Disney MagicBands offers a streamlined park experience for park admission, photo pass photographers, and access to lighting lanes. Many people planning their Disney vacation often ask do you need a magic band at Disney?
I find MagicBands are a splurge for the price that is charged, even if you plan to stay at a Disney World resort or plan to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Memory Maker for your vacation. If you want to save money, the first thing I would cut is MagicBands from your expenses.
Look, using a Magic Band allows you to charge things to your room which can be dangerous, and makes getting into the parks or rides a bit easier…but to say it’s worth $25-30 per person that constantly has to be charged is rather annoying to me. As you can see from the picture above we own several, and I found that when Disney offered upgrades for $10 it to be quite temping, but the new Magic Band+, the draw just isn’t there anymore for me.
The Walt Disney Company always releases new and innovative products to enhance vacations at Walt Disney World. MagicBands have been around for many years now, but Disney is always trying to improve the experience for theme park visitors.
Do You Need a MagicBand at Disney World? (Frequently Asked Questions)
Today we’re going to discover what a MagicBand is and whether you really need to use one during your vacation. These are the most frequently asked questions about Magic Bands.
What is a MagicBand?
Disney MagicBands are plastic bracelets that are worn you can use throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. They are also used throughout your park experience.
The technology uses an RFID chip to allow you to share your data in various ways that will enhance your vacation experience.
You can load your theme park tickets, open your Disney resort hotel room, use lightning lanes, scan for ride photos or make purchases with the tap of your wrist. They are a convenient way to avoid carrying around bags and belongings at Disney theme parks.
While MagicBands have been around for several years now, you’ll find the designs have continued to evolve to bring them into the current time.
Are MagicBands Waterproof?
The great thing about MagicBands is that they are waterproof due to the material. You won’t have to take them off for popular water attractions such as Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom or even during your visit to the resort pool.
You can wear your band all day long at the water parks. This allows you to buy food and drink without having to carry a credit card in your wallet or purse.
The water won’t damage the band, so don’t worry about taking it off during your shower or bath.
How Long Do Magic Bands Last?
Most MagicBands last for about two years, but it’s not unusual for this to extend to up to several years.
Most of the functions last a few years in a magic band, but the RFID battery life is much shorter. RFID, which is the technology that recognizes you on rides with attraction photos, will only last about two years.
Many people reuse their MagicBands each vacation, helping save money. You can still use the My Disney Experience app if your band does stop working, which offers the same features as the bands.
Can I Use Magic Bands From 3 Years Ago?
If you have a MagicBand or MagicBand+ from a previous vacation you can bring it back with you during your next vacation to Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, the complimentary MagicBand is no longer offered to resort guests. You can still get a discounted price when staying on property.
Magic Bands can not be transferred once connected to a My Disney Experience Account. They will always stay connected to your My Disney Experience account. You can automatically use the old band when you link your Walt Disney World resort hotel and park ticket to the app.
The original MagicBand will last for several years for park functions where you scan your band. These functions include using your band as a room key, park entrance, and lightning lane entrance.
The RFID technology in MagicBand only lasts for about two years and is used to recognize you on a ride for the attraction photos automatically. On some rides, you can tap your magic band to your picture as you exit the attraction, but many newer rides do not have this option. Tron, and Guardians of the Galaxy are examples of this.
If you have downloaded the MDE app, you can still automatically get your picture if your phone is with you on the ride. A cast member from Guest Relations can also help you find a missing ride photo and add it to your account.
What’s The Difference Between Magic Bands And Magic Band+?
Disney introduced a new MagicBand called MagicBand+ upgrading the wristband’s features. Magic Band+ is the latest version of the normal MagicBands.
New Design
One of the upgrades with the MagicBand+ is the new design, which has different colors and disney characters on the strap. These new bands have a rechargeable battery which is the biggest difference from the regular MagicBand.
New Interactive Features
One of the top new features that you can only experience with the MagicBand+ is the lighting effects and vibrations. This experience offers you interactive elements around the theme parks.
The new band has interactive features at the nighttime spectaculars, character statues as well as interactive games.
- Become a Bounty Hunter in an interactive Star Wars Game called Batuu Bounty Hunters in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Interact with the golden character statues found throughout the Disney World Theme Parks.
- The Magic Band+ lights up and vibrates in sync with the evening fireworks, Fantasmic! and the Spaceship Earth lightings in Epcot.
Is Disney MagicBand Plus Worth It?
The basic functions are still the same, so you can save money by using your old MagicBand if you prefer. My personal opinion is they are not worth the money if you already have a magic band.
The additional features are cool, but not worth the extra money to upgrade, though kids and teens may really enjoy them. They are convenient, especially for children who can scan their band if they don’t have a phone, and so they don’t lose their ticket card.
If you don’t have a MagicBand already, you may be interested in purchasing the MagicBand Plus for convenience. Though I think they are worth the convenience, if you are trying to save money this is definitely a great opportunity to use an alternative to the MagicBand.
What Can I Use Instead of MagicBands?
MagicBands can be an added expense of your Walt Disney World Vacation. You may be wondering if there is another option for your family to save money. I have some good news, there are other options!
Your Phone
This is called the MagicMobile pass and can be set up on the My Disney Experience App. This method is very convenient and can be used even if your phone no longer has battery life. The ride technology will pick up your phone to automatically send your attraction photo to the app.
Apple Watch
You can also load the MagicMobile pass to your Apple watch to use instead of a MagicBand. Unfortunately, this will not automatically pick you up on rides for attraction photos but you can go to guest relations to find your photo.
Card
Guest Relations can give you a card with your tickets loaded onto it. The front desk of your hotel will give you a room key to use if you opt not to purchase a magic band. This option has no additional cost, but will not give you your attraction photos either.
Does Disney Still Use Magic Bands?
Yes, MagicBands will still be used throughout the resort in 2024.
It’s completely up to you whether you think this is something you need. It’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of purchasing MagicBands for your whole travel party.
If you are traveling with a large group, they aren’t be cheap to buy for everyone, so you may be happier with an alternative option.
Do MagicBands work at Disneyland?
MagicBand and MagicBand 2 will not work at a Disneyland Park or Disneyland Resort. However, the Magic Band+ is now available at Disneyland.
Where To Buy Magic Bands
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, then you’ll find that you can pre-order your MagicBands in the mobile app. These are offered at a discounted price and they’ll be ready for you to pick up when you check in or mailed to you.
Other Places To Purchase Magic Bands
- ShopDisney carries magic bands for purchase online if you are ordering ahead of time. Online there are also some unique design options. It’s worth reviewing your options ahead of your vacation to find designs that your family will love wearing.
- Resort and Theme Park Merchandise Locations offer a wide variety of designs and solid colors, which vary in price.
- Disney Character Warehouse Outlet – Two Disney character outlets in Orlando always have a selection of MagicBands for a fraction of the price you would pay in the parks. This is a great place to find obscure themes and bands that are no longer being carried in the parks.
Final Thoughts
MagicBands are still used by many guests who visit Walt Disney World in 2024. While you do need to pay for these bands now, you can use them over and over again during the next few trips you make to the resort.
We recommend thinking about whether they are a good value for money option for your travel party. In general, you’ll find they make your vacation so much more convenient and you won’t need to worry about keeping track of your room keys either!
There’s nothing better than heading to the parks with a band on your wrist. You will be ready to enjoy your day without weighing yourself down with extra belongings.
Read Also: 100 Smart Tips to Save Money at Disney World
Read Also: Thinking About Disney’s PhotoPass for Your Next Trip?
