Disney World is about to get some new additions!
We’ve been watching construction progress on things like Roundup Rodeo BBQ and the TRON coaster, as well as following progress on the EPCOT transformation. Besides those projects, we’re also expecting some new tech soon, including the Hey Disney! virtual assistant in hotel rooms and the brand new MagicBand+. We’ve been waiting to get more news on MagicBand+ specifically, and now we’ve got a BIG update!
It’s official — MagicBand+ will be launching at Disney World on July 27th! The new version of the popular MagicBands will feature “color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition.”
You’ll be able to pair your MagicBand+ to the My Disney Experience app and use it for all the same functions as a regular MagicBand, including opening your hotel room, scanning at the park entrances, and tapping in at Lightning Lanes and virtual queues. On top of that, there will be special ways that MagicBand+ interacts with the parks, including special effects when you’re watching Disney Enchantment or Harmonious, interactive features when checking out the Disney Fab 50 golden character statues, and the new Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters game in Galaxy’s Edge.
When it launches, there will be more than 25 MagicBand+ designs to choose from! Disney Resort hotel guests can purchase MagicBand+ online before their arrival at special prices, and discounts will be available for Annual Passholders as well. All guests will be able to purchase MagicBand+ at stores across Disney World and online on shopDisney, starting at $34.99 each.Â
MagicBand+ will be available in Disney World at the following stores:
- Magic Kingdom Park:Â Emporium
- EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Discovery Trading Company
- Disney Springs: Disney’s Pin Traders
- Select merchandise locations at Disney Resort hotels
And for our west coast friends, don’t worry! Disney noted that MagicBand+ will be coming to Disneyland Resort later this year. No specific date has been announced yet, but we’ll be on the lookout for more updates. (Add that to the special perks coming soon to Disneyland hotels, and it’s an exciting time to plan a trip to Walt Disney’s original park!)
Let’s talk a little more about the features that make the MagicBand+ unique! First of all, it has a rechargeable battery, as well as customizable light-up themes, vibration patterns, and motion recognition settings. Each of the bands comes with a charging cord, and the battery lasts between 1-3 days. But good news — even if your battery is dead, you can still use your MagicBand+ for the following:
- Park entry
- Lightning Lane entry
- Disney Resort room entry
- Disney Resort folio charging
- Disney PhotoPass photographer interactions
Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on MagicBand+, as well as all the news when it’s released in the parks! We’ll share all the details you need to know.
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Will you be getting a MagicBand+ when they launch? Tell us in the comments!
DSki says
Does anyone know if you’ll be able to remove the “puck” on these, like the current magic bands?
Rita says
If we have resort reservations starting say the 30th, any idea if we will be able to preorder them before the 27th? Currently only the regular Magic Bands are available on the reservation site.
Nicki says
Arriving from the UK end of September, can we order prior to arrival?
Danmeboy says
I noticed they changed the language on passholders being able to purchase early
Jenny says
@DSki I did see another post that said the puck could be removed.
Don says
Magic Bands $35, Mears Airport Transportation (round trip) $32, Genie + $15. Family of four, five day trip….
$568, that’s if you buy Genie+ for all 5 days. $568 extra for perks that were free not so long ago. Disney’s just getting better all the time. Oh sorry, that was a typo, I meant, Disney’s just getting richer all the time.
Javier says
Does anyone know when and if they will use Magic Bands in Disneyland? Besides the Hotels there? More specifically when will be able to use them for park entry to the original Disneyland Park and DCA?
Paige says
Any details on Galactic Starcruiser magicbands? Will those be upgraded too?
Ralph says
Does anyone know what time they are releasing it for sale on the 27th? Are they releasing it 12:01AM Eastern?
Dan says
We’re arriving on the 27th! Think they’ll have some in the Poly’s shops? Now I just need to convince my wife…
Phill says
We’re in the UK and not staying on property this time but it will be our first day in Disney on September 2nd – is there a way to buy MagicBand+ in the UK before travelling to the US, as I’d like not to have to go and purchase a MagicBand+ as my first port of call on my first day back in the parks for 3 years (woohoo!)?
Chris says
I don’t see any compelling reason to own one. Just something else to keep charged. Our old magic bands from years ago still work, as the RFID chip needs no battery. No interest in interacting with statues or having it light up during fireworks.
Nic says
Can this be worn at water parks?
DFB Gigi says
Hi Nic! Yes, the MagicBand+ is waterproof like the old MagicBands. 🙂
ROBERTA SHAFFER says
Just another way for Disney to make more money for the CEO and rip off the people
charles thorne says
I hope they work better opening the room doors on our last trip we were something like 1 for 12 getting the MB to work opening the door.
Richard+Mercer says
Should have called it “Magic Band 2”. “Magic Band Plus”? There’s nowhere to go from there.
Angela Robinson says
Will the Galactic Starcruiser also get the upgraded Magicbands+?