MagicBand+ coming to DCL as DisneyBand+

[DMMarla07860]

I just hope it doesn’t start before my c

Wish they would integrate more with Apple Watch and Disney app. I know not an upsell like Bands are, but would be nice feature since so many of us already wearing watch.

Apple Watch would be great

 

[happycamper47]

But you still need the Key Card for the Ports according to the article so what's the advantage?

 

[Kwami]

One neat feature is that you can use the bands to check in for the cruise (only in US ports) instead of the port arrival form QR code. But that alone doesn't seem worth the extra change. And since I still have to use my KttW card for exiting and entering the ship in ports, I don't see why I'd also want the DisneyBand+. It's just another thing to keep track of and charge.

 

[Scalemaster34]

If they can make MB+ work.... should be able to add that functionality to the App as well. Which ought to allow a phone or smartwatch to be used also.

But often on deck and on Castaway the servers need to take your card.... is Disney going to issue all of them a mobile device to allow them to make order and to process a MB+, Phone, Watch? Or would a good old card simple work better?

 

[insureman]

And they are totally optional, so there is no added cost unless you want to purchase them.

You know they are going to have experiences on board that you can only access with a band eventually. I feel bad for the parents who feel forced to buy them because all of little Johnny's friends have them.

 

[sponica]

One neat feature is that you can use the bands to check in for the cruise (only in US ports) instead of the port arrival form QR code. But that alone doesn't seem worth the extra change. And since I still have to use my KttW card for exiting and entering the ship in ports, I don't see why I'd also want the DisneyBand+. It's just another thing to keep track of and charge.

I already have some MB+ from a WDW park trip, so the cost has already been spent. And we're probably doing a parks trip before our cruise, so I'd already have one with me . I can imagine for people who do land + sea who might have MB+ the bands would already be with them, so it's just an added bonus.

My kid might choose to use her MB+ instead of the oceaneer band, so that's a plus.

 

[CeCe0906]

We have an upcoming pre cruise DW trip, and I had been stalking the Disney website for MB 2, as I really didn't feel that the MB+ had any features that I really wanted, and I wasn't wanting to charge anything else.
But now, a feature I will find useful. I wasn't looking forward to having to wear a lanyard around, and I think that wearing a MB would be easier for my granddaughter.
Still agree that they could have done a better job on the size/design.

 

[kiford]

But you still need the Key Card for the Ports according to the article so what's the advantage?

If I wasn't ever getting off the ship I might use a band, but otherwise, it just seems like a duplication of effort. Given that the reports are that they may use existing ones from WDW, I would probably bring one with me but I might only use it when going swimming because I don't like getting my lanyard wet (though I usually put the card into a zipped pocket in my swim shirt but this would give me the option of wearing a swim shirt without a pocket).

But often on deck and on Castaway the servers need to take your card.... is Disney going to issue all of them a mobile device to allow them to make order and to process a MB+, Phone, Watch?

They already use them. I made purchases in Dory's on the Wish and the CM just used a customized iPad to swipe my card and IIRC, the server in the Bayou had an iPhone with a swipe attachment (I think - I may be misremembering but I know that there was one time an iPhone with attachment was used). And of course they use those all the time in WDW with MB+ so they would probably just adapt it for the ships. Scanner plus card swipe attachment. Probably why it's only going to be available in early stages on the Wish - they probably built that functionality into systems.

 

[KM82]

Can you remove the center piece of the + like you can with the regular? I usually put the little puck on my Apple Watch band. I’d rather use the tech, but not if I need to wear the whole band

 

[ChipTheRescueRanger]

From the linked website:

"Already have a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort MagicBand+? You can use it as a DisneyBand+ during your Disney cruise, starting with the Disney Wish preview."

Whats odd is the parks one are called Magicbands and now the Cruise one is Disneyband odd

 

[ChipTheRescueRanger]

Im going to guess the Magicband + will have quests on the ships like in Galaxy edge and also be interactive with fireworks and shows

 

[sponica]

Whats odd is the parks one are called Magicbands and now the Cruise one is Disneyband odd

I saw on twitter something about how the use of the term Magicband has some limitations? So the DCL ones are called Disneyband

 

[Kwami]

Im going to guess the Magicband + will have quests on the ships like in Galaxy edge and also be interactive with fireworks and shows

They hinted at extra magic moments, sure. But, eventually. At this point, they won't even guarantee full basic functionality on a single ship by the end of summer. So... maybe in again in 2-3 years?

 

[bcwife76]

I know some people have been clamouring for this so it's good for them. But it's a no from me. I hate MB's at WDW, being CDN they are no longer shipped to us so we wouldn't even be able to 'save $10' by purchasing these in advance. And you will still need your KTTW card to get off and on the ship so yeah, I'm good. But happy for those that want more choices

 

[OpieDoodle]

That's a pretty cool idea, honestly I am terrible at remembering my card everywhere I go, ESPECIALLY for my kids. Keeping track of the kids cards is a nightmare. The MagicBand+ we have a charging station for right next to our phones and sunglasses so when my husband and I put ours on the kids all put theirs on as well. Much harder to lose it for us because they're either wearing it or its on a charger.

It was also pretty cool last WDW trip where it would jingle and such randomly as you walk around finding interactive things. The cards I found myself chasing my whole cruise.

I like that its optional too. They aren't going to be for everyone, just like moving the navigator to the app versus paper every day in your room. You can still stick to the way it was before if you want.

I do wonder how it'll go over with the older ships that use the key card for the lights

 

[erionm]

I do wonder how it'll go over with the older ships that use the key card for the lights

We sailed on the Wish last July and there was already a blank card in the cabin for the lights.

 

[sponica]

Keeping track of the kids cards is a nightmare.

I was not looking forward to this for our Wish cruise next year, and since we already have MB+ I do not have to totally worry about it. I can just hold on to their cards with mine.

 

[Dug720]

parents who feel forced to buy them because all of little Johnny's friends have them.

Mine totally would have pulled the "If your friends jumped off the ship, would you do it too?" card if they didn't want to buy me one. And say I could use my spending money on it (when there was something that would have required a credit card (and being 18+ as most orders do) I'd give them the cash and they'd use the card) if I wanted one.

 

[OpieDoodle]

Mine totally would have pulled the "If your friends jumped off the ship, would you do it too?" card if they didn't want to buy me one. And say I could use my spending money on it (when there was something that would have required a credit card (and being 18+ as most orders do) I'd give them the cash and they'd use the card) if I wanted one.

I agree with this, when going to Disney land/world/cruise everyone has different things and there really is no obligation to buy something just because other kids have it or their friends have it at home. I mean sheesh, even my own three kids in the same house don't all get the exact same things.

 

[MomOTwins]

I don’t love the + ones—too bulky and annoying to recharge. However, it is still an improvement over the lanyard—can keep it on swimming/showering/riding the water slides.