MAGIC BAND QUESTION

[SandyinMonterey]

It's been a while since we've been to WDW, 3 years to be exact. Our last visit was our first and only time with the Magic band experience. If I recall correctly, we just picked a color and our magic bands were mailed to us. Now I see all these new ones, saying it's a Magic band 2. As DVC members, do we get to choose/purchase one of the newer ones (like the ones sold on line at the Disney store) or are we stuck with the generic plain colored ones? Also, as a mentioned, the ones on line at Disney store say they are the Magic band 2, do you think that means it becomes obsolete when eventually the magic band 3 comes out?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Anyone can purchase the special designs at the Disney Store or on-site. However, the "free" Magic Band associated with your resort stay will only be the solid color one.

The original MBs are not obsolete with the MB2, so presumably MB3 won't destroy the function of MB2. Over time, the batteries do die, so the bands have a natural obsolescence.

 

[bumbershoot]

The bands available with a resort stay are the 2 version, in the same color choices as the 1 version.

As aurora said, 2 didn't make 1 obsolete, so a possible 3 probably wouldn't make 2 obsolete.

 

[erionm]

MB1 and MB2 function identically when it comes to using them at WDW.

The main difference is the MB2 has a removable icon (which contains all of the electronics). Disney has released a three MagicKeepers (2 Lanyard clips and a carabiner) which have a space where you can insert the icon from your MB2.

 

[disneynutz]

Disney came up with the MB concept to reduce their costs and to increase guest spending and tracking. MB2 has a different case design but works like MB1. As all things Disney, they will sell you a colorful version that makes them even more money.

Bill

 

[SandyinMonterey]

Thanks everyone. I saw a Magicband that my husband would really like. Now I know I can get it, put it aside and use it next year.

 

[disneynutz]

Thanks everyone. I saw a Magicband that my husband would really like. Now I know I can get it, put it aside and use it next year.

The battery that is required for some interactivity, reportedly has a 2 year life and it doesn't have an off switch.

Bill

 

[SandyinMonterey]

The battery that is required for some interactivity, reportedly has a 2 year life and it doesn't have an off switch.

Bill

Oh Dang! Thanks for letting me know..

 

[erionm]

Oh Dang! Thanks for letting me know..

Any function where you need to place the MB in very close proximity to the reader (practically touching) doesn't use the battery. Those functions include: park entry, resort room entry, room charging, FP+ entry, manual photo linking, etc.

The only functions that actually use the battery powered transmitter are: automatic ride photo/video linking, interactive queue elements and any guest tracking that Disney may do.

 

[ivanp91]

The battery that is required for some interactivity, reportedly has a 2 year life and it doesn't have an off switch.

Bill

Important to know that isn't set in stone, I have a MB purchased in late 2013 that is still going strong

 

[MEFacct]

Thanks everyone. I saw a Magicband that my husband would really like. Now I know I can get it, put it aside and use it next year.

If the one you have picked out for your husband is a MagicBand 2, you can get it now and switch out the icon with the free resort band you get for your stay next year. That way you know it will have a fresh battery.

 

[disneynutz]

Important to know that isn't set in stone, I have a MB purchased in late 2013 that is still going strong

The bands will open doors and work when you touch them to an antenna with a dead battery but distance tracking and displaying your name or info at certain attractions will not work because the distance transmitter needs a battery to operate.

Bill

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Batteries are a funny thing - it's not possible to predict. There are reports of original Mbs still working for everything. I'd say that's the more common report and it's rare for someone to say they no longer seem to get the long range. The important things - room access, park entry, charging will still work. And the rest likely will too for quite a long time.

 

[bumbershoot]

When they first talked about mbs they estimated three years long range battery life. But is that three years of sitting there in your owners locker? Three years being used every day? Somewhere in between? It's a mystery.

 

[disneynutz]

Batteries are a funny thing - it's not possible to predict. There are reports of original Mbs still working for everything. I'd say that's the more common report and it's rare for someone to say they no longer seem to get the long range. The important things - room access, park entry, charging will still work. And the rest likely will too for quite a long time.

My guess is that most guests get new bands each visit. I know that we have a box full if them, all colors.

Bill

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

My guess is that most guests get new bands each visit. I know that we have a box full if them, all colors.

Bill

But some don't and have provided reports on their original bands.

 

[Nuclear Monkey]

A little off subject, but here is a nice article on what the magic bands can do: http://gizmodo.com/how-i-let-disney-track-my-every-move-1792875386