MagicBand+ coming to DCL as DisneyBand+

[squirk]

Am I crazy or did the press copy change from earlier today?

I would swear on a stack of bibles that earlier today, the original press release said something laughably stupid very close to (if not exactly) “unleash the power of wearable tech.” Now it says ”unlock the convenience of wearable tech”.

Did anyone else see that, or am I just imagining things?

 

[Anna131517]

I’m not a fan of the MagicBand+. I don’t want something else I have to plug in and I don’t think any of the added functionality is necessary or justifies the larger size and price. I’d be very happy if they did this for the basic old magic bands because I do not like wearing those lanyards - they irritate the skin on my neck.

 

[Anna131517]

Just stick it in your pocket or purse during the photo. Do you keep your lanyard on in photos?



They MB will not work. That only MB+ will work. I presume that you could use any MB+ though, whether it's from WDW or DLR. I wonder if MB will work on the rooms though. At DLR, only MB+ work, because their readers use barcodes/QR codes and wallet/bluetooth. Only MB+ have bluetooth. However, most of the cruise ships use RFID on the cabins, and both MB and MB+ have RFID. Unless the Wish is different. I guess we will see.



Yes, it has the screws. I don't know if Disney makes a puck holder for it though. My friend put her MB+ puck on her Apple watch band.



I suspect it just won't be able to access the same info/database as the parks. For instance, I think to use an MB+ at DLR, that you have used at WDW, you have to set it up in the DLR app/website. Just like you have to do for WDW. I believe they are not sharing database info between the parks and probably now between the parks and DCL. Otherwise, I think it should work similarly, ie open cabin, room charging, sparkly lights.

Does anyone know what the Wish cabin room readers are? I haven't seen any pics or been on the ship.

I assume they’re RFID. You just wave your room key in front of them like you do a hard park pass.

 

[Mrlogboy]

I like the keycards and lanyards hope they always keep these

Me to but love the new options as well

 

[RedHead0186]

I have an original MB that's never been used, I haven't had a need. Right now a MB won't give me any more functionality than the card. So unless they become included in the price of the cruise like on Princess cruises, which has a system that's far superior to the Disney system, I won't be buying one. The only thing I'm wearing on my wrist is a cheap Mickey watch.

I agree, Medallion on Princess was super nice! It would be great if DCL got to that point, though it sounds like they're not there yet . . .

 

[darnheather]

The cost is s ridiculous especially for a family.

DisneyBand+ & More – Frequently Asked Questions​

Q:
How much does a DisneyBand+ cost?
A:
Solid bands cost $34.99, and themed designs cost $44.99, plus tax.

I would just get them for young children. They are optional.

 

[FastPasser.]

I agree, Medallion on Princess was super nice! It would be great if DCL got to that point, though it sounds like they're not there yet . . .

Why in the world did they build a brand new ship without a system that's equivalent to the Princess system. Disney has been using RFID technology for decades. My CM ID card has it and it's about 20 years old.

 

[OKW Lover]

Why in the world did they build a brand new ship without a system that's equivalent to the Princess system. Disney has been using RFID technology for decades. My CM ID card has it and it's about 20 years old.

I have no idea what the Princess system is. But I suspect the existing system on the Wish is fairly easily integrated with the whole MB/MB+/call it anything else RFID technology.

 

[FastPasser.]

I have no idea what the Princess system is. But I suspect the existing system on the Wish is fairly easily integrated with the whole MB/MB+/call it anything else RFID technology.

You're probably right. The Princess system appears to have more functionality than the MB+. The video below only shows some of the features. Not shown are that it shows the exact location of others in your party and how to get there on your phone. Crew members know who you are if you approach them, etc. And it's included.

Click link below to view.

Princess Medallion

 

[tidefan]

You're probably right. The Princess system appears to have more functionality than the MB+. The video below only shows some of the features. Not shown are that it shows the exact location of others in your party and how to get there on your phone. Crew members know who you are if you approach them, etc. And it's included.

Click link below to view.

Princess Medallion

The best thing about the Princess Medallion is that like DCL, Princess is one of the few lines still with complimentary room service, and you can order anything off of the room service menu, via the app, to anywhere you are on the ship (you can do this with drinks as well).

Last year on Crown Princess in Alaska, we all sat on the back deck during sailaway from Juneau and ordered and bunch of food and drinks and just sat out there and watched the inside passage as we sailed away. Loved it.

 

[sadiecatie]

Maybe a silly question, but is it really so necessary to have your card or card-alternative be wearable? I’m in no way against the MagicBands, I wear them in the parks and I’m sure would on the ship too, but would it really that big an inconvenience to pull your card out of a pocket or bag when you need it? I plan to just wear a crossbody bag and stick it in the exterior zipper pocket (lanyards are not my thing).

 

[soniam]

Maybe a silly question, but is it really so necessary to have your card or card-alternative be wearable? I’m in no way against the MagicBands, I wear them in the parks and I’m sure would on the ship too, but would it really that big an inconvenience to pull your card out of a pocket or bag when you need it? I plan to just wear a crossbody bag and stick it in the exterior zipper pocket (lanyards are not my thing).

Many people don't like to have any sort of purse or bag with them on the ship. I wear a small purse that just fits my phone, kleenex, and lip gloss. I also carry a lanyard. I don't mind it and am used to it at Universal Orlando and from many years of working where my badge had to be visibly displayed above my waist. The clips can ruin clothing. My husband is also very used to lanyards from work. Our son wears one to school, because his badge also has to be visible at all times. Once the ships take MB+, we will use those, since we already have them. It's really up to each person/family to decide what works for them. I suspect that key cards and MB+ will both be allowed at some point.

 

[John VN]

Maybe a silly question, but is it really so necessary to have your card or card-alternative be wearable? I’m in no way against the MagicBands, I wear them in the parks and I’m sure would on the ship too, but would it really that big an inconvenience to pull your card out of a pocket or bag when you need it? I plan to just wear a crossbody bag and stick it in the exterior zipper pocket (lanyards are not my thing).

We've had MSC's wearable band for years now and the convenance of wearing our room key like a watch/bracelet for all access and charging is sooo convenient.

 

[bcwife76]

So the wearable bands on Princess and MSC, are those also an added cost like DCL will be or are they included in your cruise fare?

 

[tidefan]

So the wearable bands on Princess and MSC, are those also an added cost like DCL will be or are they included in your cruise fare?

On Princess, they are included, but it’s just a puck, about the size of an AirTag. They give you a lanyard, but you can buy a wrist strap holder. AirTag holders work with it as well…

 

[Karin1984]

Maybe a silly question, but is it really so necessary to have your card or card-alternative be wearable? I’m in no way against the MagicBands, I wear them in the parks and I’m sure would on the ship too, but would it really that big an inconvenience to pull your card out of a pocket or bag when you need it? I plan to just wear a crossbody bag and stick it in the exterior zipper pocket (lanyards are not my thing).

It comes down to preference. I always have my phone with me, as it doubles as a camera. My cruise card is in the case. Some people do not like lanyards because they have to wear one at work.

Others prefer to have their hands free.

With this, it's best to offer both options, because there isn't a one size fits all.

I think it's these small things that give one cruiseline an edge over the other. If you enjoy your tech, and DCL and Princess offer an equal cruise experience (in your opinion) than Princess is the better choice. Is it going to change your cruise in a major way? Probably not, but sometimes it comes down to details.

 

[goofy4prez]

This just in, Disney Cruise Line announced a new app to replace the Disney Cruise line Navigator app.The new app will be called the Disney Cruise Line Genie+ and will allow you to prebook specialty adult restaurants, events and excursions. It will also allow you to jump in front of the line and book by using the Swim Lane feature a significant times saver. The new app will cost $35 per person per day. The Swim Lane feature will cost $25 per event.

I know you are using humor here (and a dose of truth), but I certainly can see that being a real possibility in the very near future. I have no doubt the bean counters in Disney have already thought this one over and already know that droves of loyal Disney fans blinded by pixie dust in their eyes will jump on board (pun intended) and fork over even more money on an already expensive product. We've already seen it in the parks. I myself have been turned off by the park experience the last few years and have no plans to go again in the future. I just hope DCL doesn't become a park experience at sea.

Imagine, booking your cruise 1 1/2 years in advance, paying it in full, and watching your countdown to zero. Then finally the big day arrives and then having to rely on luck to wake up before 7:00 am each and every day of your cruise and frantically try to book your onboard activities, character meet and greets, dining and etc from your smartphone for that day's activities. I hope it does not come to fruition, but I've also learned to never say never.

 

[FastPasser.]

Imagine, booking your cruise 1 1/2 years in advance, paying it in full, and watching your countdown to zero. Then finally the big day arrives and then having to rely on luck to wake up before 7:00 am each and every day of your cruise and frantically try to book your onboard activities, character meet and greets, dining and etc from your smartphone for that day's activities.

That's not going to happen with us because we're not the typical cruiser. I only book "space available" cruises which are usually booked about 2 months before the cruise. We don't need character M&Gs, specialty dinning or onboard activities that require a rez. If DCL isn't offering something I what, at the price I want, then some other cruise line probably is.

 

[Karin1984]

I sail to Alaska within a month, my friend coming along is a first time cruiser. I explained to her the online check in procedure and why we want to do this early to get an early PAT. Her first question was: Why doesn't Disney charge you to board the ship early.

My reply: Don't give them any ideas ;-)

 

[randumb0]

Princess Cruises offers these for free. You mean to tell me you have to pay?