Magic Bands 101 at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Resort

October 6, 2023

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UPDATED OCTOBER 2023. Leave it to Disney to grant even more magic at the Walt Disney World Resort with just a flick of the wrist.

Magic Bands and Magic Bands+ are lightweight, waterproof wristbands that unlock the magic during your vacation. They come in one adjustable size for adults and children. Now you can use the upgraded Magic Band+ for every step of your vacation.

In this article we’ll explore why you might add a Magic Band to your trip and how it can add to the magic!

Magic Bands Before Your Walt Disney World Vacation

The first thing you are probably wondering is, “Do I need a Magic Band or Magic Band+ for my Disney vacation?”

While the use of Magic Band or Magic Band+ is not required, it sure does make things simple and magical! Our Get Away Today team loves the ease of Magic Bands because they allow guests to do so many things.

Disney World Magic Mand Perks

Here are just a few Magic Band perks:

Both Magic Band and Magic Band+ store your theme park tickets. Simply tap for entry at the t any one of the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Both Magic Band and Magic Band+ allow you to quickly redeem Lightning Lane selections that you've made using Genie+. Just a tap admits you to the line without fumbling for paper tickets or pulling out your phone.
Both Magic Band types unlock your room at Disney Resort hotels. No lost keys or struggling to find them when you return late at night, just tap and unlock.
Both Magic Band and Magic Band+ makes it easy to pay for food and merchandise, just enter your custom 4-digit code and tap to pay.
Only MagicBand+ has 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 Magic Bands 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. Guests staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel have access to discounted Magic Bands once their vacation package is linked to their My Disney Experience account.

Disney World Magic Band Designs

There are always new Magic Band+ designs being released. Choosing and customizing Magic Bands is one thing many families enjoy doing as they count down to their vacation.

Magic Bands and Magic Bands+ 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 Munchlings MagicBand+ – Baked Treats – Limited Edition
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 Magic Band 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 Magic Band or Magic Band+ 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 Magic Band+.

Using MagicBand+ at Walt Disney World

The “tap and go” magic of Magic Bands 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.

During your vacation a Magic Band gives you and your party access to:

Your room at a Disney Resort Hotel
Enter theme parks and waterparks with valid admission and reservations
Check-in at Lightning Lane entrances
Charge food and merchandise purchases
Link Disney PhotoPass to photos to your Disney account
But remember, only the MagicBand+ has enchanted extras and interactions throughout the Walt Disney World Resort

Guests staying off property can purchase Magic Bands at the Walt Disney World Resort upon arrival or at shopDisney. These bands have many of the same perks where you can link your park ticket and account to the band to use it for admission, Genie+ reservations and more.

Magic Bands FAQs

Do you have more questions about Disney Magic Bands? We have gathered the most frequently asked questions and answers below to help you have an even better vacation.

Are Magic Bands free?

Magic Bands are no longer free. However, guests who book a Walt Disney World vacation package can take advantage of a discount on their Magic Band and Magic Band+ purchases. Start your Walt Disney World Vacation planning here.

How much do Magic Bands cost?

Magic Bands of all types range from $20-$50 or more, per Magic Band. However, it's important to note that Magic Band+ is more expensive than a regular Magic Band. Be sure to order your Magic Band early to take advantage of your early booking discount.

What’s the difference between Magic Band+ and other Magic Bands?

While you can still use older versions of the Magic Band, Magic Band+ 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

Can I use my Magic Band or Magic Band+ again?

Yes, you can use your Magic Band or Magic Band+ over and over, making it part of every Disney vacation experience.

Can I use a DisneyBand+ from my cruise at Walt Disney World?

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.

How do I charge for food and merchandise on my Magic Band or Magic Band+?

Prior to any purchases you’ll set up a private 4-digit code, keeping charges safe should you misplace your Magic Band. 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.

How do I link photos to my Magic Band or Magic Band+?

When you wear your Magic Band+ 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)
Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
Pirates Of The Caribbean (Magic Kingdom)
DINOSAUR (Disney’s Animal 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!

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