MagicBand+ Unlocks New Interactive Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort

[John]

In 2013, Walt Disney World Resort introduced the MagicBand, a revolutionary way to make the guest experience in its theme parks and resorts more convenient and hands-free, including park and guest room entry, retail and dining, Disney PhotoPass and more. The next-generation MagicBand+ will retain those popular features and add new functionality to unlock experiential moments of magic throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts.


After a guest enters a theme park, MagicBand+ will come alive at various times with
color changing lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition, enhancing the environment’s immersive storytelling. The wearable will allow guests to engage with favorite Disney moments in new ways and discover new interactive experiences, including:






• Play like a bounty hunter in a galaxy far, far away and find virtual bounties throughout Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Interact with the “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection,” the golden sculptures spread throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks.
• Experience nighttime spectaculars in a new way as they see their bands light up and complement the magic in the skies, including the new “Harmonious” at EPCOT and “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park.


More details about MagicBand+ and its capabilities will be revealed in the future.

[baldburke]

Last trip I did most everything via the app. I'd rather not wear the band if I don't have to. Plus, my phone is almost always with me anyway. The only times when I really used my band was while at the pool and I left my phone in the room charging. But hey, I get that some people like the fashion statement.

[PopPhan]

Interesting. Wonder how long the battery lasts with all the graphics and vibrations and motion sensors....If they are not 'rechargeable' they may be a waste of $$$

[j2k]

Interesting. Wonder how long the battery lasts with all the graphics and vibrations and motion sensors....If they are not 'rechargeable' they may be a waste of $$$

Great point! We’re booked for June and I haven’t ordered MagicBands yet. The $10 bands are limited colors and we’re not really fans of the available colors. I was thinking of waiting to see when these new ones would be available but your point has me second guessing myself. Plus, the new ones will cost more, I’m sure. We have bands from 2017 but I’m not sure they work. I know we can bring them and if they don’t we can buy new ones there, but we won’t get them for $10 pre-arrival price. I also know we don’t need the bands these days but we like the convenience of the band and don’t want to use our phones for everything or pull out the card or wear it around our necks. I’m glad Disney gives us options. I’m ok with paying for the $10 bands. We might just be stuck with whatever colors are available.

[brownie]

We have bands from 2017 but I’m not sure they work. I know we can bring them and if they don’t we can buy new ones there, but we won’t get them for $10 pre-arrival price.

I think the battery life is around 2 years, so you may not want to plan on using your 2017 MagicBands.

[j2k]

I think the battery life is around 2 years, so you may not want to plan on using your 2017 MagicBands.

That's what I figured. That's why I'm planning on buying new bands. Trying to decide on the current bands or waiting for the new ones. Either way, buying ahead would/should allow for the pre-arrival price. It's questionable at this point if the Magicbands+ will have a pre-arrival discounted price.

[RhodeHog]

Last trip I had my regular dull MagicBand (no +) but often used my Apple Watch instead. One on each wrist so whatever was closest to the reader was what I used.

[TheVBs]

Anyone know when the new bands will be available?