If no magic bands, then what?

[itutorfortravel]

Hi, does anyone know how park entry will work starting next month when magic bands are no longer issued? Thank you!

 

[Deb & Bill]

You can use an old one or maybe they will issue you a card key. Or it might be possible to enter using the MDE app on your phone. Or they might inject you with a chip when you arrive to open your door, charge to the room and enter the parks.

 

[tjkraz]

They will provide a credit-card size Key To The World card if you need one. Or you can use old Magic Bands or new Magic Bands that you purchase. The announcement said they have new tech enhancements planned as well, probably through the MDE smartphone app or maybe smart watches, but no details yet.

 

[LadybugsMum]

You can get a basic color MB for just $5. I've got MBs from our canceled trip in Sept that we'll be using next week.

 

[RanDIZ]

I believe they’re always going to utilize MB’s. They’re just gonna use them at our expense. No more freebies. Other options will probably be the cards and MDE as others have mentioned.

 

[heynowirv]

They did mention somewhere that the MDE app on your phone will do everything that MB's do now.

 

[LadybugsMum]

Theow.y did mention somewhere that the MDE app on your phone will do everything that MB's do now.

Personally, I'd rather use my MB when possible as I just have to lift my arm rather than pull out my phone and open up MDE.

 

[heynowirv]

Personally, I'd rather use my MB when possible as I just have to lift my arm rather than pull out my phone and open up MDE.

Agreed, and we still have a few.I wonder when they die if there's a battery you can change?

 

[Sandisw]

Agreed, and we still have a few.I wonder when they die if there's a battery you can change?

I have read that they will always work for things like opening doors and entering park...but the special effects like getting the video on SDMT won’t work.

Not sure exactly if true as I have not yet gotten to the point where they are that old.

 

[mom2rb]

DH will use his phone. I will use old bands until they die and then buy one every few years.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Have never worn/used a magic band. Anything around my wrist for extended periods of time gives me a rash. Can’t even wear a watch.

 

[MomOfDisneyPrincess]

You can get a basic color MB for just $5. I've got MBs from our canceled trip in Sept that we'll be using next week.

I was worried they would price gouge on the magic bands, but $5 for a basic one seems reasonable to me. I think I would pay that for the convenience if our older magic bands are dead before our next trip.

 

[skeeter31]

I have read that they will always work for things like opening doors and entering park...but the special effects like getting the video on SDMT won’t work.

Not sure exactly if true as I have not yet gotten to the point where they are that old.

This is correct. There is no battery function that powers the “tap” aspect of the magicband. So opening doors, entering parks, tapping for FP or payment, will work forever. They are passivley powered and get a small charge each time they touch a touch point. The only thing in a magicband that uses a battery is the long range functions (getting pictures sent to your MDE from rides like 7DMT and HM), those functions will last roughly 2-3 years. But the main functions of a band will work forever, or as long as Disney uses touchpoints.

 

[jtkboston]

... if our older magic bands are dead before our next trip.

How do I tell if a magic band still has power? Anything I can do before leaving home to check it?

 

[skeeter31]

How do I tell if a magic band still has power? Anything I can do before leaving home to check it?

Basically all functions of it have power and will work forever. It’s just long range functions. If it’s the magicband Mach 2 version (with the removeable puck) its most likely still good for even the long range aspects. If you got it after 2016, the battery that powers those functions would still most likely be active.

There really is no way to see at home though if the battery is dead. And you wouldn’t even know at the parks until after riding rides with pictures and not receiving them. But even that could be due to people removing masks in your ride vehicle.

So really not a worry. Take your old bands and have a great time.

 

[HHISand]

We have lots of leftover bands from previous trips. Does anyone know if they can be changed to another user? My brother and sister-in-law are going with us October 2021 and it would be nice for them to be able to use a couple of our leftover bands.

 

[Sandisw]

We have lots of leftover bands from previous trips. Does anyone know if they can be changed to another user? My brother and sister-in-law are going with us October 2021 and it would be nice for them to be able to use a couple of our leftover bands.

No, bands can not be transferred to others.

 

[HHISand]

Thanks but too bad.

 

[heynowirv]

Have never worn/used a magic band. Anything around my wrist for extended periods of time gives me a rash. Can’t even wear a watch.

What have you done in the past? Kept it in your pocket?

 

[Maistre Gracey]

What have you done in the past? Kept it in your pocket?

Last time I stayed on site the KTTW card was still an option. Not sure about the current status of that.

ETA: I went to Epcot last week and just used my hard AP to get in. No issues.