Old magic bands vs new magic bands

[Scrufsmom]

Will be traveling with the family in a couple of months and we have (like everyone else) a box of colored magic bands. Now we are going for the first time since the new ones have come out and wondering if we can still use what we have. Reason, my mother purchased a Dooney & Burke magic band right before the change. Can she still use the old technology? If not, then I know what must be done. Just needing some insight to savage the band for at least another year. Thanks in advance.

 

[donsullivan]

You'll be fine with the earlier generation magic band for at least a couple of years. The tech in the 2 generations of bands is the same, thy just evolved the form-factor a little. As long as the bands are still linked to your MDE profile they'll continue to work.

The only part of a MagicBand that 'wears out' is the Bluetooth LE portion that is used for things like on-ride photos like the new one on Pirates or Splash, or the video on 7DMT. Those use the Bluetooth LE functionality which requires a battery. The battery in the band lasts a couple of years and then runs out stopping the Bluetooth LE functionality. .

However, even when that battery runs out, the RFID portion that is used or admission, FP, payment and room entry (for Disney resort) will continue to work essentially indefinitely. That part is passive and the power is provided on the reader side so even if the battery dies, it does not impact this functionality of the band.

 

[Robo]

wondering if we can still use what we have.

Yes.