinkerbellmom43]

I love my bands and the different designs. As others have stated, they are convenient. I also worry my phone will die...what if I lose my phone? I'd rather have both just in case.

 

[Becky2005]

Does the ticket card work pretty much the same way? We are staying off-site and haven't been since MB were introduced. We have a ticket card though and without FP, I am thinking we don't have to have the MB.

 

[kanerf]

Even though the app will be coming soon for iPhone, who wants to futz with the phone at 2:00 AM when you can just use your magic band?

 

[JC1984]

I think the Apple Watch part of it will give the MB a run for its money. Kind of excited to see how that all shakes out.

 

[subtchr]

Does the ticket card work pretty much the same way? We are staying off-site and haven't been since MB were introduced. We have a ticket card though and without FP, I am thinking we don't have to have the MB.

Yes. The only thing a ticket card cannot do is what the MagicBand does at longer range, namely automatic ride photos and special effects. They are testing the ability to link photos with a Bluetooth capability on a phone, but that is not fully functional yet.

I think the Apple Watch part of it will give the MB a run for its money. Kind of excited to see how that all shakes out.

I already have my Apple Watch and MagicBand “integrated”!

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

I will continue to use my MB even though I have the puck on a magic keeper on my bag. Can't stand anything on my wrist and having to rely on my cell phone all the time does not work for me. The phone did not work opening my resort door a few weeks ago!

 

[nkereina]

With the current app, opening the door with the phone has never worked for me so hopefully the updated version will be more reliable, because otherwise that will be a big consideration.

Overall, I do find it more convenient to use the MB for opening the room door, park entry, and making purchases. Its nice not to have to pull my phone and wallet out for those things, and if my phone dies, its not an issue.

Plus, when we were there in October, I know I was extra mindful about touching my phone after touching everything in WDW. I tried to use sanitizer before handling my phone or using Lysol wipes to wipe my phone down periodically. I was intentional about handling it less than normal, so I wouldn't want to have to use it more by eliminating the MB.

 

[JC1984]

Yes. The only thing a ticket card cannot do is what the MagicBand does at longer range, namely automatic ride photos and special effects. They are testing the ability to link photos with a Bluetooth capability on a phone, but that is not fully functional yet.



I already have my Apple Watch and MagicBand “integrated”!


View attachment 562833

I think it will be nice to be away with the puck if the watch works as they hope it does. The only thing will be Apple needs to step up their battery game on the watch

 

[minnik35]

They have started testing the phone auto linking in Hollywood Tower & Rockin' Rollercoaster.

I was able to get pictures from slinky dog ride on Monday and rockin rollercoaster as well this way.

 

[Evita_W]

With all the changes that have happened - New app functionality and no Fast Passes - Do you really need magic bands any more?
What benefit is there to having them besides as a room key? We are going in a few weeks and I wasn't planning on getting any? Is that a bad idea?

Thanks

The new app functionality for photopass is only being tested at a couple of attractions. Also, you have to turn Bluetooth on which kills the battery faster.

 

[andremo]

I know if you're staying on property, certain bands are $5. Can you only buy those once you're at your resort, or can you buy ahead of time with proof of stay?

 

[subtchr]

I know if you're staying on property, certain bands are $5. Can you only buy those once you're at your resort, or can you buy ahead of time with proof of stay?

You can't buy them at the resort.

You have to order them in advance. The option will be in your MDE once your resort stay is booked and linked.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I know if you're staying on property, certain bands are $5. Can you only buy those once you're at your resort, or can you buy ahead of time with proof of stay?

For the $5 price you must order them in advance. Ordering must be completed at least a week before your trip to secure the $5 price.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

We are staying offsite and decided to purchase just for the convenience of Photo Pass. I didn't want to keep track of a bunch of photo cards and then have to add them all to a computer when we get home. It will be mice to just tap in at the turn style too. Also, since this is our first time offsite in a long while the kids are missing all the little touches so this is something to make this craptastic year a bit more magical.

 

[andremo]

You can't buy them at the resort.

You have to order them in advance. The option will be in your MDE once your resort stay is booked and linked.

Nice to know!! I see my trip and all my ADRs in the app. Anyone know where to click through to get to the MagicBands ordering?

 

[1GoldenSun]

No but so CUTE and FUN!

 

[subtchr]

Nice to know!! I see my trip and all my ADRs in the app. Anyone know where to click through to get to the MagicBands ordering?

 

[OppR2nist]

They have great functionality for families. In our group, only my wife and I have iPhones. Our older son has a DAS and he needs to be scanned in to get a return time. It's a lot easier to do that with something he has to wear than needing to pull out a phone or even a ticket which can get lost. Now, the fact that he has some sensory and fidgeting issues that cause him to remove the Magic Band is it's own issue, but they are the best option for him.

 

[slpybeartx]

Yes. The only thing a ticket card cannot do is what the MagicBand does at longer range, namely automatic ride photos and special effects. They are testing the ability to link photos with a Bluetooth capability on a phone, but that is not fully functional yet.



I already have my Apple Watch and MagicBand “integrated”!


View attachment 562833

This is my wife and I at the parks... puck on our watch bands. We pay for all purchases using the Apple Watch. Magic Band Puck is for tix and photos. As soon as they can update the app/watch functionality we will drop the magic band puck and use Apple watch only.