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Picture this: You’re at Magic Kingdom’s entrance, ready for a day full of fun. You move towards the gate and with a tap of your wrist, there’s an iconic beep and you’re through.
It’s all thanks to MagicBand+, a game-changer at Disney World. We’re here to teach you everything about it, from how to set it up, to its secret perks, and the best tips.
Gone are the days of carrying lots of cards and tickets. MagicBand+ turns your wrist into a magic wand, which is why it’s become an essential part of our Disney magic whenever we’re ready to visit the most magical place on Earth.
What is MagicBand+?
A MagicBand+ is a wristband that makes your Disney World trip better. It’s your ticket, room key, and way to pay all in one. Your band links to your My Disney Experience app. This is where all your trip details are, like where you’re staying and your lightning lane times.
MagicBands can be unique to you. There are many colors and designs to choose from. You can also add your name or a favorite Disney character. This makes your band special and adds fun to your trip.
It’s easy to use your MagicBand. Just tap it where you need to, like at park entrances and stores. This lets you into the parks, use lightning lanes, and buy things easily. It is also how you access your Disney photos from the Memory Maker photo pass. They go straight to your online account when you scan your MagicBand to the photographer’s reader.
You can use your MagicBand+ to buy things if you link a credit card to it. No need to carry cash. It’s safe to use everywhere in Disney World. And, you can even swim with it on because it’s waterproof!
Usually, everyone’s MagicBand is linked to the credit card that you used to book the room, but on our recent Disney trip, a cast member helped us link each person’s MagicBand to their own credit or debit card.
So, the MagicBand+ is a must-have for Disney trips. It makes everything simpler with just one band. You can enjoy your trip more knowing most things are taken care of.
MagicBand+ or MagicBand: What’s the Difference?
MagicBand+ is the newest version of the MagicBand at Disney World. It offers more features for a more magical visit. With special lights, vibrations, and recognizing your movements, you get a new experience.
The MagicBand+ can interact with the golden statues for Disney’s 50th Anniversary. This lets guests enjoy special surprises and feel more connected to Disney’s history. Even though the anniversary is long over, you can still interact with these statues in the park. I tried to gamify it into a Disneydex by scanning ’em all, but there’s quite a lot to find throughout the parks and too many rides to prioritize!
There’s also a fun game with the MagicBand+ in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You can feel like a real bounty hunter with the data pad while you wait in line for Rise of the Resistance. It’s honestly one of the best hidden features at Disney World because, with the data pad, you get a prequel story to the ride!
But it doesn’t end there. The MagicBand+ makes fireworks shows even more amazing. It syncs with the shows for an experience of lights and vibrations that are truly magical. Your Disney World visit will be unforgettable.
This MagicBand+ is easy to charge and always ready for your adventures. It comes with a power cord for simple charging right in the hotel room. You won’t miss out on anything at the park.
How Does a MagicBand+ Work?
MagicBands uses advanced Radio Frequency (RF) tech to make Disney trips magical. They work with readers all over Disney World. These devices help with many things, making the visit fun and easy.
Linking to My Disney Experience
You have to link the MagicBand to a My Disney Experience account to make it work fully. Cast members can do this easily for you. The app allows you to do lots without any hassle during your Disney stay.
Touch to Unlock the Magic
To use your MagicBand, just touch where the Mickey head is to any scanner. This literally unlocks magic at the parks, rides, and shops. No more fumbling with tickets, just touch and go!
Unlocking Disney Resort Hotel Rooms
But wait, it also opens your Disney hotel room with a touch. Tap your band to the reader by the door and it opens! Walk into a special place where the magic continues. This has become one of our new favorite features when we stay on Disney property!
Customization and Personalization
And the really cool thing about MagicBands? You can make them your own! My collection sits at three in total: one for Stitch, one for Figment, and one for Ariel.
| Key Features | Benefits | Secrets |
|---|---|---|
| RF Technology | Effortless access to various Disney World experiences | Improves the overall magic and convenience |
| Linking to My Disney Experience | Streamlines vacation planning and management | Ensures an easy and personalized experience |
| Touch to Unlock the Magic | Quick and easy access to park entrances and attractions | Transforms the guest experience through technology |
| Unlocking Disney Resort Hotel Rooms | Provides a convenient and secure room key | Offers one little spark of magic every time guests enter their rooms |
| Customization and Personalization | Allows guests to express their unique style | Turns the MagicBand+ into a wearable piece of Disney magic |
What Can You Do with a MagicBand+?
A MagicBand makes everything at Disney World easier and more fun for guests. It’s packed with cool features and benefits.
MagicBand+ Features
Here’s how a MagicBand+ turns your Disney experience up a notch:
- It acts as your park ticket. Entry to the parks is quick and easy.
- With it, make Lightning Lane reservations. This gets you on rides faster.
- Use it to pay for things. No need to carry cash or cards.
- Connect it to Disney PhotoPass. Your park photos go straight to your account when you tap it.
- It’s waterproof. Wear it in the water parks and pools without worry.
- It syncs and lights up to the nighttime spectaculars such as Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom
MagicBand+ Benefits
A MagicBand+ makes your Disney visit smoother and more enjoyable:
- It puts your tickets, money, and special access on your wrist. Easy!
- You’ll breeze through park entry and skip lines with your MagicBand+.
- It’s simple to get all your park photos because of your MagicBand+.
- You can pick from many styles to match your look and make it your own.
With all these uses, the MagicBand truly makes your Disney trip special. It’s a must-have for a memorable time at Disney World.
How Much Does MagicBand+ Cost?
MagicBand+ costs range from $34.99 to $44.99, depending on the design:
- Solid colors: $34.99 ($24.99 with pre-arrival discount for Disney resort hotel guests)
- Designs: $44.99 ($34.99 with pre-arrival discount for Disney resort hotel guests)
Disney World resort guests and Annual Passholders can get a $10 pre-arrival discount on MagicBand+ purchases. However, the Passholder discount is not available for purchases made directly through shopDisney.
Where Can You Purchase MagicBand+?
MagicBand+ can be purchased at:
- Select gift shops across Walt Disney World
- Online at shopDisney
- Through the My Disney Experience app or website (for Disney resort hotel guests, to receive the pre-arrival discount)
Is MagicBand+ Worth it for Non-Disney Property Stays?
No, MagicBand+ is not worth it for non-Disney property stays. While MagicBand+ offers some interactive features like color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition, its core benefits are mainly useful for Disney resort guests.
Off-property guests can still use MagicBand+ to enter parks, redeem Lightning Lanes, and link PhotoPass photos, but they won’t be able to charge purchases to a resort room or unlock a resort door. A free Key to the World card provides the same basic functionality for park entry and Lightning Lanes.
Unless you’re really excited about the MagicBand+ minigames like the Data Pad in Galaxy’s Edge, or the Disney Fab 50 Scavenger Hunt, it’s probably not worth the extra $35-45 cost for off-property guests. The interactive features are fun but limited, and feel a bit rushed and glitchy at this stage.
Final Thoughts
The MagicBand and MagicBand+ are tech wonders that make Disney World more magical and easy. They work as your park ticket and hotel key. They also let you pay for things and interact all over the resort.
MagicBand+ offers more fun and immersion at Disney World. You can customize your band. You also get to play cool games and sync with night shows. This makes every Disney visit unforgettable.
Our guide unlocks top MagicBand features and secrets. It makes using MagicBand+ easy. Get ready for a Disney trip filled with wonder, thanks to the MagicBand and MagicBand+.
FAQ
For even more information on MagicBand+, check out our FAQ section for all you need to know.
Can I use my MagicBand from a previous Disney World trip?
Yes, you can reuse your old MagicBand on future Disney World visits. Just link it to your new My Disney Experience plans. However, the battery on the original MagicBand is not rechargeable and may eventually die after a few years.
Do I have to use a MagicBand to visit Disney World?
No, MagicBands are optional at Disney World. You can use a Key to the World card (for resort guests) or regular park ticket instead to enter the parks and redeem Lightning Lanes. However, MagicBands provide a convenient all-in-one solution.
Can I link multiple MagicBands to my Disney account?
Yes, you can link multiple MagicBands, even from past trips, to one Disney account. This allows your whole travel party to have their own bands while sharing plans. You can manage all your linked bands through the My Disney Experience app.
Is MagicBand+ waterproof?
Yes, just like the original MagicBand, the MagicBand+ is waterproof. You can safely wear it while swimming in the pool or at Disney’s water parks. The battery and electronics are well-sealed against water damage.
How long does the MagicBand+ battery last?
The rechargeable battery in MagicBand+ can last up to 3 days on a full charge with typical use. Low power mode helps extend battery life when the charge is running low. Recharge the band using the included USB cable and any standard USB power source.
