MagicBand+ at Walt Disney World *NOW AVAILABLE!!!*

[BaybeeYoda]

Okay, I'll bite- what do you have to do to unlock these things that are actually entertaining? Last spring we found the sort of quest in Pandora that was super glitchy and wasn't working but didn't actually interact with anything in the land other than knowing whether or not we had gone on the river ride.

Did they add something that is actually functional in the other parks? I opened my play app while I was reading yesterday and didn't find anything that looked like it would be interactive besides the games you play while in line and all of my achievements for having gone on the rides.

There’s a Pandora quest???

 

[Meglen]

It still amounts to "walk up to one specific object and then stand there playing a game on your phone" and if I'm gonna do that, I've got better apps for it lol.

I'll check out the pirate thing but it also sounds like it's limited to just the small area around one single ride, PotC. Even if it were limited to the entirety of Adventureland that's still a major step down from the old games.

Not sure what would make you happy. The card game had you walk around sure but it cost money to actually get a decent deck to finish playing. The future is phones and augmented reality so might want to get used to phone based activities.

 

[mistysue]

Not sure what would make you happy. The card game had you walk around sure but it cost money to actually get a decent deck to finish playing. The future is phones and augmented reality so might want to get used to phone based activities.

The cards were all completely free, and you could complete the game with only the five card pack that you got on the first day if you wanted to.

 

[mistysue]

It still amounts to "walk up to one specific object and then stand there playing a game on your phone" and if I'm gonna do that, I've got better apps for it lol.

I'll check out the pirate thing but it also sounds like it's limited to just the small area around one single ride, PotC. Even if it were limited to the entirety of Adventureland that's still a major step down from the old games.

I'm 100% with you- especially after our experience with that weird quest-like thing happening in Pandora, we got way more enjoyment out of sorcerers.
I think the only people who are going to say that these new quests are similar to the old games are people who did not get into the old games to play them. The pirates one uses the Adventureland area of the park but it is not in the ride or line itself, the line for pirates was an issue while they were making people stand 6 ft apart so that it was overflowing in completely epic ways. You get to collect the physical maps and it actually made for an excellent evening activity when the day is cooling down and you have time to do something relaxing and entertaining. It is much smaller than sorcerers but it was one of the things we wanted to repeat every year.

 

[Meglen]

The cards were all completely free, and you could complete the game with only the five card pack that you got on the first day if you wanted to.

The card game had strategy with different values and types of cards which was the fun for us to use the right cards for the correct bosses. Like a mini mtg game. It was nice if you have multiple people to pool cards but unless you went multiple days 5 cards just didn't do it for us. Just ended up being stand at a window and hope you "passed". Untill we got a decent collection it was pretty boring. But once we got to think and choose the best cards it became much more fun

 

[mistysue]

The card game had strategy with different values and types of cards which was the fun for us to use the right cards for the correct bosses. Like a mini mtg game. It was nice if you have multiple people to pool cards but unless you went multiple days 5 cards just didn't do it for us. Just ended up being stand at a window and hope you "passed". Untill we got a decent collection it was pretty boring. But once we got to think and choose the best cards it became much more fun

Yes- it was possible the first time but got better with time and future visits. That is exactly what is making the new ones so boring and why everyone is disappointed and wants the old games back!

 

[Meglen]

Yes- it was possible the first time but got better with time and future visits. That is exactly what is making the new ones so boring and why everyone is disappointed and wants the old games back!

They should have just made the cards not free and left it alone. I bet they were losing lots on the free packs.

 

[Dis Dragon]

It still amounts to "walk up to one specific object and then stand there playing a game on your phone" and if I'm gonna do that, I've got better apps for it lol.

I'll check out the pirate thing but it also sounds like it's limited to just the small area around one single ride, PotC. Even if it were limited to the entirety of Adventureland that's still a major step down from the old games.

The pirates is fun, but it is just limited to adventureland. You will enjoy it... the only thing that I don't like about it is that it's only open from noon till like 5pm. We're usually leaving the parks by noon, hanging around at the hottest part of the day navigating people isn't our thing.

My thing with the GE app is that it'll burn through a phone in a couple hours. We always choose who's going to do it because the kids find it interesting while having to stand in line, but whoever is doing it basically looses their phone for the rest of our time in the park. We don't carry around pocket chargers, I'm sure you could get a brick and play it all day.

 

[PepperjackDragon]

They should have just made the cards not free and left it alone. I bet they were losing lots on the free packs.

Losing is probably a bit generous. Rather, they could make more profits by including less. I bet maintenance was the real numbers benefit.

 

[BaybeeYoda]

NEW DETAILS:​

MagicBand+ Launching this Summer, ‘Hey Disney!’ Later this Year at Walt Disney World Resort​

Are you ready to interact with Disney magic in all new ways? This summer, Walt Disney World Resortwill launch our newest wearable, MagicBand+, followed later this year by the “Hey Disney!” digital voice assistant. Both products will enhance guest visits throughout the 50th anniversary celebration and beyond.

If you already own a MagicBand, you understand how this technology makes visits to Walt Disney World more convenient with just a tap of your band when entering parks and guest rooms*, making retail and dining purchases*, and creating magic moments with Disney PhotoPass service. MagicBand+ will do all that and more.

Use MagicBand+ to Bring Sculptures to Life

You may have seen the golden character sculptures throughout the four Walt Disney World theme parks during the 50th anniversary celebration. Soon, you’ll be able to use MagicBand+ to bring the sculptures to life and interact with them on the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” You can also dive deeper into the experience using the Play Disney Parks mobile app to keep track of which sculptures you’ve found. The more you find, the more features you can unlock with digital achievements and an augmented reality feature that will give you a glimpse into your favorite characters’ worlds.

MagicBand+ Invites You to Join the “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” Experience

Over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, MagicBand+ invites you to join the “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” experience, where you’ll use your band to find numerous virtual bounties hidden throughout Black Spire Outpost. MagicBand+ will be your guide, vibrating and lighting up to show if you’re on the right path. You can then use the augmented reality thermal viewer in the Play Disney Parks app – which reveals what’s behind locked doors in Black Spire Outpost – to uncover your virtual bounty**. Once your mission is complete, the local guild master will reward you with galactic credits.


Experience Nighttime Spectaculars in a New Way with MagicBand+

You can also experience nighttime spectaculars in a new way as you’ll see your MagicBand+ light up and complement the magic in the skies! It’s a dazzling way to join in the celebration and create unforgettable memories at the theme parks.

These experiences will be available with MagicBand+ and will launch when the new wearable goes on sale this summer. Disney Resort hotel guests and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will have the option to purchase at a discounted, pre-arrival price. You can still use existing MagicBands and Disney MagicMobile, available on eligible devices, to enjoy other features, such as park entry*. The original MagicBand wearable will continue to be available for purchase as well.

MagicBand+ will be available at Disneyland Resort later this year. Some of the features will vary between Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. We’ll have more to share on that soon.

Magical New Digital Voice Assistant – “Hey Disney!”

There’s a magical new digital voice assistant ready to bring Disney characters and stories to life called “Hey Disney!” Using Alexa technology for supported Amazon Echo devices, you’ll be able to ask all the useful questions – weather forecasts, set timers and alarms, etc. – and get answers from more than 25 popular characters including Mickey Mouse, Olaf, Rocket and Groot, Princess Tiana and many more. Plus, when you stay at select Disney Resort hotels, you can use “Hey Disney!” to learn helpful information about your vacation, order room amenities and more. Wondering when the next bus to EPCOT leaves or need to request more towels for your room? Just ask the Disney Magical Companion, a new character who will interact with you via “Hey Disney!”

‘Hey Disney!’ will begin rolling out in select Disney Resort hotel guest rooms across Walt Disney World later this year as part of our 50th anniversary celebration. Access will be offered as an optional, complimentary feature during guest stays. “Hey Disney!” will also be available for purchase for supported Amazon Echo devices via the Amazon Alexa Skills store, inviting Disney fans to make every day at home more magical. In the future, MagicBand+ will work with “Hey Disney!” by pairing with supported Amazon Echo devices to enhance some “Hey Disney!” experiences. More details will be released soon.

So when do you get to order the bands? We are headed down to Disney in 5 weeks….

 

[erionm]

So when do you get to order the bands? We are headed down to Disney in 5 weeks….

No official launch date for MagicBand+ yet.

 

[Princesca]

Checking in, got a gift card burning a hole in my pocket... any news on these being released for sale?

 

[BaybeeYoda]

Here now. Not yet….

 

[mrsap]

Disney Testing ‘Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters’ MagicBand+ Game in Disney’s Hollywood Studios​

Disney is now testing the MagicBand+ “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” game in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

A “private” sign was up at an entrance between the planters. Guests have been selected to test MagicBand+.

Cast Members were explaining the game to guests and getting feedback.

The guests were given “Star Wars” versions of MagicBand+ for the test that looked similar to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser bands. They were not Starcruiser guests, however.

We were told the game would open at the end of summer, which lines up with the announced timeframe for the release of MagicBand+.

 

[catsinawindow]

Disney Testing ‘Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters’ MagicBand+ Game in Disney’s Hollywood Studios​

Disney is now testing the MagicBand+ “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” game in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

A “private” sign was up at an entrance between the planters. Guests have been selected to test MagicBand+.

Cast Members were explaining the game to guests and getting feedback.

The guests were given “Star Wars” versions of MagicBand+ for the test that looked similar to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser bands. They were not Starcruiser guests, however.

We were told the game would open at the end of summer, which lines up with the announced timeframe for the release of MagicBand+.

Ah, bummer! We were hoping this would be in place before our July trip, but it's looking unlikely based on this! I wonder if this also means a delayed release of Magicband+?

 

[BaybeeYoda]

We have a week left and no bands yet. Not coming back until March or June of next year. Bummed.

 

[pregnantw4thprincess]

It still amounts to "walk up to one specific object and then stand there playing a game on your phone" and if I'm gonna do that, I've got better apps for it lol.

I'll check out the pirate thing but it also sounds like it's limited to just the small area around one single ride, PotC. Even if it were limited to the entirety of Adventureland that's still a major step down from the old games.

I am super sad that Sorcerers is gone - and completely agree that it sucks and was infinitely superior - but FWIW, each villain was in one land, so you remained in that land for the entirety of the mission

 

[mrsap]

MagicBand+ Launching July 27th at Walt Disney World

But our newest wearable also has great new features, including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition – plus it pairs to your smartphone using the My Disney Experience app. Once you get your hands on one, you’ll want to do it all – and there’s a lot you can do when MagicBand+ launches!

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

I wish we could see what all of them look like already. It will be cutting it close for our trip so I’ll be ordering first thing Wednesday.

 

[mrsap]

Adding to above:

If you’re planning to get one or even collect some, don’t forget that Disney Resort hotel guests may purchase MagicBand+ online at special prices before their arrival. Annual Passholder discounts will also be available on MagicBand+ (visit disneyworld.com/pass for more information). All guests can buy MagicBand+ at select stores across Walt Disney World and online at shopDisney, starting at $34.99.

At Walt Disney World, you can purchase a MagicBand+ at the following locations:

• Magic Kingdom Park: Emporium
• EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Discovery Trading Company
• Disney Springs: Disney’s Pin Traders
• Select merchandise locations at Disney Resort hotels