Well, we thought TOMORROW would be the day, but turn’s out, today’s the day! There’s been a BIG change to the way you’ll prep for your Disney vacation.
MagicBand Scanner ©Disney
Last June, Disney announced that complimentary MagicBands would be discontinued in January 2021 in favor of expanded smart device capabilities. But we are STILL in December of 2020 and free MagicBands are now a thing of the past — at least if your trip starts in 2021!
Themed MagicBands can be purchased throughout Disney World, but hotel guests could always opt instead to receive a complimentary solid color MagicBand. January 1st was supposed to be the first official day that resort guests will not receive a free solid color MagicBand prior to their Disney trip. Instead, a Disney trip will rely on the My Disney Experience app and Keys to the World cards. (Or guests can purchase their own MagicBands online or in Disney World, or use old MagicBands.)
MagicBands
But we noticed TODAY, December 31st, that the new prices have gone live online! Do note that some of our readers have reportedly been experiencing this change since early December. Guests with 2021 Disney World vacations can now purchase solid colored MagicBands at a Special Pre-Order Price of $5 each. The solid color MagicBands normally retail for $14.99.
© Disney
The solid colors guests are familiar with are now incorporated in the lineup for MagicBands available for purchase, including Pink, Red, Green, and more. Guests can filter by color to select the MagicBand they wish to purchase.
© Disney
If you prefer a MagicBand with a design for your upcoming vacation, some are also available for purchase as a “Pre-Arrival Exclusive,” also at a special pre-order price. For example, we spotted this Character Autographs MagicBand available for $15, normally retailing for $24.99. Keep in mind that MagicBands with designs have been available for purchase at a pre-arrival price for hotel guests prior to today.
© Disney
Prices depend on the design. We also found a Mickey Rainbow MagicBand currently available for a Special Pre-Order Price of $7.
© Disney
Also available as the “Pre-Arrival Exclusive” MagicBand is a Happily Ever After design for $20, which normally retails for $29.99.
© Disney
As a reminder, any MagicBand that you purchase will still be fully functional as a vacation tool while in Disney World. We can also still expect to see new MagicBand designs released and available in retail locations, like we noticed today with the new Pink Glittery MagicBand.
Pink Glittery MagicBand
Annual Passholder MagicBands
Another interesting update: Annual Passholders — who always received a free MagicBand as well — now only have access to one free MagicBand: the traditional gray option.
Annual Passholder Free MagicBand Option
Annual Passholders can purchase other themed MagicBands at a discount before their Disney trip, but they no longer have access to any solid color MagicBands other than the gray version.
Only Purple MagicBand Available to Annual Passholders
We’ll be keeping an eye out for more expanded capabilities in the My Disney Experience app, so stay tuned for the latest updates from Disney World!
Click here to learn more about the discontinuation of complimentary MagicBands!
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It’s been this way! We have a trip next week and had to pay for any MagicBands (even the solid ones). I ordered them in early December.
Thanks for sharing, Emily!
Will my 3 year old bands work?
Dave, the batteries aren’t promised to last that long, but I’ve seen reports from guests who say theirs have lasted far beyond the 1-2 year expectancy. I don’t believe there’s a way to tell until you actually try to use it, though.
I have 12 Magicbands, the oldest dates back to 2013 and they all still work as of December 2020
Where do you go to purchase pre-arrival magic bands, I dont see it anywhere?
Kamden, when you’re in My Disney Experience, check the MagicBands and Cards link. If you have a trip planned, you should see options to purchase pre-arrival MagicBands.
so my aunt planned the trip. how will i purchase my pre arrival magic band now?
Kamden, you should also be able to add the plans to your My Disney Experience account, then go in and see the options. Otherwise, you might try talking to her about it.