MagicBands 101

A MagicBand is an all-in-one device that connects you to your Walt Disney World vacation choices that have been made on the My Disney Experience website and app.  This colorful wristband is your key to just about everything on your Walt Disney World vacation!

Never used a MagicBand before?  No problem!  Here are some MagicBand basics to get you started.

1. What does the MagicBand do?
The MagicBand links various aspects of your vacation into one simple band.  It is quite the magical band!

You can use your MagicBand to:

• Open the door to your Disney Resort hotel room.
• Enter the theme parks and water parks with a valid admission ticket linked to your account.
• Check-in at Lightning Lane entrances.
• Redeem Dining Plan entitlements at participating restaurants.
• Add PhotoPass pictures to your account.
• Charge food and merchandise purchases to the payment card on file at your Disney Resort hotel room during your stay.

2. What does the MagicBand+ do and how is it different from a regular MagicBand?

MagicBand+ includes all of the features of the MagicBand plus so much more! MagicBand+ adds even more magic to your vacation with customizable light-up themes, haptic vibrations and more. MagicBand+ allows guests to engage with fun, interactive quests across all four parks, interact with the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection sculptures and comes to life during nighttime spectaculars. 

One big difference between the MagicBand and MagicBand+ is that the MagicBand+ has a rechargeable battery. MagicBand+ comes with a 6-inch USB charging cable and the battery can last an estimated 1 to 3 days. It's recommended that you charge your MagicBand+ overnight for the most optimal usage. If you want to conserve your band's battery life, you can turn it off and then easily power it back on when you want to access all the features once more. Note that the MagicBand+ needs to be at 60% charged or more for some of the interactive features. 

Still not sure about the difference between a MagicBand and MagicBand+? Check out this handy dandy guide available on the Disney World website. 

3. How do I use the MagicBand?

You can use your MagicBand throughout the Walt Disney World Resort at sensors called "touch points."  Simply tap your band to the Mickey head at your location and continue on. It's easier than saying "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo!"

When entering the park turnstiles, there is an extra step to validate your theme park admission. Walk up to a touch point, touch your band to the Mickey icon and then hold your finger on the scanner. Once the touch point has turned green, you are off to enjoy your day at the parks.

When using your Disney Dining Plan entitlements at table service restaurants, your server will bring over a portable scanner for you to use at the end of your meal. Simply tap your MagicBand to the scanner and the credits for the meal will be deducted from your plan. When using quick service credits, you'll simply touch the band at the order point instead of paying with cash or credit.

When making purchases, scan your MagicBand to the touch point and then enter in your 4 digit pin code to approve the payment.

If you have purchased the Memory Maker,  your ride photos will automatically be linked to your account courtesy of your MagicBand!  If you haven't purchased the Memory Maker, no worries. You can still purchase your attraction photos a la carte through the My Disney Experience app.

4. Where can I purchase a MagicBand?

Original 8 MagicBand colors

MagicBands can be purchased online through shopDisney.com, the My Disney Experience website or at select retail locations when you arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort. 

MagicBands are no longer provided to Disney Resort Hotel guests on a complimentary basis but Disney Resort guests can still purchase a MagicBand or MagicBand+ at a special pre-order price through My Disney Experience. 

Once you have linked your Walt Disney World Resort reservation in your My Disney Experience account you can make a MagicBand selection. You can choose from solid color bands or choose from a variety of other design options. Prices are subject to change but the current special pre-order pricing ranges from $9.99 for solid color MagicBands up to $34.99 for some of the MagicBand+ options. Once you've selected the MagicBand you'd like to order, don't forget to enter the name you would like to appear on the inside of your MagicBand. 

Some MagicBand designs are very been popular so you may not see a ton of availability but don't worry. Disney is continually restocking the bands and adding new designs all the time so as long as you order your bands 11 or more days ahead of arrival, your MagicBands can still be shipped to your home. 

Looking for a step by step guide on how to purchase a MagicBand or MagicBand+ through the My Disney Experience website? Make sure to review our MagicBands Step by Step Guide. 

If you are crafty and like DIY projects, you can customize your MagicBand with a little imagination!  You can paint a design on the band, add stickers or temporary tattoos, or use glitter nail polish to make it sparkle.

5. Do MagicBands come in adult and children sizes?

New premium MagicBands feature favorite characters 

MagicBands are one size fits all but they can be resized for children.  Disney has designed the band so it fits an adult wrist, but you can adjust it to a child size by simply removing the grey edge of the band.

6. Do I have to stay on property to get a MagicBand?
No.  If you choose to stay off property, you can purchase a solid color MagicBand for $19.99 plus tax at Walt Disney World Resort merchandise locations, Disney Springs or through ShopDisney.com.  Pricing for specialty MagicBands are also available and can be purchased for $24.99-$58 plus tax. MagicBand+ designs range from $34.99-$44.99 plus tax. 

7. Can I have multiple MagicBands?
Yes. You can have as many MagicBands as you would like! I like to coordinate my MagicBand to my outfit each park day. It's a great way to accessorize! 

8. Can I re-use a MagicBand from a previous trip?

Absolutely! You can re-use any MagicBands you received from a previous trip. You can manage your MagicBands through the My MagicBands and Cards page on the My Disney Experience website. Just make sure the MagicBand you're using is Active and you're good to go! Have too many MagicBands? You also have the option to decline a MagicBand if you prefer to reuse bands from previous trips.

9. Where can I get a special event MagicBands, such as Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party?
At this time, these special event MagicBands are only available for purchase at the event.  Your event guide map will tell you where you can purchase special event items.

10. Do I have to take the MagicBand off to go swimming?
No.  A great thing about the MagicBand is that it is water proof.  You don’t have to worry about it while you are enjoying a swim or on Splash Mountain!

11. How does the MagicBand work?
MagicBands use Radio Frequency technology to enhance your experience at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Each MagicBand contains an RFID chip that sends out a signal that can be detected by short and long range readers through the Resort.  The technology is linked directly to your My Disney Experience account to give you personalized experiences.

Walt Disney always loved the idea of progress, the future, and moving forward. MagicBands and the entire MyMagic+ system are great examples of how technology that once seemed futuristic has been made simple and accessible, to help create a seamless vacation experience.  We can't wait to see what new conveniences they may bring!

Ashley Lehman

Ashley has been a Disney Parks fan from an early age and loves anything vintage Disney. You can email Ashley at ashley@kingdomkonsultant.com.