Chances are we’ve all been there — major retail regret.
Let’s go shopping!
You saw the shiny, cool new toy and couldn’t wait to grab it in every single color. But, now that the novelty has worn off — you’re wondering why the heck you even bought it in the first place! Well, dear DFB readers, we asked, and you answered — and nearly half of you will NEVER buy this in Disney World again.
We asked our readers whether they had purchased a MagicBand+ and if they’d ever buy another one — and here’s what they said! But first, a brief refresher on MagicBands!
MagicBand+
The original MagicBands are the wearable technology (a band worn on the wrist containing a Radio-Frequency Identification or RFID chip) that connects — or “unlocks” — all the experiences booked through My Disney Experience once guests arrive at Walt Disney World. (Prior to MagicBand+, MagicBands were not available in Disneyland.)
MagicBand
An original MagicBand can:
- Serve as a Digital Key to enter your Disney World Resort hotel room;
- Serve as your park “ticket” (when linked to pre-purchased valid admission);
- Pay for purchases around the parks (for Disney World Resort hotel guests);
- Enter attraction Lightning Lanes booked through Disney Genie;
- And connect Disney Photopass pictures to your My Disney Experience account.
MagicBand
But, MagicBand+ comes alive with color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition, enabling “magical surprises” in the parks! MagicBands can be a great way to have nearly everything you need in Disney World at your fingertips — but you can also do that with MagicMobile on your phone or smartwatch. So, do fans think they’ll be racing to buy more bands? Well, maybe!
MagicBand+!
The results were pretty even — 55% of our readers who replied said that yes, they had bought a MagicBand+ and would likely continue to buy more. But, 45% said that no — they didn’t think their MagicBand+ was worth it, and because of this, they’d never buy another MagicBand+ again!
via DFB Instagram
Like we mentioned before, you can also access MagicBand features on your phone with the Disney MagicMobile service! This allows you to enter theme parks (with your valid admission), connect PhotoPass photos, and access Virtual Queues for in-demand attractions, and redeem Disney Dining Plan credits with your pass. And you can even charge to your Disney hotel with MagicMobile, just like you would with a MagicBand.
Magic Mobile
But, the big difference lies in the interactive features of MagicBand+ — with MagicMobile, you just get the features of the old MagicBand — that means no lights, no haptic feedback, no interacting with fireworks shows, rides, and elements of the park. If those features aren’t something you think is worth shelling out an extra $40+ for on your vacation, well, you might be better off without it!
©Disney
At the end of the day, only you can really determine whether or not you think a MagicBand+ is worth it, hopefully, these results give you a better idea of how others feel!
Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news, tips, tricks, and the latest updates you need to know!
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The Magic Bands plus are definitely NOT WORTH IT! I bought 2 the day they were available on line and the NEVER worked right. Took them to Cast Connections they told us they were not charging and gave us a ticket to go across from Space Ship Earth to get new ones. Still never worked. They were supposed to highlight purple when going thru the passholders entrance NOTHING! I bought 2 more NOTHING! The other night we stopped at Cast connections again the lady had us reload again still NOTHING. what a waste of money. I will never fall for that crap again
I bought one for my husband and myself prior to our trip in September 2023. I fully charged it prior to arriving. I loved it, the way it lights up at the fireworks and at spaceship earth. And also the interaction with the gold statues. So much fun. I would definitely buy it again. Some folks asked me about it and I told them it was great. They were concerned about the charging, but I charged mine overnight and it was good to go for the day. Again I love ❤️ it.
I will keep buying Magic Bands! I usually buy a new MB+ before every trip, then I wear it every day until it is time for my next trip. (Granted I am only planning to go to WDW and DL twice each in 2024 so it isn’t THAT many new bands…)