Disney Magic Bands Guide

Disney Magic Bands Guide

Walt Disney World MagicBands have loads of capabilities, features, and new design options. From opening your room door to paying for things, the Disney Magic Band offers conveniences that are unparalleled. And now, with even more features, the New interactive Disney Magic Bands can enhance your vacation experience by interacting with fireworks, and statues in the parks. Available for purchase at Disney gift shops, on shopDisney.com, and in the My Disney Experience App it’s time to get familiar with everything these little plastic bracelets can do. 

Do magic bands come in kid sizes walt disney world

What are Disney MagicBands?

Disney Magic Bands are digital wearables that connect your Disney account information to an RFID chip-enabled bracelet. This adjustable bracelet gives you easy access to all of our park tickets, reservations, resorts, and more.  A Disney Magic Band allows you to scan into the park, scan into rides, open your resort room, and more. Magic Bands are one of our favorite things simply for the convenience. From scanning into the park to paying for food to interacting with the parks, consider the Disney Magic Band (MagicBand) your lifeline to pretty much everything you will need on your trip. 

A Disney Magic Band Includes everything found on your My Disney Experience Account. Making these easily accessible throughout your trip

Can you use your Disney Magic Band at Disney World and Disneyland?

Yes, no matter where you buy your Magicband or Disney Magicband+ you can use it at both parks. Magic bands for Disney World can also be used at Disneyland. Just be sure to double-check your My Disney Experience Account to make sure it is linked to you for whichever resort you are visiting. 

disney magic bands

What Does a Disney Magic Band Do?

Disney Magic Bands can do many things. From opening your room to scanning into the parks, and holding reservations of all kinds. Here are all the things Magic Bands at Disney World can do. 

  • Can be used to unlock your resort room
  • Acts as your park ticket. All tickets are loaded on the MagicBand. This includes park tickets, special event tickets, and annual passes.
  • It can access your Lightning Lane Reservations
  • Allows for your credit card on file to be attached to it for purchases and dining to be charged to your room
  • Adds Disney PhotoPass pictures to your account, seen on the My Disney Experience app.
  • Includes your purchased Disney Dining Plan

How can I get a MagicBand?

Magic Bands can be purchased online at shopDisney, and in the Disney Parks Gift Shops. If you are making reservations for your Disney Vacation directly through Disney, then you will see the opportunity to purchase pre-arrival discounted MagicBands in the My Disney Experience App or from the website. 

Can You Still Use a regular MagicBand at Walt Disney World?

YES! A new Disney Magic Band Plus is not needed to access all the regular features like scanning in, opening your room, and more. The basic Disney MagicBands are now $5 dollars each in the My Disney Experience app when you have an active Disney Resort Reservation. And thankfully, you can still get MagicBands to your heart’s delight, and use them in the parks. They will also still remain available for purchase in select gift shops across the parks and resorts and are available on shopDisney.com. The new Disney MagicMobile Service and MagicBand+ will simply work alongside MagicBands as an alternative. 

What is the MagicBand Deadline for Customization?

MagicBands are mailed to you 3-4 weeks before your vacation. But here are a few things to know.

  • Customization 11 days before your trip guarantees the MagicBands will be mailed to you.
  • If you customize it 6 days ahead of your trip, it may be customized with the colors you chose, but you will have to pick them up at the resort desk when you check-in.
  • Forget to customize? The default color is Gray, and everyone in your party will receive that upon arrival to check in at your resort. 

If you are going to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase an upgraded MagicBand at a discount this needs to be done at least 11 days before arrival. 

The New Interactive Disney MagicBand+

If you’re buying one of the new interactive Magic Bands instead you get additional interactive features that allow you to interact with the parks, in addition to all the things a regular Disney Magic Band does. The new Disney Interactive MagicBand+ features interactive elements like lights and vibrations to interact with elements throughout the parks. MagicBand+ is available to purchase and offered at a discount as part of any Disney Vacation reservations. Many of these new features require you to have a MagicBand+ wristband, and a Disney Account in the Play Disney Parks mobile app, with your band connected. So be sure to download the Play Disney app and connect your band, so you can take part in all the fun and free games at Walt Disney World. 

Is MagicBand+ Rechargeable?

Yes. Unlike regular MagicBands, the new Disney MagicBand+ wristlet must be charged. It does, however, come with a USB charging cord. A charging block is not included. 

Does Magic Band Plus Come With a Charger?

Magic Band Plus bracelets do come with a charging cord, but not a charging block. It does not come charged and will need to be initially charged. This charging cord has a USB end and can be plugged into a charging block, or your computer to charge. They will need to be charged before first use and should be charged every night with daily use in the parks. MagicBand+ takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to charge. However, a Magicband+ bracelet, when not charged will simply work just like a regular Magic Band 2. You can still scan into the parks, pay for food, open your room, etc. The only thing that won’t work when uncharged, is its ability to interact with park elements. 

Interact with Gold Statues Around the Parks

The new Disney MagicBand+ can interact with certain elements in each park, such as the 50th Anniversary Disney Character Statues across all four parks. All part of a new game called the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” You can even access the Play Disney Parks mobile app to keep track of the sculptures you find! All earning you points in the game, and access to even more digital features. 

Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters

Take your new MagicBand+ and head to Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. You can use your MagicBand+ to find virtual bounties hidden throughout Black Spire Outpost. Just follow the MagicBand+ as it lights up and vibrates to show you the way. Then use the augmented reality thermal viewer in the Play Disney Parks app to show what’s behind locked doors throughout Galaxy’s Edge uncover your virtual bounty and get your galactic reward. When your mission is complete, the guild master will reward you with galactic credits through the app.

Disney MagicBand+ and Nighttime Spectaculars

Another feature of MagicBand+ is its interaction with Nighttime Spectaculars in each park. Set to light up with complementary colors as part of a synced experience, you’ll get to see it change throughout the show!

Millenial Pink Magic Band

How Much Do Magic Bands Cost?

Regular Magic Bands typically cost $19.99 to $59.99 for the Disney Magic Band 2 version, which is not interactive, but still includes all the MagicBand features. The Interactive Disney MagicBand+ wristbands cost $34.99 to $44.99, with the exception of limited edition designs which cost more, up to $69.99 we’ve seen so far, on shopDisney.com.

Can I get my Magic Band at a Discount?

Disney Resort hotel guests and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will have the option to purchase at a discounted, pre-arrival price. The pre-arrival program includes a $10 discount when they are purchased ahead of time. This program is also available to Disney World pass holders, on a once-a-year basis, even if they’re not staying at a resort, and can be ordered at least 6 days ahead of their park pass reservation.

However, if you already have MagicBands from previous trips, you can still use existing MagicBands interchangeably for your trip. You can also use Disney MagicMobile, available on eligible devices, to enjoy other features, such as park entry. 

Are MagicBands Free for Disney Resort Guests?

No. Magic Bands are no longer free for resort guests but can be purchased in the app or online at least 11 days ahead of your trip, for a discount. Discounted Magic Bands in the app, available for pre-arrival purchase are typically $10-15 dollars off. And you can buy them for each member of your party ahead of time. 

Where can you buy the Magic Bands at Walt Disney World?

Available at select locations, you can grab MagicBand+ at any of the following retailers, and on shopDisney.com. 

  • Magic Kingdom Park: Emporium  
  • EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center  
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders 
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Discovery Trading Company  
  • Disney Springs: Disney’s Pin Traders  
  • Select merchandise locations at Disney Resort hotels 

How do You Add Magic Bands to My Disney Experience?

You can add your Magic Band to your Disney account on the My Disney Experience App or on the Disney World Website, under “My Disney Experience.” This will LINK your MagicBand to your account and activate all of the features we’ve discussed in this post. Adding a Magic Band to your My Disney Experience Account is easy. Whether you’ve purchased your MagicBand on shopDisney.com, from a reseller, or at a gift shop, you can simply follow these steps. 

  • Open Your Walt Disney World My Disney Experience App
  • Choose the three lines in the bottom right-hand corner
  • Scroll to the badge that says ” MagicBands and More”.
  • Here, you will find all Magic Bands already linked to your account.
  • To add a Magic Band to your Account, simply select “Link your MagicBand or Card.”
  • For MagicBand+ devices you can simply hold it to your phone to link
  • If using a regular Magic Band you can type in the numbers on the back to link
  • Once completed, you will see the magic bands in your account, linked to you. 

Can You Reuse Disney Magic Bands?

Are MagicBands Reusable? Yes! Magic Bands stay on your Disney account indefinitely, until you remove the MagicBand from your account. The battery life on MagicBands lasts about two years. So, if you have multiple bands in different styles and colors,  you can use them interchangeably every time you vacation. 

What Can I Use Instead of a Magic Band at Disney World?

If you want all the convenience of a Disney Magic Band but are cringing the cost, you can also use the Disney MagicMobile App on your phone, for most of the same features a MagicBand offers. This is easy to set up inside the My Disney Experience App and allows you to add your account info to your digital Wallet. This includes your tickets and reservations. What’s more, is that the My Disney Experience App itself allows you to open your Resort Door too, just by opening the app and holding it to the door.

Hey Disney!

Disney’s new virtual assistant, Hey Disney! is a question/answer service that works with supported Echo devices and will, in the future, work with MagicBand+ too. The Hey Disney! service will be available in Disney Resort rooms to help enhance the experience. 

how do i get a disney magic band

 

upgrade to disney magic band pre-buy discounts at disney

What are the MagicBand Designs offered to Disney Resort Guests?

The upgraded MagicBand option will feature a selection of 20+ designs, offered at up to a $14.99 discount. Since character and graphics MagicBands cost more and are available at shopDisney or in the Walt Disney World gift shops, this may be a bargain if you are planning on buying a special MagicBand for your trip. A fancier MagicBand, however, is not necessary if you’re looking to stay on a budget.

Regardless of how these Magic Bands look on the outside, they all have the exact same functionality. Just check your Disney account, select My MagicBands and Cards and you’ll be able to see these guys up close! You can also add cute accessories like bows, clips, and wraps to your magic band. These little charms plug right into the empty hole on your wristlet.

disney magicband accessories

How Do I Get a Magic Band if I Booked My Hotel through a Third Party?

If you’ve booked your Disney hotel through a third party, preferably hotels.com, then you can simply “link hotel” in your My Disney Experience app. Or call your reservation number on Disney’s Customer Service line for Disney Resort Hotel Reservations. (407) 939-1936. Once the hotel you booked through the third party is connected to your Disney account, you can select your Magic Band color and purchase it at a discount. 

Is My MagicBand connected to my Credit Card?

Yes. Your MagicBand allows charges to be made to your room, via your MagicBand. For security reasons though, any charge attempted will require the PIN you set up for your account at each purchase. 

Do MagicBand Plus Fit Kids?

Magic Bands are made to fit both children and adults. Every MagicBand has two layers. In its regular size, the Magic Band, and Magic Band Plus will fit an adult. If you find you need the MagicBand to be smaller for a child, just peel away the outside layer of the band, and discard the separate piece. You can see in the pic at the top of this post, the larger gray layer has been taken off on the green band.

On a MagicBand Plus, you will see an indented mark that loops the holes in the wristlet piece. This is the piece you can tear away for smaller wrists. Perfect for little kids and toddlers who want to learn the ropes of Disney.

What Should I Do with Old MagicBands?

MagicBands can technically be recycled with other electronic items. If visiting Walt Disney World you are able to bring back old MagicBands to be recycled, just hand them in at the front desk of your Disney resort and let them know. 

What if my MagicBand is lost?

If you lose your MagicBand visit Guest relations in the parks or the concierge at your resort. The MagicBand will be deactivated and you will be issued a new one. The best way to avoid losing your MagicBand is to secure it with a Bitbelt. This little band is perfect if you find the band is struggling to stay on children’s wrists, or is aged enough that it just comes undone. 

Does my MagicBand Track My Location in the Parks?

Yes. While the concept of being tracked may be a little disconcerting, it truly is for your own safety. This allows Disney to be able to gauge how many people are in the parks, where crowds are forming or lines are backed up. This helps them find lost children and people stuck on rides as well. 

Should I Pack My Magic Band in Checked Luggage?

If you are flying to Walt Disney World, keep your MagicBand in your Disney Park Bag or just wear it.  The main reason for this is that you will need your MagicBand when you arrive to get into your room. The alternative, of course, is just to use your phone to access the room unlock feature. That said, if you plan to go to the parks when you arrive or have reservations upon arrival, you don’t want to waste time digging through your suitcase. While packing it in your checked luggage won’t hurt the device, or cause any TSA issues, it’s just easier to keep it with you. 

Does Disneyland have Magic Bands?

Disneyland Resort only has the new interactive DisneyMagicBand+ which has all the same features as the Disney World one. You can grab a Disneyland MagicBand+ in the Disney gift shops, or on shopDisney.com

  • Disneyland MagicBand+ designs—including exclusive Disneyland Resort designs—will be available for purchase in select shops located at the Disneyland Resort with prices starting at $34.99.
  • Magic Key holders: Please be ready to show your Magic Key pass and a valid photo ID to purchase a special MagicBand+ design (subject to availability, restrictions and change without notice).
  • Additional MagicBand+ styles can be purchased online at shopDisney.
  • MagicBand+ styles are subject to availability and prices are subject to change without notice.
  • Only MagicBand+ is supported at Disneyland Resort. MagicBand and MagicBand 2 are not supported at Disneyland Resort at this time and cannot be linked to the Disneyland app.

Does Disney Cruise Line have Magic Bands?

Yes, select Disney Cruise ships have DisneyBand+ available, and you are able to use your MagicBand+ as a DisneyBand+ while you are onboard. Both pieces of technology offer many of the same features. You are able to order and customize your Disney Cruise Line Disney Band at least 11 days before your sail date. Order and customize a DisneyBand+ by visiting My Reservations, if you are eligible and your reservation is paid in full. DisneyBand+ can also be purchased on board. 

Everything You Need to Know About the Disney Magic Band 

Hopefully, this has given you a good overview of all the things you’ll need to know to use these little bracelets to your utmost advantage. If you got questions, just reach out! Check the video above for a sneak peek at the new upgrade designs you will soon be able to add!

 

Everything you need to know about the Disney MagicBands. From the NEW design options upgrade for pre-arrival, to the way to get these bands to fit your toddlers wrist! All the tips, tricks, and everything they do! #disneymagicband #disneytips #magicbands #disneyvacation #polkadotpixies

Co-Founder and Director at Polka Dot Pixie Co LLC | Website | + posts

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.


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