Everything You Need To Know About MagicBand Plus for Disney World and Disneyland

MagicBand+ lets you tap into the Disney parks and Lightning Lane entrances without pulling out your phone. At Walt Disney World, it can also unlock your Disney Resort hotel room, and its lights and vibrations add a little extra fun to select shows and interactive experiences. You do not need one to have a great trip, but I love the convenience of having those essentials on my wrist. Here is what MagicBand+ does at Disney World and Disneyland, how to set it up and charge it, and how to decide whether it makes sense for your trip.

What Does a Magic Band Do at Disney?

Both the original MagicBand and MagicBand+ let you tap into Walt Disney World theme parks with valid admission, check in at eligible Lightning Lane entrances, link Disney PhotoPass photos, and unlock your Disney Resort hotel room. If you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can also use your band to charge eligible purchases to the payment method on file for your room. MagicBand+ adds rechargeable lights, vibrations, and interactive experiences. Original MagicBands do not need to be charged.

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What is MagicBand Plus?

MagicBand+ is the rechargeable version of Disney’s wristband. Its everyday tap features work much like an original MagicBand at Walt Disney World, while the lights and vibrations respond to select shows, attractions, and interactive experiences. At Disneyland, MagicBand+ can be used for park entry, eligible Lightning Lane check-in, PhotoPass scans, and select interactions. Disneyland does not offer every Walt Disney World band feature, so do not count on using it as a hotel room key or for purchases there.

Is MagicBand+ Worth Buying?

MagicBand+ is most useful if you want your ticket and Lightning Lane check-ins on your wrist, plan to stay at a Disney Resort hotel, or know you will enjoy the interactive extras. I especially like it for a trip where I am going to the parks for several days, because I use the tap features over and over. If you are happy using your phone or a card and do not care about the lights and games, you can skip it. It is an optional convenience, not another requirement for a Disney vacation.

MagicBand Plus Features You’ll Love

At Walt Disney World, MagicBand+ can light up and vibrate during select nighttime shows and other entertainment. You can also use it with Disney Fab 50 sculptures and Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters in Galaxy’s Edge. Disney currently lists interactions for Disney Starlight, Happily Ever After, Luminous, Fantasmic!, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, and The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. Experiences can change, so check Disney’s current MagicBand+ page before your trip.

At Disneyland, MagicBand+ works for theme park entry with valid admission and a park reservation, Lightning Lane check-in with a valid pass, PhotoPass scans, and select interactive moments. Make sure your band is paired to the appropriate Disney app and has the latest software update before your trip so you can access all of the available features.

How Much Does MagicBand Plus Cost?

MagicBand+ prices vary by design. Solid colors are generally the least expensive, while character, glitter, and limited-edition bands cost more. Check the current selection in Disney Store or your My Disney Experience account before buying. If you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel or have an Annual Pass, compare the available pre-arrival options, too.

Charging Your MagicBand Plus: What You Need to Know

Only the newer MagicBand+ needs to be charged. It comes with a short USB charging cable that snaps onto the back of the band. Charge it before your trip, then make nightly charging part of your park routine if you want the lights, vibrations, and interactive experiences throughout the day. Disney estimates that the battery can last one to two days, depending on use, but a nightly charge keeps you from having to think about it.

Press the button on the back of the band to check the battery level. A flashing red light or no light means the battery is depleted, yellow means the battery is low, and green means it has a high charge.

You can also check the battery level in the My Disney Experience app after pairing the band with your phone. If the band does not start lighting up after about 20 minutes on the charger, remove and reconnect the cable until it snaps securely into place. A depleted battery does not stop the basic tap features, but it can affect the interactive features and some automatic photo linking.

If your MagicBand+ battery dies, the basic tap features can still work. You can continue using it for theme park entry, Lightning Lane check-in, your Disney Resort hotel room, purchases charged to your room, and Disney PhotoPass photographer scans.

How Long to Charge Magic Band Plus?

A full charge takes about one to two hours. The easiest approach is to charge it overnight at your resort or top it off during a midday break, so it is ready for the fun stuff by the time the sun goes down.

How To Tell if MagicBand Plus is Fully Charged?

When charging MagicBand Plus, you will see a pulsing light. Once that light stops pulsing and remains solid, your MagicBand Plus is fully charged and ready to go. You can also check the battery status anytime in the My Disney Experience app.

The band also uses colored lights to tell you where the battery stands.

• Flashing Red – means you should charge ASAP 
• Flashing Green – indicates a fully charged battery
• Flashing Yellow –  means a low battery

Magic Band Plus Charging Tips

• Make sure to fully charge your bands before your trip so they will be ready to go.
• Use the USB charging cable provided with your MagicBand+ – don’t throw them away!
• Charge your MagicBand Plus each evening in your hotel room to get the most use out of the fun, extra features.
• If you have several people in your travel party, a USB charging port with multiple inputs is a huge help when charging your Magic Bands and other electronics in your resort room.
• Don’t forget to pack a portable charger if you’re planning a long day in the parks.

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How to Set Up MagicBand+ at Disney World or Disneyland

You will need to link your Magic Bands to your My Disney Experience account and install the update before you can use your new band. Here’s the process to get everything set up:

1. Charge your MagicBand+ and press the button on the back once to turn it on. Hold for 3 seconds and then release.
2. Open the My Disney Experience app for Walt Disney World or the Disneyland app for Disneyland.
3. Tap the three lines at the bottom right corner. Scroll until you see the box that says “MagicBands & Cards.”
4. Assign the band to the correct guest, pair it with your phone, and check for a software update. Make sure you are assigning the Magic Band Plus to the correct person. Once a band has been linked to someone, it cannot be linked to someone else.
5. Make sure the guest’s park admission and other plans are linked to the account. You can then customize the band’s light theme and vibration settings in the app.

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Pro Tips for Using MagicBand Plus in the Parks

To get the most out of your MagicBand Plus experience, keep these tips in mind:

• Sync Before You Go: Ensure your MagicBand+ is fully charged and synced to your My Disney Experience account before entering the parks.
• Plan for Interactive Activities: Make time for experiences like the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge bounty hunting or the Disney Fab 50 Quest to enjoy the interactive features fully.
• Monitor Battery Life: Use the app to check your MagicBand+ battery status throughout the day. If you’re spending a full day in the parks, bring a portable charger to avoid running out of battery.
• Customize Your Band: Consider decorating your MagicBand+ with band covers or charms available at Disney shops for a personal touch.

Magic Band Colors and Designs

One of the fun parts of choosing a MagicBand+ is the variety of colors and designs. Whether you prefer classic solid colors or intricate designs featuring beloved Disney characters, there’s a MagicBand+ for every style. New designs are frequently released, so keep an eye out for limited editions and seasonal themes.

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FAQ: Your MagicBand Plus Questions Answered

Got questions about MagicBand Plus? You’re not alone! Here, we’ve rounded up the most common questions to help you make the most of this handy Disney accessory.

Are Magic Bands Worth It?

Whether Magic Bands are worth it depends on your priorities. If you value ease of access and love interactive features, MagicBand Plus is a great investment.

How Long Does MagicBand Plus Battery Last?

A fully charged MagicBand+ typically lasts 1-2 days, depending on usage. For interactive features, frequent charging might be needed.

Can I Use MagicBand+ Without Charging?

Yes, you can still use it for basic functions like park entry and Lightning Lanes without charging. However, the interactive features require a charge.

How Do I Replace the Charging Cable?

If you lose your charging cable, replacements are available at Disney parks, resorts, and online through the Disney Store.

Can I Share My MagicBand+ With Someone Else?

No, MagicBands are linked to your personal My Disney Experience account and cannot be transferred once activated.

Do I Need a MagicBand Plus for Each Person in My Group?

Each guest will need their own MagicBand+ for personal use. However, they’re not required; you can still use the app or physical tickets if you prefer.

How Durable is MagicBand+?

MagicBand+ is designed to withstand typical wear and tear, including water resistance for use in pools and on water rides. However, avoid exposing it to extreme conditions to ensure its longevity.

Can Magic Band Plus Get Wet?

Yes. MagicBand+ is waterproof for pools and water rides, so you can keep it on while swimming, visiting the Disney water parks, riding water attractions, or getting caught in a Florida rainstorm. You do not need to remove it before swimming.

Does Everyone Get a Magic Band?

Disney used to give Disney Resort hotel guests a free MagicBand with the purchase of their Disney resort stay but this is no longer the case. You will need to purchase one if you want to use it during your trip.

Disney Resort hotel guests and Annual Passholders can order MagicBand+ through My Disney Experience before arrival. Current benefits include free shipping, free personalization, a custom shipping box, and having the band automatically linked to your MyDisney profiles. Resort guests should place their order at least six days before arrival to receive these pre-arrival benefits.

How Much Does MagicBand+ Cost?

The prices vary based on the different Magic Band colors and designs available. Solid colors will be the least expensive and special designs or limited editions will be more. You can expect to pay somewhere between $35 – $55 dollars for one Magic Band Plus.

Can You Use Magic Band Plus at Disneyland?

Yes, MagicBand+ works at Disneyland Resort. You can use it to enter the theme parks with valid admission, check in at Lightning Lane entrances, link Disney PhotoPass photos, and experience select interactive moments throughout the parks. Original MagicBands do not work at Disneyland.

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MagicBand + on Disney Cruise Line

A Walt Disney World or Disneyland MagicBand+ can also be used as a DisneyBand+ on select Disney Cruise Line sailings across the fleet. The exception is the Disney Adventure, which does not use DisneyBand+.

You will be able to make your port arrival experience easier, unlock your stateroom door, charge additional food and beverage items not included in your cruise fare, use in the kid’s clubs instead of the Oceaneer Club band, link onboard photographs, and interact in ways similar to Disney World and Disneyland.

Ready to Use MagicBand Plus at Disney?

MagicBand Plus is easiest to use when you handle the setup before you reach the park entrance. Link each band to the right person, check for an update, and charge it the night before your first park day. Then it is ready for the little things you will do again and again, like entering the park, checking in for Lightning Lanes, and opening your Disney Resort hotel room. Add in the lights and interactive moments, and it can be a fun part of the trip without giving you one more thing to figure out that morning.

Read More:

• How to Use the My Disney Experience App
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• Walt Disney World Resort Categories
• Your Disney World Vacation Planning Timeline
• Ultimate Disney Packing List