Magic bands

[NJfun1]

Are the Magic bands worth it? Are they all rechargeable?

 

[ucf_knight]

Are the Magic bands worth it? Are they all rechargeable?

Not worth it IMO. Especially if you have a smart watch. The new magic bands are rechargeable.

 

[BrianL]

Are the Magic bands worth it? Are they all rechargeable?

I find them convenient to use and fun too. Only MagicBand+ units are rechargeable, however the regular bands (2.0) do still work (I don't know that they sell many of those anymore). Old bands have a battery for long-range functions only, and will continue to work for any close-range tap points (park entry, Lightning Lane) even after the battery is dead.

Now, is an MB+ "worth it"? Well, with what they cost these days, it kind of depends on how much you like them. You don't need them as many functions can be done through your phone or smart watch now (though not room entry I don't believe). If you think you'll enjoy it or see a style you like, just consider it a souvenir.

 

[ellbell]

I find them convenient to use and fun too. Only MagicBand+ units are rechargeable, however the regular bands (2.0) do still work (I don't know that they sell many of those anymore). Old bands have a battery for long-range functions only, and will continue to work for any close-range tap points (park entry, Lightning Lane) even after the battery is dead.

Now, is an MB+ "worth it"? Well, with what they cost these days, it kind of depends on how much you like them. You don't need them as many functions can be done through your phone or smart watch now (though not room entry I don't believe). If you think you'll enjoy it or see a style you like, just consider it a souvenir.

You can enter your room with the MDE app as well

 

[scrappinginontario]

Are the Magic bands worth it? Are they all rechargeable?

‘worth it’ is always personal so not something someone else can decide for you.

For our family who have old style MBs, no, they are not worth it to us. If they fix some of the current challenges (bands that come undone, longer battery life and more reliable charging) we will reconsider.

 

[Hubalorian]

If it’s your first trip, they can be worth it especially if you like one enough to put it into the souvenirs bucket

 

[BrianL]

You can enter your room with the MDE app as well

Oh yes, with the phone, but I don't think it works with a smartwatch. I know on myt last trip my sister could use her Apple Watch for everything except resort room entry. Her phone did work though. That may have changed since it's been almost a year, but that was the case.

 

[Beachmom0317]

I would say if you are going on a trip and won't be back for a long time then no it's not worth it. They cost a lot of money, I bought sliders so they don't fall off and you can do anything on your phone that Magic Band+ can do. You can also go to the front desk and get a card that does what MB+ does..

Why we did invest in MB+ for my family of 4: we go to WDW 2-3x a year (have immediate family who is local) and my kids get excited to put them on, see the MB+ lights interact on rides and wave at the statues. We don't typically charge purchases to our room since I bring with me Disney gift cards, but charging to your room with MB+ is a bonus if you plan to do that! So I guess like PP said, "worth it" is a personal question!! Either way, you're going to Disney!!

 

[lovethattink]

Not worth it, but very convenient. My family chooses to use them.

 

[Neener16]

Agree with above comment. Price is ridiculous, but I find them convenient, especially for opening up my resort room when I have a lot of things in my hand. I hate to constantly dig for my phone. It is very disappointing they stopped discounting it. Even the bands that are not magic band plus cost $35.

 

[sponica]

We use them but we alternate between WDW and DCL, and my kids prefer their MB+ in the kids club on DCL rather than using the oceaneer band from the club.

 

[Boardwalk III]

‘worth it’ is always personal so not something someone else can decide for you.

For our family who have old style MBs, no, they are not worth it to us. If they fix some of the current challenges (bands that come undone, longer battery life and more reliable charging) we will reconsider.

Is there any place on Walt Disney World property where you can still buy the older style?

 

[lovethattink]

Is there any place on Walt Disney World property where you can still buy the older style?

No. And the stores selling MB+, have only several designs. The days of a wall of MB+ are over too.

 

[ThatCubT]

For me, yes. It holds/does:

1) My Annual Pass / Park Entry Ticket
2) My room key
3) Interacts with the fireworks, rides etc.

I recharge once I get back from the parks each evening and it's ready to go by the morning. It does flash overnight as it charges, so I usually have to face it away from me.

 

[slo]

We love our Magic Bands!
I think they are worth it - very convenient!
My tip is to get a Key to the Kingdom card when checking in at your resort, just in case your MB doesn’t open your room door or in case you lose your MB. It’s always good to have a backup.

*We don’t buy a new MB each trip unless there’s a design we just have to have. Disney….if you’re listening….I’m very patiently waiting for a Pirates one. I’ll spend $40 right now!

 

[loves to dive]

Worth it is subjective. Even necessary is subjective. It really depends on your needs. I always have two or three with me and always use them to get into my room if I'm staying in Disney resort and to get into the parks. Yes, you can use your phone, I'm not sure if you have an Android phone if you can use it to get into the parks but I know you can use the MDE app. to get into your room. We are not Apple people in our house so no Apple watches or phones so can't help you there. Even when I'm staying at Swan/Dolphin where you can't use a MB to get into the room, I still always have one on. I don't charge back to the room even if I'm staying in a Disney resort, don't want or need those small charges on my room bill, but you can do that. Are they necessary? Probably not to a lot of people. I know my son's SO didn't have one the first time she went with us and she just got a good old fashioned card and used it to get into the parks. Personally, I just like the ease of having it on my wrist so I don't have dig for a card or fiddle with a phone.

 

[_19disnA]

Worth is subject as others have already mentioned. The older style bands are not rechargeable, batteries can't be replaced, but can be used for 2 different functions. Only some of those functions require a working battery. Even if the battery has died on the older style band, you can still use it for the other functions that don't require the battery. Many older threads about that.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Are the Magic bands worth it? Are they all rechargeable?

The Magic+ bands are expensive and rechargeable. But you don't need them. You can get a card at your resort that will open the resort room. And you can get a plastic card from the CM when you enter a park for the first time. Or you can use your smartphone with the MDE app for everything.

We still use our very old MagicBands for everything except ride photos. The app works for those.