Changes and updates happen seemingly all the time at Disney World.
From the addition of Lightning Lanes and Genie+ to new rides and attractions, a lot has changed in just a few years! One change that seems to have taken the Disney Parks by storm is the addition of MagicBands and the MagicBand+. These scannable wristbands are linked to guests’ park tickets and the Disney app to allow them to scan into the park with just their wrist, as well as purchase food and merchandise, receive ride photos, and scan in for Lightning Lanes. While many Disney Parks visitors find the MagicBand to be useful, many feel otherwise!
We asked our readers whether or not they feel that their MagicBand purchase was justified, and a little over 40% of our readers’ responses stated that they felt that their MagicBand or MagicBand+ is useless. So, if you’re considering whether or not to purchase one, here is some insight from our readers as to why the purchase isn’t worth it.
1. The battery dies too quickly.
The MagicBand+ has interactive features that are supposed to enhance your experience throughout certain rides and attractions. All this fun requires a rechargeable battery! While the MagicBand+ comes with a charger, many folks report that their battery died before the end of the day, rendering it useless.
So, if you’re not wanting to charge your band frequently, you might want to either grab the traditional MagicBand or not using a MagicBand at all!
2. It falls off.
This seems to be a more common issue with the MagicBand+ than the original MagicBand. SO MANY folks say they have lost their MagicBand+ without even realizing it. These bad boys range (on average) between $35 and $55, so it’s pretty disheartening to lose one.
Folks, if your credit card is linked to the Disney app, dropping a MagicBand is the same as dropping a credit card. Decide if it’s worth the risk.
3. It’s too expensive for what it is.
The only functional difference between the MagicBand and the MagicBand+ is that the MagicBand+ allows you to interact with rides and attractions. Usually, these interactions consist of flashing lights on the icon and some vibrations. That’s really all.
A lot of folks can’t justify the additional price for… a buzzing sensation?
4. I’d rather use my AppleWatch.
As long as your park ticket is linked to your AppleWallet using MagicMobile, your AppleWatch can do everything that a regular MagicBand can do. A lot of folks can’t justify the price of a whole new band when they already have a smart watch that will do the job for them.
If you don’t have a watch, you can use your smart phone. Or… you can just use a regular ol’ ticket.
And there you have it! For some, the MagicBand+ is a game changer and many don’t want to live without it. However, for some, it just isn’t worth it! Decide for yourself what is best for you, and don’t feel bad if you can’t justify joining the MagicBand+ club. We’ll continue to keep you updated with more news and advice, so make sure to follow along for more so that you never miss a thing.
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Do you have a MagicBand or MagicBand+? Let us know in the comments!
Matt says
It is a great thing for Bounty Hunting in StarWars Land. Outside of that, it is pointless. However, the value is worth it for that one game alone. If Disney could create more Bounty Hunting type interactive games, then it’s eve more worth it. Bring back the TCG in Magic Kingdom or incorporate them with MagicBand+
Lori says
I love my regular magic band. It is so easy to use scanning into the park and rides. I got stuck a couple of times behind people used by their phones and the line didn’t move and that was irritating. They also should have let other people go around while they worked on the phone problem
Tracy says
I like the convenience of the MagicBand, and I like that they can be used for more than 1 trip. I do wish there were more options available as far as ordering a MagicBand from MDE prior to a trip. I was looking at the app to order one for my brother for an upcoming trip and there were only 3 solid-color options and 1 themed option to choose from. On the other hand, there were pages and pages of MagicBand+ options, but we have no interest in buying MagicBand+.
Kelly says
All true about Magic Band + but the original Magic Bands are awesome!! I love not having to carry money or even whip out my phone. As for batteries -while guaranteed for 2 years I have a few great models still working after 10 years!
Louise Gregory says
With all the creative people that read this…and the Disney ones too, somebody should have figured out how to keep the bands from falling off.! I’ve know a few who have lost their bands( they got them back!)… and you all have know lots and lots more! Come on, everybody, let’s fix this!