Upgrading to fancier Magic Bands

I can't justify the cost of a "pretty" Magic Band, especially since we only go once a year. If we were in the parks all of the time, then maybe.

So, we buy "stickers" from a third-party site, and they jazz up the MB quite nicely, for only $5 a band. Much better price, and we still get something a bit different.

nutsnbolts;2478191 wrote: I now there really cool ones out there. Is it worth the extra cost?

Is it better to get it there with the variety of choices or order somewhere online directly or third party trinkets?

Just wondering what everyone thought is with this.

How often do you go?

I can safely say that my family is okay with the ones that Disney sends you for free. But the third party accessories can be inexpensive. A lot of the MB add ons fall off so beware! You can collect all of the colors if you go often!

This question to me doesn't really fit in the "is it worth it" category. Is it worth it to do the dining plan or refillable mugs? We would have something more to talk about. The decorative band- "is it worth it" question is a little more difficult. Is it necessary, no. None of the magic bands are. Can you use it outside WDW? Not really. You could, but you might get some looks.

It really is a matter of personal opinion. My husband loves Toy Story and liked the Buzz and Woody one, so for his birthday I got it for him from the online Disney Store when they were having a free shipping deal.

He likes it. It doesn't expire, so you can use it on future trips. I also had no problem linking it to our MDE account (instructions came with it). Another thing to consider, is that MK in the shop next to Space Mountain and also at Disney Springs at the Coop, you can get custom Magic Bands made. You choose the color of the band and the design and you can even get your name printed on the outside.

Some cost much more than others - like the limited edition ones, but it really is just a matter of what you want to spend your money on. Some people like to buy T-shirts with the year on them or coffee mugs or Disney Hats or Mickey Ears or pins or whatever. You choose how you want to spend your money, so if you want a more decorative band, go for it!

If it is worth it to you, it's worth it.

cer;2478219 wrote: This question to me doesn't really fit in the "is it worth it" category. Is it worth it to do the dining plan or refillable mugs? We would have something more to talk about. The decorative band- "is it worth it" question is a little more difficult. Is it necessary, no. None of the magic bands are. Can you use it outside WDW? Not really. You could, but you might get some looks.

It really is a matter of personal opinion. My husband loves Toy Story and liked the Buzz and Woody one, so for his birthday I got it for him from the online Disney Store when they were having a free shipping deal.

He likes it. It doesn't expire, so you can use it on future trips. I also had no problem linking it to our MDE account (instructions came with it). Another thing to consider, is that MK in the shop next to Space Mountain and also at Disney Springs at the Coop, you can get custom Magic Bands made. You choose the color of the band and the design and you can even get your name printed on the outside.

Some cost much more than others - like the limited edition ones, but it really is just a matter of what you want to spend your money on. Some people like to buy T-shirts with the year on them or coffee mugs or Disney Hats or Mickey Ears or pins or whatever. You choose how you want to spend your money, so if you want a more decorative band, go for it!

If it is worth it to you, it's worth it.
That's true. To me I like the fancy more personal touch stuff but you're right. The worth of something is to each is own. It's a nice to have but not necessary. I ask the question is to see other perspectives. It's seems stupid but hey I'm open to seeing why they make these fancier ones at specialty fancy stores to have them.

Come to think of it. I guess it's like not understanding why people buy fancy custom ornaments that you have on a tree... it's just an ornament. [emoji3]

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Not stupid at all.

I think you may find a number of folks who would say not worth it for the decorated magic bands, but truly, for me I don't own a pair of Mickey Ears. They aren't worth it for me.

If you aren't sure, choose your color and get the ones they provide with your vacation package (you'll get those anyway) - and make the decision on a fancy once you get there - the cast member will link it up for you when you purchase it. I believe you will see more people with the solid ones than decorated ones in the parks, and it might not be as big a deal to you then.

You are going to have a great time. Your trip is coming up soon, right? Like this month?

Another thing. If you are flying in to MCO and using the Magical Express, you will want to have your magic band close. They will scan it at the check in area.

I did not know this the first time and had to dig through my things so they could scan it.

cer;2478224 wrote: Another thing. If you are flying in to MCO and using the Magical Express, you will want to have your magic band close. They will scan it at the check in area.

I did not know this the first time and had to dig through my things so they could scan it.

It may help to have the MB but it is not required. International customers do not get MBs mailed to us. All that's actually needed is the confirmation email.

It isn't worth it to me, however I bought them for the kids. I never know what to get my cousins' kids for christmas and we have a trip at the end of February so I got them each a magicband. I am just using the plain one from Disney for myself.

I don't like the band on my wrist, so for me, the answer would be no. Mine gets wrapped around my purse strap. I'd say wear the non fancy one a day or two before you spend the extra money, as you just might end up not like it and not wearing it.

Thanks for everyone's insight. Great perspectives. Definitely good points and if I may add I may need to see if they even will wear it the entire time before dropping money that is going to be hidden in our bag. Probably they should come out with magic necklace or magic ring or earrings.

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To me it's not worth it even though I'm local and a passholder.

The magic band is nothing more than the old KTTW card (or in my case, my AP card) but now it's on your wrist. I wouldn't pay an extra $20 (or whatever the fancy ones are) to have a prettier AP card so there's no reason I would do it for a magic band.

Of course there are lots of things other people gladly spend money on that I wouldn't. :mickey:

The thing that makes it not worth it to me is that the battery runs out. I am not sure how long they last but I have been told a year and a half or so. I have 4 different colors for each of our family members. I am not sure if they will work on our upcoming trip because of this. I will continue to get the free ones. Especially since I hear they are coming out with new colors.

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For me it is part of the experience. Some of the limited edition ones have hidden surprises. My Kylo Ren band turns the Mickey scanners red instead of green and they make a light saber sound!:darth:

Jforrest2;2479139 wrote: For me it is part of the experience. Some of the limited edition ones have hidden surprises. My Kylo Ren band turns the Mickey scanners red instead of green and they make a light saber sound!:darth:

Seriously?? That is the coolest thing ever! I need to get that for my son on our next trip. I was thinking of the getting him the Captain Phasma one, does anyone know if that does anything?