Do you need to purchase a Magic Bands or Magic Band+ and what is a Magic Band anyway?
In short, Magic Bands makes your vacation a bit easier when visiting Walt Disney World Resort®.
I like the freedom of the Magic Bands as it is always on me, ready for use. On a few
trips, I have only walked into the theme parks with a magic band (and my phone as I wanted to take pictures). There is a level of satisfaction you hear when the Magic Bands scan into your favorite attraction.
So what is a Magic Band you ask? A Magic Band is a RFID bracelet that will let you scan into park*, unlock the door at your resort and link photos from rides and Photopass Photographers. My favorite feature is making purchases using my Magic Band. I can pay for my dinner or buy fashionable Mickey Ears with my Magic Band. (This only works if you are staying on property and have resort charging privileges setup). It makes it so convenient not having to bring your wallet with you. Bonus: If you purchased Genie+, Magic Bands allows you to scan into you the lightning lane for attractions during your allotted time. Many of the rides you need to scan twice so having the Magic Band can be a time saver.
There is a cost to purchase one. However, you can reuse them trip after trip after trip. Disney offers Magic Bands in solid colors and various character themes. I actually have several Magic Bands. And yes, most of them have purple!
The newer version of Magic Bands called MagicBand+. It has the same abilities as the old Magic Bands, plus a few new features. The MagicBand+ interact with the 50's anniversary statues within Walt Disney World. At Disney's Hollywood studios they allows you to be a bounty hunter at Star Wars: Gallaxy's Edge. These bands sync to the music during the nighttime entertainment at both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
Just a note: the free alternatives to Magic Bands are the Key to the World Cards and Magic Magic Mobile.
There are a few ways to get a Magic Band. My recommendation is to order prior to your arrival via My Disney Experience. Click here . You can also order through Shop Disney (online), or in person at Disney Springs, your on property resort, and at the various theme park.
*Theme park tickets and reservations are required to enter the parks.
Wishing you magical travels!
- Lindsey Markwood