To Magic band or not??

[disneydreamer1980]

On the contrary, when you book a vacation, the basic color magicbands of your choice are included with your package, not with an additional $12.99/band.

You must buy them if you are staying off site and want them

 

[Paul Rodgers]

You must buy them if you are staying off site and want them

Oh Ok, I must've missed that part.

 

[friedela]

If you need to buy them because you are staying off site and you don't get all the extra perks such as using them to pay and using them for a room key, they're a waste IMO. They aren't really that much more convenient than just pulling out your card. We bought our kids MB's for our trip and went though such a hassle to get them because we live in Canada and they won't ship them here. We made a big deal, surprised the kids with them at the airport and were so pumped to see them in use but they were pretty under-whelming and honestly ended up in our stroller rather than on our kids's wrists. If we don't get them for free we wouldn't buy them again, that's for sure. In fact we probably wouldn't even take them for our next trip (if they still work that is).

 

[slpeters]

We bought them for our recent trip--staying at the Swan. We thought they were very convenient, but I guess we weren't really that put off by the price. It's a $13 souvenir that is actually functional.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I stay at the Swan/Dolphin and the only things that a Magic Band can do for me is access my park admission and FastPasses.

I can’t get a Disney Dining Plan, charge to my resort account or use an MB as my resort room key. I don’t bother with Photopass because my travel mates have APs with Memory Maker. I never wear a watch because I don’t like anything tight around my wrist, so obviously, there is no need for me to buy a Magic Band.

I do keep my room key and ticket card in a zip-top pouch I bought at Home Depot. I use a lanyard that I got at a work event and weight it down with a couple of Disney pins. I usually wear a necklace every day so I’m used to having something around my neck. I’ve never had a problem with doing this.

My sister had a lightweight ribbon-like lanyard with an open pouch and nearly lost her stuff in a wind gust. If you’re inclined to go with a lanyard, it’s worth spending some effort before you leave home to get quality materials.

 

[tidegirl]

I'm a passholder so I got a MB with that. I don't stay on site but I still think it would be a total pain to have to take out the card for every FP.

A key factor for me though would be is this the ONLY trip to Disney you will make in the next several years? If it is, then I would not spend the money. Yeah it's a souvenir- one that remains in my sock drawer until the next trip. But if you will return, you can keep using the same bands so that increases the value since IMO.

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

If you decide they’re necessary and will add to your vacation just buy them when you get there.

But I think Magic Bands are completely unnecessary for off site stays.

Just my .02.

 

[Mainemama]

Keep your eyes on sale on The Disney Shop app. I picked up a few last year for $8.

 

[Amanda999]

I'd get them for the kids - they are fun to tap for FP and park entry, and to personalize (write name on inside and choose color - I assume the ones you buy have the basic color choices). And its a nice souvenir for after the trip's over. They sell little decorations the kids might like, that attach to the MBs. If you go back in a year or 2 they'll probably still work. And you won't have to fumble around for the kids' park ticket cards, if they have MBs on.

 

[hsmamato2]

Personally I'm not a fan of MB's.... I think of it as an ankle bracelet like a prisoner wears lol..... I have one,and I use it b/c it was free one trip in our past, but if I had to buy it,nope. I'd just use my ticket for FP and not worry about it.

 

[hakepb]

If you drive and pay for parking, anyway, a throwaway room or campsite would result in 2 days of parking (check in and check out) Plus magic bands for everyone.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/throwaway-room-offsite-to-onsite-stays-update.3539209/

 

[bigbabyblues]

We're staying offsite for the first time this year and we are buying magic bands. I don't want to have to keep track of the ticket cards, or make sure everyone has theirs if we split up, etc. I don't think $13 is too bad.

 

[hakepb]

We're staying offsite for the first time this year and we are buying magic bands. I don't want to have to keep track of the ticket cards, or make sure everyone has theirs if we split up, etc. I don't think $13 is too bad.

If you still have older bands, then they will still work just fine for ticketing and FP+