Leave it to Disney to add even more convenience to your Walt Disney World Resort vacation with just a tap of your wrist.
MagicBand+ is an optional wearable wristband that can be used for theme park entry, Lightning Lane check-in, Disney PhotoPass photos, Disney Resort hotel room access and more. It also lights up, vibrates and interacts with select attractions and entertainment throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
You don’t need a MagicBand+ to visit Walt Disney World, but many families love the convenience of having so many vacation essentials right on their wrist. In this guide, we’ll explain what MagicBand+ does, whether you need one and how to use it during your Disney World vacation.
Do You Need a MagicBand+ at Disney World?
The first thing you are probably wondering is, “Do I need a MagicBand or MagicBand+ for my Disney vacation?”
While use of MagicBand+ is not required, it sure does make things simple and magical! Our Get Away Today team loves the ease of MagicBands because they allow guests to do so many things.
What Do MagicBands Do at Disney World?
Here are just a few things your MagicBand+ can do:
- Tap for entry at any one of the Walt Disney World theme parks or water parks, with valid admission.
- Quickly redeem Lightning Lane selections at ride entrances.
- Unlock your room at Disney Resort hotels, just tap and unlock.
- Charge food and merchandise purchases when linked to your Disney Resort hotel room.
- Look out for enchanting interactions with select entertainment and locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
It’s also important to note that only the MagicBand+ needs to be charged nightly if you want to use the interactive features.
Of course there’s even more tricks MagicBands can do, but you can actually get started with by booking your Walt Disney World vacation now.
We recommend...
We recommend at least a 4-day 1 Park per Day ticket so you can experience one day at each of the main theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom Park
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Then choose to stay at one of Walt Disney World Resort’s onsite hotels.
Disney World Magic Band Designs
There are always new MagicBand+ designs being released. Choosing and customizing MagicBands is one thing many families enjoy doing as they count down to their vacation.
MagicBands and MagicBands+ come in classic colors, trendy hues, and tons of Disney character options! These wrist bands are available in one size and can be adjusted to fit so everyone can enjoy the magic.
Some of our favorite Magic Designs include the following:
- Cinderella Castle MagicBand+ – made just for Walt Disney World guests
- Disney Treats MagicBand+
- Stitch MagicBand+
- MagicBand+ – Mickey & Co.
But there are SO many to choose from both online, at your Resort hotel and inside the parks. From every fandom like Star Wars MagicBands, Marvel MagicBands, classic Disney characters, princesses and more.
Once your Get Away Today reservation is linked to your My Disney Experience account, your MagicBand discount is valid up to 6 days prior to your Resort hotel reservation. From there you can select and customize your Magic Bands and complete your order.
Get Away Today pro tip: purchase your MagicBand or MagicBand+ as early as possible to avoid shipping delays.
Nearly all the reservations and plans you create in My Disney Experience before your trip will now be linked to your MagicBand.
How to Use MagicBand+ at Disney World
The “tap and go” magic of MagicBands lets you explore and enjoy with ease. Parents will love the convenience of ditching bags, purses, wallets, paper tickets in favor of the small wristband device.
Once your MagicBand+ is linked to your MyDisney account, using it is as simple as tapping the band at supported touchpoints throughout Walt Disney World. You can use it for park entry, Lightning Lane check-in, Disney PhotoPass, Resort hotel room access and eligible room charges.
MagicBand+ also includes rechargeable interactive features. Charge your band before heading to the parks if you want to use its lights, vibrations and interactive experiences. Even if the rechargeable battery runs down, some tap-based functionality may still remain available.
MagicBands and MagicBands+ FAQs
Do you have more questions about Disney MagicBands? We have gathered the most frequently asked questions and answers below to help you have an even better vacation.
Question: Are MagicBands and MagicBands+ free?
Answer: MagicBands are no longer free. However, guests who book a Walt Disney World vacation with Get Away Today will always save the most on their Disney vacation. Start your Walt Disney World Vacation planning here.
Question: How much do MagicBands and MagicBands+ cost?
Answer: MagicBands of all types range from $20-$50 or more, per MagicBand. Be sure to order your MagicBand early to take advantage of your early booking discount.
Question: What’s the difference between MagicBands and MagicBands+?
Answer: While you can still use older versions of the MagicBand, MagicBand+ has the most up to date technology for your Disney vacation including:
- New, enchanting interactions at the parks and select entertainment
- Rechargeable battery
- Color-changing lights
- Haptic vibrations
- Gesture recognition
Question: Can I use my MagicBands and MagicBands+ again?
Answer: Yes, you can use your MagicBand or MagicBand+ over and over, making it part of every Disney vacation experience.
Question: Can I use a DisneyBand+ from my cruise at Walt Disney World?
Answer: Yes, you can use your DisneyBand+ from your Disney Cruise at Walt Disney World and vice versa. See our guide on the best land and sea Disney vacations here.
Question: How do I charge for food and merchandise on my MagicBands or MagicBands+?
Answer: Prior to any purchases you’ll set up a private 4-digit code, keeping charges safe should you misplace your MagicBand. This is also an excellent way to allow (or not) tap and pay for your children’s purchases.
Tap and pay allows food and merchandise to be charged back to your Walt Disney World hotel room. At midnight before the end of your vacation all room charges will be billed to your credit card on file. Or you can finalize your bill with the front desk to use various forms of payment before that deadline.
Question: How do I link photos to my MagicBands and MagicBands+?
Answer: When you wear your MagicBand+ on Disney attractions that feature ride photos, the photos will automatically link to your My Disney Experience account.
These Walt Disney World attractions feature ride photos:
- Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom)
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)
- Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom)
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom)
- Pirates Of The Caribbean (Magic Kingdom)
- Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
- Test Track (EPCOT)
- Frozen Ever After (EPCOT)
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
- Slinky Dog Dash (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
- Rock’n Roller Coaster (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
You can also link photos from any Disney PhotoPass photographer with a simple tap!
Are you ready to book your Walt Disney World vacation with Get Away Today? Getting started is easy! You can book all Walt Disney World vacation packages online or call our agents at 855-GET-AWAY. No matter how you book your Walt Disney World vacation, we can't wait to help!
Join the Conversation!
Leave A CommentAnonymousJune 16 2014
We were apart of the Magic Band testing stage and they were awesome! I would recommend taking a picture of your reservations, especially if you change them last minute. We had an experience where it didn't save one of our reservations for a show. The cast member still let us in, but recommended that we take pictures on future days. Seeing these pictures makes me want to go again!