Re-using old Magic Bands- How to tell if they are still working?

[jmr0142]

Hello,

I have 2 Magic Bands from our trip in 2014. I was hoping to re-use them. What is the best way to tell if they are still working? I am very concerned about this and want them in working order since we purchased Memory Maker for this trip and I want ALLLLL the pictures! My husband and I are staying at SOG so I won't know upon check in.

 

[Kellie_G3]

Go into your disney account and My Disney Experience account... if you have it.... should have a drop down box under My Disney Experience and listed under My Account is Magic Bands and Cards .... my one card said inactive across it but the band and my new card dont and clicking on it says its still active

 

[siskaren]

Go into your disney account and My Disney Experience account... if you have it.... should have a drop down box under My Disney Experience and listed under My Account is Magic Bands and Cards .... my one card said inactive across it but the band and my new card dont and clicking on it says its still active

The OP isn't asking how to know if the card is still active, she's asking how to know if the battery is still working. The battery isn't needed for most things (entering the parks, opening hotel doors, using FP, paying for things, etc), but it is needed for ride photos and videos, which is what the OP is concerned about.

 

[AFwifelife]

I've read you really can't tell if it will work for ride photos/videos in advance.

 

[rpb718]

There is no way to know about the internal battery beforehand. They are said to be good for 2-3 years though so if you have some from 2014 and go to WDW in 2016 you should be fine.

For use as a room key, park entry, and store purchases on property, I believe they should work (almost) indefinitely - at least until they work out the kinks for having internal chips injected directly into your body.

 

[Mommy2Corinne]

Our bands are from Sept of 2014. We are here now and have had problems with our bands picking up ride photos. Ugh. Had I realized that this was an issue, I would have made sure to use our new bands. Alas, we are on day 5/5, so it's a little late to fix the problem now. Rats.

 

[jmr0142]

Thanks everyone. May just purchase 2 new magic bands rather than risk not getting those photos.