Magic Band 2 - new version in a few years?

[pooh2001]

Our next trip will be for our 35th wedding anniversary in 2020
Love the planning.
Christmas gifts - maybe magic bands, but maybe there will be a new version in 3 years ?

I found cute ones for us - great price, about $23 each
For DH =
Avatar Na'vi Blue MagicBand 2
And for me, DW =
Minnie Bows & Dots Graphic MagicBand 2
Should I buy the MagicBand2 or wait till 2019 Christmas to get them ?

I hope the above patterns are still available.

Thank you

 

[BriLovesDisney]

I would wait. I don't know if there will be new magic bands, but I imagine there will be some sort of an update. And there could be a band you like even better as it gets closer to time.

 

[Best Aunt]

I believe the long-range part of the Magic Band chip stops working after about two years. You don't need it for resort room door, park entry or fastpass entry, but you do need it for ride photos. I personally would not buy a Magic Band now if I wanted to use it in 2020.

 

[pooh2001]

Ok - now I will look at menus for our best eats
Maybe Disney t-shirts under the Christmas tree

 

[cigar95]

I believe the long-range part of the Magic Band chip stops working after about two years. You don't need it for resort room door, park entry or fastpass entry, but you do need it for ride photos. I personally would not buy a Magic Band now if I wanted to use it in 2020.

There's a "best of both worlds" option for this one. Wear the 2017-vintage band during your trip. In the meantime, keep a newer band in your pocket or your backpack that will serve as a backup in case the older one has run out of juice. The long-range scanners will pick up any band on your person. This will especially work with an on-property stay that includes new bands.
Our photopass folder often has four or five copies of images and videos because we almost always have extra bands with us. That's one way to tell if an older band is still working.

 

[FortForever]

Buy them now. The hub part that contains the battery can be replaced with ones from a plain colored band in the future. Of course, that's assuming they don't change the style and shape between now and then.