Magic Bands: If I bring one from home, will it work?

[tbssenterprises]

Hi. We have a couple of Magic Bands still linked in our account. They are deactivated. Should we activate two and bring that with us on our next trip? Will it automatically open our room, etc., I don't feel like depending on my phone, as my battery doesn't have a long life (planning on buying an extender soon....but...you never know). Thanks.

 

[DeeBee3]

Good question - I have a bunch of bands from previous trips, especially one cancelled due to covid. Anyone know?

 

[Robo]

Hi. I have a couple of Magic Bands still linked in my account. They are deactivated. Should I activate one and bring that with me on my next trip? Will it automatically open my room, etc.,

Yes.

 

[Robo]

Good question - I have a bunch of bands from previous trips, especially one cancelled due to covid. Anyone know?

Any activated MB that you can "see" in your MDX account will work at WDW for any of the functions that require that you "tap" it on a reader.

(If you have previously deactivated a older MB, you can activate it and use it.)

 

[quoo]

I heard the batteries ran out after a period of time? Are they replaceable? (Do they even have batteries"?) I'm also worried about the lifespan of some bands purchased for a trip that got deferred a year due to covid.

 

[DebLovesPooh]

I've been able to use bands that are within 1.5 yrs old to open the door and save magic shots, etc. I haven't tested it past that point because I'm always getting new ones, lol.

 

[Robo]

I heard the batteries ran out after a period of time? Are they replaceable? (Do they even have batteries"?) I'm also worried about the lifespan of some bands purchased for a trip that got deferred a year due to covid.

MagicBands do not use batteries for the functions that require "tapping."

I've been able to use bands that are within 1.5 yrs old to open the door and save magic shots, etc. I haven't tested it past that point because I'm always getting new ones, lol.

For the functions that require "tapping" the MB (park entry, FP scanning, opening resort room doors, other ID functions)
an activated MB will effectively work "forever."

 

[OKW Lover]

I heard the batteries ran out after a period of time? Are they replaceable? (Do they even have batteries"?) I'm also worried about the lifespan of some bands purchased for a trip that got deferred a year due to covid.

There are two RFID systems incorporated into the MBs. Only the long-range system needs a charged battery. That's the one that powers things like automatic ride photos and your name on a sign at an attraction.

For everything else, the passive RFID feature is what is used. That does not rely on a battery for operation. Basically, any place where you must actually touch the MB to the sensor will work just fine. That includes doors, park tapstiles, point of purchase payments, etc.

 

[NashvilleMama]

I've been able to use bands that are within 1.5 yrs old to open the door and save magic shots, etc. I haven't tested it past that point because I'm always getting new ones, lol.

we have a few custom ones I think we've used for a few years now....want to say at least 3 years.

 

[Robo]

we have a few custom ones I think we've used for a few years now....want to say at least 3 years.

You can continue to use them as long as WDW offers the "tap your MB" functions.

 

[hes122]

I used my March 2017 MB during my November 2019 trip with no issues.

 

[wp4lf189]

Question DW bands are active but never work at resort only at parks? Mine work everywhere...any thoughts?

 

[Robo]

Question DW bands are active but never work at resort only at parks?

Fixing that is in the hands of a competent resort front desk CM.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Let me add my Magic Band question to this thread.

I bought Magic Bands in Feb. of 2020, for our, then scheduled, May 2020 trip. Then WDW shut down and our trip was cancelled. I’m not sure if we will get there this year either because I want to wait until the shows, parades, and fireworks are back. If we don’t get there until 2022, and the battery wears out in our Magic Bands, will Disney replace them?

TC

 

[skeeter31]

Let me add my Magic Band question to this thread.

I bought Magic Bands in Feb. of 2020, for our, then scheduled, May 2020 trip. Then WDW shut down and our trip was cancelled. I’m not sure if we will get there this year either because I want to wait until the shows, parades, and fireworks are back. If we don’t get there until 2022, and the battery wears out in our Magic Bands, will Disney replace them?

TC

No Disney won’t replace them, but the batteries won’t die by then for the passive features. You’ll be fine.

 

[OKW Lover]

If we don’t get there until 2022, and the battery wears out in our Magic Bands, will Disney replace them?

No. They don't replace MB's that the battery has worn out.

 

[over50visits]

I heard the batteries ran out after a period of time? Are they replaceable? (Do they even have batteries"?) I'm also worried about the lifespan of some bands purchased for a trip that got deferred a year due to covid.

Magic bands have batteries for the data mining/personal tracking that Disney does quietly without telling you about that. That function requires a powered antenna to transmit data to receivers around the park. The lifetime of those batteries should be a couple of years or so. But, if you don't care that Disney can't continue to track you in ways they keep quiet, then you don't care if those batteries wear out. One function you might care about is recognition for ride photos (think Splash Mountain), but again this is in support of something they want to sell you.

But for everything you know about, basically when you "tap" your band, that's a passive device that doesn't require power, so should work indefinitely. So for your needs your bands will work "forever."

Just like the DDP, Disney markets these as wonderful for guests, when they actually are designed to increase income. Both have been quite successful at that.