New Magic Bands Arrived- A Little Disappointed

[wdwthanksgiving]

Not sure is this is the right forum for this comment, but I didn't see another forum that appeared more suitable!

We go to WDW once every year and the arrival of the magic bands is always exciting. The new bands for our Feb. trip arrived yesterday. Instead of the fun, bright Incredibles box they used to come in, they are now in a plain white cardboard mailing box that you pull a rip cord to open.. there is a nighttime graphic of the castle on the inside lid (which is connected to the box) and the bands are on a black cardboard tube set at an angle in the box. Not much fun to look out and once you open the box, the torn edge doesn't make it attractive to leave out on the counter to enjoy while we wait for our trip.
The bands themselves are different - more childlike in appearance, instead of the sleeker looking original bands.
I'm sure there must be a money-saving reason for the change, but it is a shame they didn't come up with something that was better looking and added that "excitement" to our upcoming trip. Knowing that Disney employees are so creative and on trend, I am stumped why this presentation is so bland compared to the original design. Those special Disney touches seem to slowly be slipping away... this was a missed opportunity for sure

 

[bumbershoot]

...the torn edge doesn't make it attractive to leave out on the counter to enjoy while we wait for our trip.


The bands themselves are different - more childlike in appearance, instead of the sleeker looking original bands.

Take the grey tube out and enjoy it like that. Put the tube in one of the old boxes you kept!

I like the new packaging. It's a lot less waste to deal with.

As for the bands, this is version 2.0. The bit in the center can come out and they will be selling things like keychains that you can put the (what is being called a) "puck" into in case you don't like wearing the band.

 

[wilkeliza]

Many have said the boxes have gone to pretty plane because a lot of people give the trip as a surprise. With the more plane boxing you don't have to try and intercept the mail any more. It is also to be more echo-friendly. The less ink the easier it is to recycle.

The redesign is actually about the ability to swap out the band. The band now is actually a puck with a band attachment included. Soon you'll be able to buy key chains, necklaces, bands, etc to hold the puck.

 

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

The biggest thing is these being more eco-friendly. I know the other boxes were pretty but they were very wasteful and hard to recycle. I think they just used that to get people excited about Magic Bands, which are also extremely wasteful.

Maybe they will think of cheaper, greener ways to make the packaging fun again, but for the time being I'm fine with losing this "touch" if it means being more responsible.

 

[ellie05]

Many have said the boxes have gone to pretty plane because a lot of people give the trip as a surprise. With the more plane boxing you don't have to try and intercept the mail any more. It is also to be more echo-friendly. The less ink the easier it is to recycle.

.

The surprise theory doesn't make any sense because the old boxes came inside a plain cardboard box just like this one.


I like the more eco- friendly part from the new box, however I highly doubt it that is why they made the switch this box is obviously a way cheaper option. I think they could have come up with something nicer and eco friendly as well.

 

[HopperFan]

Actually surprised the good ones (boxes) came as long as they did. Imagine multiplying by every reservation plus AP MBs. Sad too as I kept all mine and use to store craft stuff in but .... but I get the eco friendly more economical boxes.

The new MB are considered an improvement and ability to wear in multiple ways. I like it, fits better.

 

[ellie05]

Actually surprised the good ones (boxes) came as long as they did. Imagine multiplying by every reservation plus AP MBs. Sad too as I kept all mine and use to store craft stuff in but .... but I get the eco friendly more economical boxes.

Considering their pricing I think they were doing just fine. I also keep all of mine.

 

[HopperFan]

Considering their pricing I think they were doing just fine. I also keep all of mine.

I didn't say they weren't overpriced hotel rooms and weren't doing fine, just saying Disney is going to try to cut costs anywhere they can. Those boxes while nice were completely unnecessary. It's like when they sent out zip drives to help you get on MDE. Unnecessary, and they stopped. I think the cool boxes were mostly to get everyone excited about MagicBands and now they are just a common part to each trip.

 

[ellie05]

I didn't say they weren't overpriced hotel rooms and weren't doing fine, just saying Disney is going to try to cut costs anywhere they can. Those boxes while nice were completely unnecessary. It's like when they sent out zip drives to help you get on MDE. Unnecessary, and they stopped. I think the cool boxes were mostly to get everyone excited about MagicBands and now they are just a common part to each trip.

I don't disagree it is sad that we have come to expect for the nice touches to go away or last that long.

 

[Farro]

Considering their pricing I think they were doing just fine. I also keep all of mine.

And I bet you in are the minority. And remember, all of us trip planning on this board are in the minority.

Smart move to cut costs on a box most won't notice or throw out.

 

[ellie05]

And I bet you in are the minority. And remember, all of us trip planning on this board are in the minority.

Smart move to cut costs on a box most won't notice or throw out.

I think anyone would notice the difference that have received both boxes. We are going with another family next month and it is their first time. She had done research (not much) and knew how the boxes used to look she texted me and asked what happened.

However I do think could have done a better job of making this box even more eco friendly and attractive. I use to expect more from Disney but not lately.

 

[Farro]

I think anyone would notice the difference that have received both boxes. We are going with another family next month and it is their first time. She had done research (not much) and knew how the boxes used to look she texted me and asked what happened.

However I do think could have done a better job of making this box even more eco friendly and attractive. I use to expect more from Disney but not lately.

Well, maybe you'll feel better about them again at one point. Or maybe not!

 

[ellie05]

Well, maybe you'll feel better about them again at one point. Or maybe not!

Honestly the box is not make it or break for us, but yeah it is disappointing like OP says. In the social media age we live on packaging has become a big deal it is easy to find the magic band box everywhere. This next trip will be our last for a long time as DH says we are trading our AP for passports and just can't wait.

 

[Sammie]

The box makes no difference to me. I threw the others away in recycle bin. I put mine in zip lock bags with each family name on them. I am for anything that cuts down on clutter. I like the new band design. More comfortable and I like the options to take the center disc out and use a key fob.

 

[Living with The Land 2000]

Would anyone be willing to post a pick of these boxes? Curious about what they look like after all the discussion.

 

[Jennasis]

The old boxes were a HUGE waste of money. I could never understand how it lasted so long like that. I totally get those who get disappointed in things like this (or napkins, shopping bags, etc) but I don't share the sentiment.

 

[Sparkly]

We live in the UK so picked our bands up at the resort, only actually got the Incredibles box once and on a cardboard tube the other times. So doesn't make a difference to us.

 

[DeanDoug]

Here's a photo... agreed, it's not as pretty but is still magical and less wasteful!

 

[ellie05]

Would anyone be willing to post a pick of these boxes? Curious about what they look like after all the discussion.

There you go. Outside is just a plain white box.

 

[LilyWDW]

It's a box... good lord.

Glad they are doing away with so much waste. Then again, I could not care less what the MBs come in.