Curious about Disney Magic Bands and if you should get one? Read on for all the details you need and all the places you can buy them.
As we all know, the Disney parks have every type of special touch you can imagine. One in particular I noticed during my latest Disney trip was the MagicBand.
I love a cute jewelry piece, so I looked into them to see what the fuss was about.
And what I learned is that not only are they cute, but they’re actually super helpful! This convenient wearable device acts as your personal Disney pass, giving you access to many aspects of the parks.
Are they absolutely necessary? Nah. But are they convenient and add to the Disney magic? Yes.
If you’re going to Disney and you’re on the fence about getting one, read on to help you make your decision. We’ll explore what a MagicBand is, why you might want one, and where to purchase one!
Key Takeaways
- A Disney Magic Band can be linked to your My Disney Experience account and act as your pass throughout the park.
- There are different versions, but the latest one, the MagicBand+, can be used at Disneyland, Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line, and comes with interactive features.
- A Disney Magic Band retails for $34.99 at the physical and online Disney stores. It’s also sold by Disney affiliates and online retailers.
Table of Contents
⚠️ Heading to Disney for the first time? ⚠️
Check out these guides for both parks:
All About Disney Magic Bands
What is a MagicBand?
A MagicBand is a Disney-themed wristband that you can link to your My Disney Experience account and use as your key to your Disney vacation. It’s embedded with RFID technology, so it’s able to communicate with various Disney systems.
The newest version is the MagicBand+. You can use it throughout the park, and it also has fun interactive features. Because of the interactivity, they need to be charged. MagicBand+ can be used at Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line.
The older versions are MagicBand and MagicBand2. They give you the same access throughout the park, but they are not interactive, so they don’t need to be charged. These older versions are harder to find and can only be used at Disney World.
Purpose of a Magic Band
- Park Admission: Scan it at the park entrance at both US Disney resorts.
- Lightning Lane: Scan it at the Lightning Lane line to gain access at both US Disney resorts.
- PhotoPass: Connect it to your PhotoPass account to link and purchase photos at both US resorts.
- Room Key: Use it to enter your Disney World resort hotel room.
- Merchandise and Dining: Use it to make purchases throughout Disney World, including dining and shopping.
- Interactive Park Experience: MagicBand+ glows and pulses during night shows and you can play games on it at certain rides.
Why Buy a MagicBand?
- Convenience: It eliminates the need to carry multiple cards and keys, and helps you use your phone less, so you preserve your battery life.
- Works everywhere: The MagicBand+ works at Disney World, Disneyland, and on Disney Cruise Line.
- Safety: If a child gets lost wearing one, a Crew Member can scan it and pull up their parents’ information.
- Fun: It’s entertaining during night shows and has fun interactive touches throughout the park
- Durability: Waterproof and designed for everyday wear.
- Souvenir: A fun way to remember your Disney vacation.
Differences between MagicBand and MagicBand+
There are multiple MagicBand versions—the original MagicBand, the enhanced MagicBand2, and the new MagicBand+.
MagicBand and Magic Band2 only work at Disney World. They link to your My Disney Experience account and will work for park and parking lot admission, getting into the Lightning Lane, saving your images with the photographer at Photo Pass spots, accessing your ride photos, unlocking your hotel room, and can be used for purchases at the resort.
They are less expensive BUT not easily found. You can buy them on eBay and Amazon, but you’ll need to make sure they are new and still in their original packaging.
The MagicBand+ has all the capabilities of the original and also interactive features. It glows and pulses during night shows, you can use it to play games on certain rides, and there are special features it has throughout the parks. But because it’s interactive, it needs to be charged overnight.
MagicBands at Disney World vs Disneyland
While Disney Magic Bands offer similar core functionalities at both Disney World and Disneyland, there are some key differences in their capabilities.
(Some say it’s because California has laws about how much people can be tracked, and a MagicBand is a pretty solid tracking device for the company to get great customer data – but that’s just what I heard.)
Disney World:
- Full Functionality: MagicBands can be used for all park features, including room keys, park entry, Lightning Lane access, PhotoPass, and purchases.
Disneyland:
- Limited Functionality: Only MagicBand+ can be used for park entry, Lightning Lane access, PhotoPass, and ride photo access.
However, it’s important to note that both Disney World and Disneyland offer the interactive features of MagicBand+ for enhanced park experiences.
Where to Buy Disney Magic Bands
Here are the primary places to purchase Disney Magic Bands:
- Disney Store: Visit a physical Disney Store or shop online at the Disney Store website.
- My Disney Experience: If you’re staying at a Disney resort, check your My Disney Experience account for pre-arrival MagicBand options. You might find exclusive designs or discounts.
- Disney-Affiliated Stores: Retailers like Target and Walmart often carry Disney merchandise, including MagicBands.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Amazon and eBay can be good sources for MagicBands, especially if you’re looking for limited edition or hard-to-find designs. However, ensure the MagicBand is new and unlinked. Once linked to a person, it cannot be transferred.
Should You Get a MagicBand?
Deciding whether to buy a MagicBand depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
If you value convenience, enjoy the design, and are willing to invest $34.99, a MagicBand+ can enhance your Disney experience. It’s a great way to streamline park access, enjoy interactive features, and potentially save time and hassle. Plus, younger kids will love the special touches of it glowing and pulsing.
However, if you’re already over budget (SO easy to do on a Disney trip!), don’t have plans for future Disney trips, and feel comfortable using the Disney app, you can pass on it.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you believe the benefits outweigh the cost for your specific travel style!
FAQs: Disney Magic Bands
Are Disney Magic Bands being phased out?
Yes, the older versions of MagicBands (MagicBand and MagicBand2) are gradually being replaced by the newer MagicBand+. While you can still find them, they may be more difficult to locate.
Where is the best place to buy MagicBands?
For a potential discount, consider purchasing MagicBands through your My Disney Experience account before your trip. This option often offers early access to limited edition designs and may include special deals.
What is the purpose of Disney Magic Bands?
Disney MagicBands serve as your all-in-one key to the Disney experience. They allow you to:
- Access parks: Scan your MagicBand at park entrances.
- Utilize Lightning Lane: Enjoy expedited entry to attractions.
- Link PhotoPass: Connect your photos to your MagicBand for easy viewing and purchasing.
- Enter your hotel room: Use your MagicBand as your room key at Disney World.
- Make purchases: Pay for merchandise and dining with your MagicBand at Disney World.
- Enhance the experience: MagicBand+ offers interactive features like glowing during nighttime shows and playing games on certain rides.
- Ensure safety: If a child gets lost, Cast Members can scan their MagicBand to contact their parents.
Wrapping up Disney Magic Bands
So, to sum up, Disney MagicBands offer a magical touch to your Disney vacation. The latest version, MagicBand+, provides convenience and interactive features at both Disney World and Disneyland, including park access, Lightning Lane entry, and engaging nighttime experiences.
While MagicBand and MagicBand2 may not have the same interactive elements, they still offer essential features like park admission, Lightning Lane access, and room key functionality at Disney World.
No matter which MagicBand you choose, you’ll enjoy the convenience and enchantment it brings to your Disney adventure.
Have a magical time!
