Holy MagicBands Batman

[tjkraz]

I think the CMs are still learning what can and cannot be done with the MagicBands. The first day we were here a CM at one of the FP+ kiosks at Hollywood Studios told us that our PAPs could only be active on one MagicBand at a time. This is not true, or at least not true in our case.

That is definitely not true. Park tickets--including APs--are not "on" a MagicBand. Ever.

Going forward, the MyDisneyExperience account is the hub for data storage. You link your park tickets to that account. With things like non-expiring tickets, it could store remaining admission counts for years and years to come.

The MagicBands are also tied to the MDE account. And that's how the link is established. When any MagicBand on your account is tapped at a park entry gate, it queries the MDE account to validate admission. Nothing is ever stored on the band.

 

[luckyman_apd]

Being an inquisitive, curious person, I asked about the MB thing on our August trip, since we have a PAP and are going in a few weeks, and then again next year. You will be allowed up to 8 bands per account (MDE that is....so 8 per person) you can deactivate any of them at any time....or reactivate them if you want. But only 8 max can be active. Nothing is stored on the MB....The magic band is linked to your account...where everything is stored. If you want to wear the red band today, and the blue one tomorrow so be it.

Right now they are in "testing phase" still, so the Magic Band shipping is kinda in overkill mode. I'm sure in time, they will give you the option to order new ones if you have one active on your account already. I wouldn't even find it far fetched for them to charge you for extras in the future if you still have 1 active.

We still have ours from August, and just received new ones for December. I ordered them exactly the same colors as before....because one of the tabs that hold it on broke off my daughters band. I figured this way we all know our color. Come July....I'll probably get new ones again. But maybe not. Hopefully they will have an option to decline new bands.

My guess is that the 8 per guest rule will stick, but you will have to order new ones if you want them in the future if you have a band already activated. This way you can still get a new one if you want, but they won't automatically send it to you. I don't think the bands cost them much more than the room key cards, but the shipping certainly will add up.

 

[JessLCH]

I have three of my five magic bands that I will have received in a three month period. Today's box containing my one band is the same size large box as I received for four bands for our last family trip. Tomorrow I am scheduled to receive another one band presumably in the same large slick box. Nevermind the cost... I wonder how many trees Disney killed for all this wasteful packaging and shipping.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

That is definitely not true. Park tickets--including APs--are not "on" a MagicBand. Ever.

Going forward, the MyDisneyExperience account is the hub for data storage. You link your park tickets to that account. With things like non-expiring tickets, it could store remaining admission counts for years and years to come.

The MagicBands are also tied to the MDE account. And that's how the link is established. When any MagicBand on your account is tapped at a park entry gate, it queries the MDE account to validate admission. Nothing is ever stored on the band.

Bingo.

MBs identify you as you. Nothing more. Nothing less. EVERYTHING (with the exception of hotel room door entry) else comes from the backend DB.

 

[Chuck S]

I arrived at OKW today. So far my Magic Band has worked perfectly. I hope the next generation of the software will allow them to add notations that can be communicated to cash registers regarding any discounts we may be eligible for, like AP, DVC and TiW. That would really be a great tweak and would make the system pretty much perfect, IMO.

 

[quandrea]

I'm here now and have a split stay. I only requested one set of bands. My ressies and fp plus are all loaded on to mde. Will I just get grey ones when I switch hotels?

 

[luckyman_apd]

I arrived at OKW today. So far my Magic Band has worked perfectly. I hope the next generation of the software will allow them to add notations that can be communicated to cash registers regarding any discounts we may be eligible for, like AP, DVC and TiW. That would really be a great tweak and would make the system pretty much perfect, IMO.

I agree. I was a hassle trying to get a discount at the registers sometimes. To get the DVC discount I had to provide my membership card. So I started using the AP discount instead (since it's the same). I had nothing to prove I was an AP holder since I never got a physical card......All I had was the MB. So for now, when I'm there I have a wallet case for my phone that can hold my License, and my DVC member card. I truly am a fan of the MB, just some ID markers would be nice.

 

[bumbershoot]

I agree. I was a hassle trying to get a discount at the registers sometimes. To get the DVC discount I had to provide my membership card. So I started using the AP discount instead (since it's the same). I had nothing to prove I was an AP holder since I never got a physical card......All I had was the MB. So for now, when I'm there I have a wallet case for my phone that can hold my License, and my DVC member card. I truly am a fan of the MB, just some ID markers would be nice.

"They" say you should have gotten a card too. Ap holders should also get an RFID card for discounts, parking, etc. next trip talk to guest services about it.

 

[twinmomplus2]

Split stay here as well. Three Magic Band shipments.
I look at it this way, I fully expect there to be a charge for these after its phased in. So I will have a whole slew of extras.
Provided they don't alter the technology that much. I do agree that it seems an incredible waste of money.
And relieved to hear I don't need to travel with all 3 sets.