Last year, it was announced that MagicBand+, a revamped and upgraded version of Disney World’s MagicBands, would be coming to the parks in 2022. There was no official release date yet, so we certainly did not expect to see them in Disney Springs this morning. And, neither did Disney, it seems!
MagicBand+
The MagicBand+ was accidentally put out this morning (and then quickly scooped up) at World of Disney and we happened to be there to get one! Most of the features don’t work quite yet since they weren’t supposed to be on sale yet, but we’ve got a first look at how they compare to the classic MagicBands in size!
One of the biggest differences that you might notice between the MagicBand+ and the classic MagicBand is the size! We weren’t sure exactly what to expect but found that the MagicBand+ was much bigger and bulkier than the bands we’ve been using for years.
MagicBand+
We put the two bands side by side and you can see just how different they are! The puck (which is removable on both) is bigger and more rounded on the MagicBand+ making the overall band a bit wider.
MagicBand+ vs. MagicBand
And, when it comes to the length of the bands, they are pretty comparable — though, the MagicBand+ is a little longer. This could make it a more comfortable fit for those with wider wrists.
So different!
And, when we say bulkier, here’s what we mean. The MagicBand+ is the band on top in the photo below and you can see that it’s a bit thicker than the classic MagicBand. We thought that this made it feel more like you were wearing a watch when we put on the MagicBand+.
This could be due to the fact that the MagicBand+ is rechargeable (the charging cords are included).
It’s just a little thicker
Aside from physical differences, the MagicBand+ offers many similar features as the classic MagicBand (like access to your Disney World hotel room, the ability to scan into the parks or Lightning Lanes with Genie+, and being able to link your credit card with it to use as a form of payment), but the MagicBand+ offers some never-before-seen features.
When you’re in the parks, the new MagicBand+ will have gesture recognition to allow you to interact with your environment throughout the day. And, you’ll be able to interact with the Fab 50 Character statues that arrived in the parks for the 50th Anniversary celebration. PLUS, they’ll even light up with the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT fireworks shows!Â
You’ll be able to interact with the statues too!
The MagicBand+ will also have different functions in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! You can use the MagicBand+ to become a Bounty Hunter and go on special missions throughout the land. And, there will be a special Star Wars MagicBand+ released if you really want to get into the Bounty Hunter vibes.
©Disney
When it comes to cost, you will have to pay a bit more to have access to all the new interactive features with the MagicBand+. The classic MagicBands currently range anywhere from $19.99 to $29.99 depending on the design (with some designer bands being even more pricey). The most basic MagicBand+ design on the other hand is $29.99. The only one we’ve seen so far has been a plain color, so MagicBand+ with characters or different designs might cost more.Â
Princess crown
Of course, we’ll be keeping an eye out for when the new MagicBand+ is officially released in Disney World, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more!
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It’s got to be close, right? I mean, if they have them in the stores (even if only in the back), they must be releasing them soon. Plus, we are nearly halfway through the 50th Anniversary celebration. I’m really hoping they are available before our trip at the end of May.
I am looking forward to these, provided that they work at Disneyland’s Galaxy Edge.
The RFID chip inside current magic bands will work virtually forever, even if the internal battery has died. You can still enter the park, your room, or make purchases with it. I don’t see any need for a magic band that interacts with statues or plays games, but that’s just me. We’ll be using our older magic bands purchased in 2018 in October this year.
The one thing I’ve always wanted isn’t there, for the band to also function as a watch.