Please note, this post may contain affiliate links. Visit Devine Fairytale’s Disclosure Policy for more details.
Are you looking into getting a MagicBand+ for your next Disney vacation? There are several things to know about the MagicBand and the MagicBand+ when traveling to Walt Disney World. Are tired of fumbling through your bags and pockets searching for your park tickets, room keys, and credit cards every time you enter a Disney World theme park or resort? Look no further than the MagicBand! Getting Magic Bands for your trip will help alleviate some stress while you’re at the parks.
This innovative device stores all of your essential information in one convenient location and serves as a fashion statement with customizable designs. Say goodbye to the hassle of carrying multiple items and hello to a seamless and magical vacation experience.
Let’s talk about the new features, how to charge your new band, how much it costs, and more!
What can you do with a regular Magic Band?
If you are headed to Disney soon, you might wonder what you can do with a regular MagicBand. Here is a list of everything Magic Bands can do:
- When you get to your hotel room on Disney property, you can unlock your door.
- You can use the MagicBand to scan into the theme parks (as long as you have a valid ticket and park reservation linked).
- With the MagicBand you scan in to access your Lightning Lane reservations.
- If you want to purchase something, you can charge it to your hotel room, through your MagicBand.
- You can use the MagicBand to access your PhotoPass photos.
What are the extra features of the Magic Band Plus?
The MagicBand+ has all of the same features listed above, plus a few fun extras!
- When it’s time for fireworks, your MagicBand Plus will light up!
- Your MagicBand+ can also work as a virtual bounty hunting game in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios.
- When you have your MagicBand+ on, you can also interact with the golden statues found throughout all four theme parks.
Charging Your Magic Band Plus
The new MagicBand+ has a rechargeable battery. When you receive your Magic Band+, you’ll also receive a USB charging cord made especially for your band. Make sure you don’t accidentally throw it away!
Make sure to fully charge your bands before your trip so they will be ready to go. I recommend charging them each evening in your hotel room to get the most use out of the fun, extra features! If the battery in your Magic Band Plus dies, all of the basic features will still work you will just miss out on the interactions and lights.
How do you know when your Magic Band Plus is fully charged?
- Flashing Red – means you should charge ASAP
- Flashing Green – indicates a fully charged battery
- Flashing Yellow – means a low battery
Disney says the battery will last 1-3 days, but I have found when in the parks the batteries die fairly quickly. You can check the battery level of the bands linked to your account in the My Disney Experience app.
Setting Up Magic Band+ in the My Disney Experience App
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:
- Turn on your MagicBand+ by pressing the button on the back (hold for 3 seconds and then release).
- Log in to the My Disney Experience app.
- Tap the three lines at the bottom right corner. Scroll until you see the box that says “MagicBands and More.”
- Click on the name of the person you want to link the MagicBand + to.
- Click on the “Link” button.
- Select “Tap” at the top and then click the blue button that says “Open Scanner to Link.”
- 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.
- Hold your band close to your phone.
- Make sure that you get to the screen that shows the Bluetooth pairing is complete.
- You’ll see a screen that shows the final step and a button to click to “Update This MagicBand+.” Note: If you need to install an update, you’ll get a message letting you know the band requires 60% or more battery power to complete a software update.
- Download and install the update.
- You are able to customize some features of the Magic Band Plus after everything is set up. You can choose a custom light up theme and adjust the vibration and recognition settings.
Can Magic Band Plus Get Wet?
Yes, MagicBand Plus is water-resistant and can withstand splashes and brief immersion in water. However, removing the band before swimming or taking a shower is recommended to prolong its lifespan.
Are Magic Bands Necessary?
No, they are not! It’s just an extra accessory that makes Disney a little bit more convenient and interactive. You will use a plastic card, called a Key to the World card, or your physical park ticket to scan into your hotel room, the theme parks, or rides. You also have the option to set up Magic Mobile to use with your Apple Watch.
I personally think a Magic Band is worth it, especially if you plan to visit more than once in the next few years. It’s so much easier to keep up with than cards for everyone in your travel party.
Does Everyone Get a Magic Band?
Disney used to give everyone 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.
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.
If you are staying at a Disney resort, you will get a discount on your Magic Band order when you are logged into your My Disney Experience account and your resort reservation is linked. You’ll receive a $10 pre-arrival discount. Annual Passholders will also receive the same discount for a new band when they renew their pass.
Can You Use Magic Band Plus at Disneyland?
Yes, finally! Previous versions of the Magic Bands have only been able to be used at Walt Disney World in Florida. The new MagicBand+ can be used at Disneyland in California. You will be able to use your band to enter the Disneyland theme parks, access your Lightning Lane rides, link PhotoPass images, and interact with the fireworks shows, statues, and interactive games.
Coming Soon: MagicBand + on Disney Cruise Line
They have started a slow rollout this summer for eligible guests on select sailings of the Disney Wish and the Disney Fantasy of the DisneyBand+ (same Magic Band +, just a different name on the Disney Cruise Line). Over time, more ships and sailings will have this option.
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.
The MagicBand+ is a revolutionary device that has transformed the theme park experience. With its advanced features, such as contactless payment and personalized recommendations, guests can enjoy a seamless and convenient visit to the park. MagicBand+ has also created new opportunities for Disney to engage with their guests through targeted marketing and enhanced customer service. The MagicBand+ is a game-changer in the theme park industry and has set a new standard for guest experience.
