The all new MagicBand+ is now available at Walt Disney World.
Besides doing the same functions as the previous MagicBands, MagicBand+ lights up and interacts with the fireworks, 50th anniversary statues, Galaxy’s Edge, and more.
I was excited to be staying on property on the release day of MagicBand+ to be able purchase a couple and test them out.
Along with merchandise locations throughout the parks, all resort gift shops are carrying them, with most shops carrying all of the designs. I purchased mine at the Contemporary. Their display and options aren similar to what is sold throughout the rest of Walt Disney World. With anticipated long waits, Cast Members were handing out laminated cards with options.
Several locations inside the parks have reported long wait times, so I would recommend purchasing MagicBand+ in advance and taking advantage of the pre-arrival discount when staying at a Disney Resort. These can be purchased through your My Disney Experience account for $34.99 instead of the normal $44.99.
Disney Vacation Club members and Annual
Passholders can still receive their 20% merchandise discount on these items.
There is a noticeable size difference in both bands. The MagicBand+ is slightly heavier and bulkier than the old bands.
MagicBand+ is also not waterproof unlike the previous MagicBands.
The MagicBand+ has a battery and needs to be charged. The charging cable comes with each band and it charges in the back.
The connection can be tricky to make and needs to be snapped together to charge. The bands do not come fully charged and will need to be before full use.
You can set up your MagicBand+ through the My Disney Experience app.
You can link, pair, update, and customize from inside the app. Each person can have multiple bands linked to them like before.
Several colors are available for customization to each MagicBand+.
The bands pair with your smart phone via bluetooth, so once you stand in a close area by one of the 50th anniversary character statues, your band will interact with them.
One thing to note is that the MagicBand+ drains not only its own battery, but your phone’s as well. Our bands died before the fireworks and they were fully charged at 2:00 PM. Most people in the parks had their band charging on their wrist in the afternoon.
Once the MagicBand+ dies, it will function just like the old bands do and will just scan you into your room, redeem your Lightning Lane passes, and purchase meals, merchandise, etc.
Due to the bands being able to update, Disney will be able to fix some technological issues with the bands since they are so new. Be sure to check frequently in the My Disney Experience app for any MagicBand+ updates in the near future.
To book your Disney vacation, contact our friends at Mickey World Travel. They will make sure you have the most magical vacation, by monitoring your booking for future discounts, as well as booking your dining reservations and more.
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