MagicBands

[Disney Dining Dad]

My family will be visiting WDW this summer for the first time since 2018, and back then, I recall receiving MagicBands in the mail prior to the trip. I don't recall paying extra for them (perhaps my wife did), but I see now they have to be purchased online at $30-$40 each? And there's something called MagicBands+?

I then also saw that they aren't required, and all check-ins, payments, etc. on property can be done with a card and/or the app on phones?

If I could get some advice on which path is best nowadays, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.

 

[BrianL]

My family will be visiting WDW this summer for the first time since 2018, and back then, I recall receiving MagicBands in the mail prior to the trip. I don't recall paying extra for them (perhaps my wife did), but I see now they have to be purchased online at $30-$40 each? And there's something called MagicBands+?

I then also saw that they aren't required, and all check-ins, payments, etc. on property can be done with a card and/or the app on phones?

If I could get some advice on which path is best nowadays, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.

There are no more complimentary MagicBands with a resort stay, though they do offer discounted bands that you can pre-order with your stay (selection is limited but changes all the time). The MagicBand+ is a newer model that features a rechargeable battery, lights and vibrations, and can be used with certain interactive features in the park. Some attractions will activate the band and it can synch up with shows. It is also required to play the Star Wars Bounty Hunters game (along with your phone, which the band will pair to).

All that said, you don't need a band. You can use your phone at all tap points and as your resort room key. You can even set it up to be scanned long-range for ride photos, etc. Personally, I do find a band to be the easiest and most convenient way to do things, but they are not necessary. Note that MagicBand+ will still work at all tap-points even if the battery dies, as that is only for the long-range and Bluetooth functions. You can also still use your old MagicBands if they are still tied to your My Disney Experience profiles, though the long-range batteries may have died on them (they lasted for a couple of years max) - they will still work for park entry, etc. You could set up your phone too for photo features, but still use the old bands at tap-points.

 

[foxybynature]

Ah yes, the good old days when we got MagicBands for free in the mail, had free Magic Express... but i digress.

I still use my old ones, but I won't replace them when they die. My husband and daughter use the free cards you can get at Guest Services. They put them on lanyards and they work really well..

 

[hardcorestitch]

Ah yes, the good old days when we got MagicBands for free in the mail, had free Magic Express... but i digress.

I still use my old ones, but I won't replace them when they die. My husband and daughter use the free cards you can get at Guest Services. They put them on lanyards and they work really well..

That’s so Chapek!

 

[BrianL]

Ah yes, the good old days when we got MagicBands for free in the mail, had free Magic Express... but i digress.

I still use my old ones, but I won't replace them when they die. My husband and daughter use the free cards you can get at Guest Services. They put them on lanyards and they work really well..

Yes, that is true. You can always request a card that will work at tap points and as your guestroom key. These are free. They will not function for ride-photos, but like using an older band, you can set your phone to do that too.