No more free magic bands

[Heather07438]

While there is a small battery inside each MagicBand that only has about two years of “juice”, any tap functions where you touch Mickey-to-Mickey (entering a park, making purchases, etc.) will continue to function long after the battery in it has died. However, long-range RFID functions such as in-ride photos will not work once the battery has died.

From AllEars
https://allears.net/2019/08/17/walt-disney-world-rfid-and-magicband-myths-debunked/
The tapstyles read the identity of your MB and transmit that info. Same thing with photopass. That stuff doesn't require juice. Long-range RFID functions need juice.

 

[Poohbear538]

I love the magic bands and hope they don’t get rid of them. I generally do not like to bring my phone with me. (I hear all the gasps now LOL!) I carry my little wallet and hand sanitizer in my pocket. I hate carrying a purse or bag or anything. So wearing my magic band is awesome. Don’t have to pull out my wallet, possibly losing my cards, etc. I just figured I would buy one of the cheaper bands and switch out the pucks if and when mine go bad. I do see the value of getting one included but I haven’t used one of those since they allowed for the upgrades.

 

[Heather07438]

I don't think they're getting rid of MBs, just not giving them free with onsite rooms anymore. Guests are free to use their phone, get a plastic card key, or buy a MB. All 3 of those grant access to linked rooms, park tickets, & FPs.

 

[piccolopat]

I was under the impression that if it's a ride that has a tap point, you need to tap in either way. The magic band will get you photos for rides like 7DMT that have no point.

That's one of the rides I didn't get a picture. I thought I got pictures without tapping on an earlier trip.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

Magic bands have never been free, the cost has always been included in the very high price we pay to stay onsite. It’s not the fact that Disney is getting rid of “Complementary” magic bands that bothers me, it feels like it is just the start of Disney cutting corners to save a buck while we are still expected to pay the same price. What money saving cut will be next?

 

[sydwolfe1014]

After speaking with Guest Services yesterday about multiple things, I did ask about Magic Bands. If you have already booked a trip for 2020 before their announcement, then you WILL still get complimentary bands for 2020. If your trip is planned for 2021 or later, you will NOT get a complimentary band, but by staying at a resort you will still get a discounted rate. Hope that helps!

 

[Sarahslay]

Yes but it caused me to lose some ride photos because I didn't know my batteries were dead.

I always tap the thing after the ride to get my photos. If I don't I always (seriously, always) end up with someone elses pictures. I've even had ride photos not show up with brand new magic bands, or the time I got a picture of an empty back car on Everest when I was in the front seat at EMH. Never put full reliance on magic bands to get you your stuff, new or not, it is Disney IT and tech after all.

 

[DisneyFive]

How do you use your phone to enter the parks now? What if one of my kids doesn't have a phone?

Dan

 

[Disneyfan754321]

How do you use your phone to enter the parks now? What if one of my kids doesn't have a phone?

Dan

It's on your app just like your boarding passes on a flight etc.

Nothing to do with the prior comment... All of my kids have non service phones since we started going to amusement/ theme parks. Even my 2 year old had a cheap tracfone we would DL games and videos for them to use in long lines or on the flight. It's a great use of your old phone or $30 walmart giftcard.