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) EDIT: Apparently not anymore. 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.

 

[Disney Dining Dad]

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..

Thanks for this information. Guest services will provide both the cards and the lanyards? So, we'll be all set after leaving the desk? If so, it seems like that might be the best plan.

 

[bettertheangel]

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).

Just an FYI: the MagicBand+ discount for Disney resort guests was discontinued last year.

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/qu...s-disney-experience-app-upcoming-trip-629116/

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'd just as soon use the plastic cards you can get at the front desk. I still use old Magic Bands occasionally, but sometimes it takes me 2 or 3 times at the front gate. Plastic cards, however, always seem to work for me on the first try.

 

[BrianL]

Thanks for this information. Guest services will provide both the cards and the lanyards? So, we'll be all set after leaving the desk? If so, it seems like that might be the best plan.

They do not provide a lanyard.

Just an FYI: the MagicBand+ discount for Disney resort guests was discontinued last year.

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/qu...s-disney-experience-app-upcoming-trip-629116/

Well then, I guess just buy whatever band you want, if you want one.

 

[MinnieLizzie]

If we are staying off site and only doing one park day, can we get the cards at guest services (like at Disney Springs) before our actual park day? (We will have physical tickets purchased through a convention.)

 

[BrianL]

If we are staying off site and only doing one park day, can we get the cards at guest services (like at Disney Springs) before our actual park day? (We will have physical tickets purchased through a convention.)

Yes, I believe that you should be able to do that. I am not 100% certain, but as long as you have the tickets in your MDE profile, you should be good.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

It's really just up to you and your preferences.

If you still have your previous magicbands they will work for anything that you tap for.

I did purchase an MB+ last year and I like it.

You could also go the card route which I think is fine too.

I would not rely only of the phone. Especially if you'll be using the same phone for multiple people's tickets etc.

 

[bluezy]

I agree with the others, if you don't want to buy MB+, please get the cards at the front desk and bring lanyards for them. (Side note: MBs are occasionally on sale at the Disney Shopping website. I bought one on sale the other week for about $32 with all discounts applied. Still not cheap, but better than $45. The MB+ will last for years since they're rechargeable and even if they aren't charged, they will still work for all touchpoints -- payment, admission, LL, room, etc.), We always have MBs but we did try to unlock the room door a few times with our phone on the last 2 trips just for fun and it just wouldn't work consistently. And I can't tell you how many times we've been stuck behind a family in an admission or LL line where one person is trying to scan in for 6 people and just can't figure it out or it just isn't working for whatever reason. If I see someone pulling out a phone in the admission line, I'll move to a different line where I see most people wearing MBs. Some people seem to do fine with just using phones, others don't. You don't want to be *those* people. We bought MB+ for our last trip and figured we'd use them for the next several trips. DH is reusing his for our next trip in a few weeks and so will I -- but I also bought 2 new ones for myself for this trip because...well, they were just too cute to pass up. We prefer the convenience of the MBs, but if we couldn't use those we'd definitely get cards at the desk and have a lanyard ready to go.

 

[scrappinginontario]

If we are staying off site and only doing one park day, can we get the cards at guest services (like at Disney Springs) before our actual park day? (We will have physical tickets purchased through a convention.)

You can but there will be CMs at/near the tap stations who can quickly provide you with cards at that time. No need to go earlier to pick them up.

I took this picture in December of a CM with a stack of cards in her hand, ready to hand out as guests needed them.

 

[LSUfan4444]

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.

I havent used one in years. I have no interest in the + benefits and definitely don't want to wear another "watch" on my right wrist so just use my phone.