Early Entry: Will Magicband+ work as proof?

[BrianL]

Wait, I was under the impression you couldn't use the same MB's at both WDW and Disneyland (something about there being two different types?), has that changed now? Like, if I were to buy a MB to use on a trip to WDW, would it work at DL too?

Yes, you can use the same band if it is an MB+. You just need to associate it with the Disneyland App seperately from the My Disney Experience App (WDW). You also may have to re-synch your bluetooth to the device, which is an independent step. It totally works though.

 

[MonocularVision]

Correction: you can use MB+ without Bluetooth or batteries for almost everything at Disneyland except the interactive experiences. Gate entry, LL, and Photo pass all work off our NFC and do not require a power source on the band for use. The NFC is actually powered using an electromagnetic field from the reading device.

 

[BrianL]

Correction: you can use MB+ without Bluetooth or batteries for almost everything at Disneyland except the interactive experiences. Gate entry, LL, and Photo pass all work off our NFC and do not require a power source on the band for use. The NFC is actually powered using an electromagnetic field from the reading device.

Yes, Bluetooth is only needed to pair to your phone, whish is how you do the interactive play experiences (Star Wars Bounty Hunter game). There are also some light color.pattern options in the app if you pair to a device. Otherwise, you can absolutely use the band at tap points without doing that step (though you will still assign the MB+ to a user in the app via it's serial number).

 

[twodogs]

Today for EE to DCA from the GCH, they had a scanner for plastic room keys. If you were using the digital room key, they could not scan it (why??). They said someone later in the line would look at the reservation. That did happen, and the CM even scrolled down on my phone to see how many were registered in the room to see how many could enter for EE. I made note because I split from my DD and DH for EE this morning since they were going to GOTG (so went to the EE check point on Hollywood Blvd) and I was going to Webslingers (so I went to the EE check point at Avenger’s campus entry). Luckily they were signed into the app as me and had the hotel reservation pulled up also. I thought of just sending them a screen shot of it for EE, but glad I didn’t since the CM actually scrolled down on the phone to check the number in my party for EE. This was a new process compared to this summer, when they just looked at the reservation casually in the app. Maybe they are trying to cut down on the folks trying to get other friends in to EE who aren’t actually staying in the resort (which used to be pretty easy, I think, based on the old method). I think they should offer it only to those actually staying since it is one of the few benefits left of staying onsite.

 

[shelbel95]

Thanks everyone for the lively discussion! We did end up ordering Magicbands+ for the whole family - took less than a week to arrive. We've only ever had regular Magicbands, but have always ordered new ones for each trip (once they stopped sending out the free ones!).

We all chose a solid color (cheapest option), I had a $20 gift card, and we got free shipping, so since we KNOW we'll visit Disney in some form in the future, figured it was worth it. I totally agree about disliking the fumbling with a phone and I don't want to be the family that's holding everyone up at the ticket or LL check LOL

And thank you @twodogs for the description of early entry. I'm not even sure we'll use it since none of us are truly morning people, but it's good to get another description of how it works. We were already thinking physical cards would be the way to go just in case.

 

[Genie+]

Magicband+ works at both DL and WDW. Old WDW Magicbands DO NOT work at DL.

Yes, if you buy a Magicband+ it will work at both DL and WDW and can be reused so long as the rechargeable batteries keep working.

I've used mine 3 times already over multiple years!

Which is a shame because MagicBand2 is much much much more comfortable to wear for people/kids with small wrists.

I’ve tried wearing MagicBand+ over several trips and had to give up. It’s so big and clunky - prone to fall off and get lost. Had that happen twice already, at $40-$50 a pop. Never ever had that happen with the dozen or more MB2 I’ve worn, and that one doesn’t leave a plastic imprints in my skin either.

Wish they kept all systems compatible with MagicBand2.

 

[OlliePop27]

Thanks everyone for the lively discussion! We did end up ordering Magicbands+ for the whole family - took less than a week to arrive. We've only ever had regular Magicbands, but have always ordered new ones for each trip (once they stopped sending out the free ones!).

We all chose a solid color (cheapest option), I had a $20 gift card, and we got free shipping, so since we KNOW we'll visit Disney in some form in the future, figured it was worth it. I totally agree about disliking the fumbling with a phone and I don't want to be the family that's holding everyone up at the ticket or LL check LOL

And thank you @twodogs for the description of early entry. I'm not even sure we'll use it since none of us are truly morning people, but it's good to get another description of how it works. We were already thinking physical cards would be the way to go just in case.

We have used our MB+ at DL and WDW, but we visit DLR more often.

One tip because they are prone to falling off. Go online and look for Magic Band protectors. They are little plastic pieces that prevent them from accidentally falling off. They are usually pretty cheap.

Remember, just try to charge the bands overnight for the effects to work. Even if they aren't charged, they will still work for scanning in. Only the light up stuff for nighttime shows or some rides requires a battery charge. If you don't care about lighting up, no need to worry about charging. Some people find the chargers annoying. They aren't ideal, but I don't think it's a huge deal. They come with USB chargers, so bring a multi USB plug to fit 3-4 at a time.

 

[BrianL]

We have used our MB+ at DL and WDW, but we visit DLR more often.

One tip because they are prone to falling off. Go online and look for Magic Band protectors. They are little plastic pieces that prevent them from accidentally falling off. They are usually pretty cheap.

Remember, just try to charge the bands overnight for the effects to work. Even if they aren't charged, they will still work for scanning in. Only the light up stuff for nighttime shows or some rides requires a battery charge. If you don't care about lighting up, no need to worry about charging. Some people find the chargers annoying. They aren't ideal, but I don't think it's a huge deal. They come with USB chargers, so bring a multi USB plug to fit 3-4 at a time.

Also, if you want to play the Bounty Hunters game at SWGE, you will need a full charge. In my experience, that runs the battery down the most.

 

[LKing]

Also, if you want to play the Bounty Hunters game at SWGE, you will need a full charge. In my experience, that runs the battery down the most.

On both your MB and your phone.

 

[crystal1313]

2nd the advice of the magic band protectors. They work really well!

And I also agree that the MB+ is more bulky. I like a tighter fit but can never get it exactly how I want it with MB+.

 

[OlliePop27]

On both your MB and your phone.

Good point. Years ago, I invested in Fuel Rods online. I got two at a heavily discounted price. I can swap these out in the parks or at the hotels if needed.

I tend to take afternoon breaks, and my phone usually gets back up to full charge pretty quickly with a fast charger (just wall charging not portable chargers).

 

[StarlitNight05]

Not sure if anyone else has a 3D printer, but I was able to print a few cute Mickey ear band retainers from a design someone shared on Thingiverse (I think the original design was for a MB 2, but it fits my MB+ band fine). I still have the .stl file saved if anyone wants it!

 

[DizMe]

You can improvise a MB+ securing device with a rubber band

 

[BK2014]

Haven't been to Disneyland since the late '80s. Going next month. I am a WDW AP holder, so familiar with MB, MB+ etc. Can I just use my room key/card for park entry, LL, etc, or are there somethings that require either a MB+ or the app? Obviously, I know I have to use the app to make reservations, LL etc. But can I use the room key to enter the park and enter the LL lines?

 

[LKing]

Haven't been to Disneyland since the late '80s. Going next month. I am a WDW AP holder, so familiar with MB, MB+ etc. Can I just use my room key/card for park entry, LL, etc, or are there somethings that require either a MB+ or the app? Obviously, I know I have to use the app to make reservations, LL etc. But can I use the room key to enter the park and enter the LL lines?

Off the top of my head, your room key opens your room, gates to the pool, the Pixar Place DCA entrance gate, and serves as your ID for EE.

To enter the parks, you either need to pull up your ticket on the Disneyland app or use a MB+. The same for LL. PhotoPass can be done with a photo pass code on the app or your MB+. Most people who are not using MB take a screenshot of their ticket and the photo pass code so that they are easy to access.

 

[BK2014]

Off the top of my head, your room key opens your room, gates to the pool, the Pixar Place DCA entrance gate, and serves as your ID for EE.

To enter the parks, you either need to pull up your ticket on the Disneyland app or use a MB+. The same for LL. PhotoPass can be done with a photo pass code on the app or your MB+. Most people who are not using MB take a screenshot of their ticket and the photo pass code so that they are easy to access.

Thanks!