So…you’re going to Disney and you’re finally looking through all the magical tips and tricks here on the The Most Magical Blog on Earth, or flipping through that packet from your travel agent, or your frantically Pinteresting and Googling the answers to all your questions – this one is BIG!
What is a MagicBand? Do I even need one?
MagicBands are RFID bracelets, about the size of a smartwatch, that connect to your MyDisneyExperience account and house your room key, tickets, and photos. Also, they’re a completely customizable and super fun souvenir.
There are currently two kinds of MagicBands: MagicBand and MagicBand+, the alternative is using your smart phone to access the Magic Mobile Service. This is available as a mart of the MyDisneyExperience App.
MagicBands are...
- Waterproof. You can wear them on water rides, in the shower, in the pool, and even for the next week and a half when you get back home if it helps you fight the “Back-from-Disney Blues”. (This can’t just be me.)
- Reusable. Standard MagicBands are expected to last a couple of years. They are not rechargeable.
- Reliable. If you’re comparing MagicBand to Magic Mobile – the truth is, they work much better. My experience and the experience my friends and clients share is that Magic Mobile works about fifty-percent of the time.
- Secure. If your MagicBand is lost it’s super easy to deactivate from the MyDisneyExperience app. A great feature especially if you’ve linked to your room and credit card. You can prevent losing your MagicBand with a BitBelt – especially helpful for kids!
- A fun and totally customizable souvenir!
What can a MagicBand do?
- Open room door. This feature works at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel room. Note that the room must be yours and linked to your MyDisneyExperience account.
- Store your ticket. Your park ticket is stored in MyDisneyExperience, which is linked to your MagicBand. Your MagicBand will only link to your ticket. It can be used to swipe for park entry and for access to reserved Lightning Lanes.
- Link to photos. Because your MagicBand is linked to MyDisneyExperience, where your Memory Maker Photo Pass photos are stored, you’ll use the MagicBand to scan at Photo Pass photographers and for ride photos.
- Link a credit card. In the MyDisneyExperience app you can link a credit card to your MagicBand – only if you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. The card is actually linked to your room and charges go back to the room. You’ll set a pin for this in the MyDisneyExperience app.
What can a MagicBand+ do?
MagicBand+ does everything that a MagicBand can do plus…
- Light up in time with nighttime shows and fireworks at the parks.
- Make you a Bounty Hunter. Play Bounty Hunter in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Play Disney Parks.
- Interact with the Fab50 Statues. In the Fab50 Quest found in Play Disney Parks app.
- Recharge. MagicBand+ comes with a charging cord, note that it does not include a wall adapter.
How do I get a MagicBand?
You can shop MagicBands here. There are two kinds of MagicBands – MagicBand and MagicBand+. The alternative (if you don’t want to buy one), is Magic Mobile Service. Disney used to offer Key to the World Cards, but currently these are hit or miss on availability and must be requested from the front desk.
Magic Band Questions
Q: How much do MagicBand and MagicBand+ cost?
A: Solid color standard MagicBands are the least expensive option. MagicBands range from $19.99 – $34.99 (prices are always subject to change). MagicBand+ range from $34.99 – $49.99. Discounts are available to on property guests in the MyDisneyExperience app.
Q: When should I get my MagicBand/MagicBand+?
A: MagicBands can be ordered right away from Shop Disney Parks or the MyDisneyExperience app. They should be ordered at least 30 days in advance to receive them before your trip.
Q: Are the same MagicBands and MagicBand+ always available?
A: Nope. The inventory changes ALL.THE.TIME.
Q: How do I link the MagicBand or MagicBand+ to MyDisneyExperience and room and my tickets?
A: If your MagicBand or MagicBand+ is ordered through the app, it will automatically be linked to you and the others in your group. If you purchase one in the park or on Shop Disney Parks, you’ll find a number on the back to be linked in the MyDisneyExperience app.
Q: Can I use a MagicBand or MagicBand+ at Disneyland?
A: Yes! Magic Bands can be used in both locations.
Have more questions about MagicBand or MagicBand+? Send them in or tag The Most Magical Blog on Earth or me on social media.
