I love my MagicBand+ (I've got the Haunted Mansion one where the puck says "Is this room actually stretching"). It's great for creating little magic moments around the parks when the 50th Anniversary statues talk to you, or when it lights up on attractions. Seeing hundreds of them light up in unison during Fastasmic was incredible! And the convenience of a Magic Band as ticket, room key, and payment method cannot be beat. That said, I really do think there could be more interactions around the park to make it worth the cost. One other note - I took my MB+ on my first ever Disney Cruise this year. We were on the Wish back in May. And let me tell you, the cruise is where the MB+ really shined! It was the key to our stateroom, it functioned as payment at all bars, even on Castaway Cay, and just about every venue on the ship had my band lighting up and vibrating. I really felt the Cruise experience with the band is what Disney was going for when they developed them for the parks, and I hope they keep working on it.
The convenience of a MagicBand just can't be beat! Even when I'm visiting daily, not being a resort guest, not having to go through my bag to get into the park or tap in for a virtual queue. . . . it's just too easy! Glad to hear you had a good expeirence with MagicBand on your cruise. I don't have any experience with that personally, but I've heard good things about how well MagicBand works on cruses! Thanks for sharing that info!
👋 We are still running on the ones we got when they used to be free years ago. I did buy 1 magic band because it was a slap bracelet that the puck can just slide off when it eventually dies and I still have a cool bracelet. Never thought the plus was worth the money or the time. Thanks for the good explanation of how plus works.
We got ours on sale so, pretty good bargain for our trip. We charge everything at night while we sleep, so adding another item wasn't a big deal. It is the nature of our lifes now. My wife's had an initial update that took like 45 minutes to apply, but other than that, no problems with them. I agree that the MB+ is fun with the light up during shows and such. I got it mostly for the room key, park ticket and quick pay, so I don't have to dig out my wallet/phone from my pack. So convenient. Interactive with shows and rides along with the photo pass was more of a pleasant surprise that made the days more fun. Definitely worth the price I paid.
Score! Gotta love getting ANYTHING on sale, but especially MB+! The Boo Crew actually wanted to try it and find one on sale, but we weren't lucky. . . so we just spring and got then one. I have to ask them how they made out the other day using it, now that I think about it! I'm the same way. . . I like it for a room key and park ticket, but also for those ride photos that you can't get by using a touchpoint. I love ride photos, so it's good for me. . . but I know that's not everyone's cup of tea.
We splurged on MB+ for our whole party when we did our big trip 2 years ago, and thankfully they worked out very well for us at the time. The friend we brought with us wasn't thrilled with the idea of wearing another band, because she also liked her smart watch at the time, so before we left for our trip I sewed her a Tangled-themed holder for her puck and she put it on a badge reel to wear around the parks. The MB+ had only JUST debuted a few months prior so I wasn't that surprised at the lack of overall functionality, but now that it's been 2 years I definitely think it's a bummer that it doesn't do more. I'm also seriously surprised at the lack of puck holders! The bands don't seem like they're really intended to last very long, or I feel like they'd be made of a much sturdier silicone or something more akin to an inexpensive watch band, rather than the solid vinyl. Disney could easily make a solid amount of $$ on "upgrades" to keep your MB+ wearing longer, from people who don't want to just buy another one. But all that said, I really did love how we were able to use our pre-trip MB+ purchase to really hype the event for our kids, because they each got to pick the band of their choice and that was definitely the start of our trip magic!
One caveat on Magic Bands: the sizing can be problematic. My wrist is exactly the size that the adult size, on the smallest hole, is too big for my wrist, and stripping out the middle to make it the child size is too small for me even in the largest hole. I’m lost my Magic Band in taking a jacket off or even just brushing my wrist lightly against something. People have been nice in returning them to me. Eventually i just put my MB+ in my fanny pack and pulled it out when i needed to use it. I got a 50th Anniversary MB+ with the Walt statue and castle, and i love it as a souvenir of that awesome year. If you use the band just once or twice a year, i suppose the band lasts longer.
I like having a Magic Band. But for those who want to avoid the expense, Disney’s smartphone app will also act as your room key, park ticket, and credit card charging device at merchandise stores. You can also use the app to scan your phone at the end of each ride in order to collect your ride photos. So while the Magic Band may be simpler (you don’t have to fumble to open your phone app), it’s not really necessary. By not purchasing one, you’ll only be missing out on a few little vibrations and light flashes on your wrist during various Disney park experiences.
wow. it's only been 2-1/2 years since MB+ came out. i thought it was longer than that. we've got originals - we got them right after they were released. they still work as advertised, all day. our bands have not cracked or worn, yet. i really like the MB+. it's a fun extra to enjoy during the stage shows, fireworks, parades, etc. it's neat that each MB+ design has its own lighting color scheme, too, that matches the "theme" of the band. i like that they are rechargable, unlike the original magicbands. it's also cool the way it buzzes when you're near something interesting (like the 50th figures) that you might have not noticed, otherwise. ALSO: if they are not turned on, or the battery is dead, they will still work for ride photos. you just have to touch the puck to the touchpoint for the displayed ride photos to mark it (if it's turned on, there are sensors that will recognize you as you enter the ride vehicles, and you don't have to do anything for the photos to be attached to your account).
Got back from our most recent visit a little over a week ago and this was my first time with a MB+ instead of a normal MB. The room key and lightning lane usage is enough to make it worthwhile to me. As for MB vs MB+, I enjoyed seeing the MB+ lighting up while doing things and the ability to charge it, but would be fine with either option.
I like that I can charge it. When it vibrates, it brings to my attention something near by I can look around for and interact with. The other usual magic band stuff too. I like them. But I can get along just fine using the basic ones too. But I do have quite the collection of those, Hence, charging is great and I don't have to by a new band each year we go.
For me, especially as someone who really likes ride photos, having the ability to charge is a huge plus 'cause I know I can get my pics is huge. I have a pretty big collection of MBs too, so having some that will last me longer is GREAT!
DCL: For anyone curious about the cruiseline-specific bands called "Disney Band+"...they are exactly the same as "Magic Band+" in the parks. You do not need to buy both, they're interchangeable, just different names due to a copyright conflict outside of the US. Same features, same cheap quality, not worth the extra money at all IMO. On the cruiseships it can be used as your stateroom key but you'll still need your "key to the world" card for purchases and other things that require ID. The interactive feature on all the bands is gimmicky and can be a little confusing when it lights up for unexpected reasons, like when you're unknowingly near an interactive game. One more thing: All bands are "one size fits all". Each band has a perforated outline in the plastic that you are supposed to tear to fit smaller wrists. And yes, it feels as cheap as it sounds.
You know, that's a GREAT point! Thanks for sharing. Yes, while the charge CAN last for a few days at a stretch [we've had our MB+ last about 6 days before needing a charge] you'll have to take it off at some point, which can definitely be a reason to accidentally leave it behind. . . kinda defeating the point that I was making at the beginning there. 😳 Thanks for sharing this point. 😄
As you say, I like it as a tool and just to move around in the Disney bubble. My biggest dislike, however, is the closure. My husband got one and lost it after just one ride on Big Thunder Mountain. He noticed it at the exit and reported it to a cast member. They also searched all the cars straight away, but unfortunately, as we found out later, a stupid child had stolen it. We continued to receive his ride pictures from him for 3-4 days... Customer service apparently couldn't do anything, so we had to buy a new band . A very simple solution to the problem would be to simply attach a clasp like on a watch instead of this stupid push button.
Can't argue with that! Especially when I'm traveling, I already have a ton of devices and chargers to keep track of. . . I don't really want to have to worry about another one. I'm honestly surprised they haven't updated the bands OR at least provided an alternative solution [replaceable bands/puck holders]. It's definitely a huge downside for me, especially with how quickly they start to crack.
I mainly just watch Disney handle universal videos just because I miss socialization with people I'm incredibly lonely I'm incredibly weak towards just anything I mean I'm used to be very addicted to Kickstarter I used to be very forward-facing I don't lie on the internet and I used to have Facebook and I don't anymore I've grown up in some ways and I've defaulted in others so I haven't gone to Disneyland or Disney world or universal I want to but we'll see what happens next year I'm hoping that $2,000 will be enough to cover if we stay at some place local
Its not worth it...sure it lights up and there is the Star Wars interactions, but IMO you are buying it for design not function. But I love having a magicband to check into LL's over a phone...just doesn't have to be a +.
@@bungleeeeWe used them on our last cruise on the Fantasy. It can supplement your stateroom key for unlocking doors but you'll still need your "key to the world" card for purchases and ID. We have another cruise booked on the Treasure in Feb, gonna reuse our same bands, not worth buying new ones.
I love my MagicBand+ (I've got the Haunted Mansion one where the puck says "Is this room actually stretching"). It's great for creating little magic moments around the parks when the 50th Anniversary statues talk to you, or when it lights up on attractions. Seeing hundreds of them light up in unison during Fastasmic was incredible! And the convenience of a Magic Band as ticket, room key, and payment method cannot be beat. That said, I really do think there could be more interactions around the park to make it worth the cost.
One other note - I took my MB+ on my first ever Disney Cruise this year. We were on the Wish back in May. And let me tell you, the cruise is where the MB+ really shined! It was the key to our stateroom, it functioned as payment at all bars, even on Castaway Cay, and just about every venue on the ship had my band lighting up and vibrating. I really felt the Cruise experience with the band is what Disney was going for when they developed them for the parks, and I hope they keep working on it.
The convenience of a MagicBand just can't be beat! Even when I'm visiting daily, not being a resort guest, not having to go through my bag to get into the park or tap in for a virtual queue. . . . it's just too easy!
Glad to hear you had a good expeirence with MagicBand on your cruise. I don't have any experience with that personally, but I've heard good things about how well MagicBand works on cruses! Thanks for sharing that info!
👋 We are still running on the ones we got when they used to be free years ago. I did buy 1 magic band because it was a slap bracelet that the puck can just slide off when it eventually dies and I still have a cool bracelet. Never thought the plus was worth the money or the time. Thanks for the good explanation of how plus works.
We got ours on sale so, pretty good bargain for our trip. We charge everything at night while we sleep, so adding another item wasn't a big deal. It is the nature of our lifes now. My wife's had an initial update that took like 45 minutes to apply, but other than that, no problems with them. I agree that the MB+ is fun with the light up during shows and such. I got it mostly for the room key, park ticket and quick pay, so I don't have to dig out my wallet/phone from my pack. So convenient. Interactive with shows and rides along with the photo pass was more of a pleasant surprise that made the days more fun. Definitely worth the price I paid.
Score! Gotta love getting ANYTHING on sale, but especially MB+! The Boo Crew actually wanted to try it and find one on sale, but we weren't lucky. . . so we just spring and got then one. I have to ask them how they made out the other day using it, now that I think about it!
I'm the same way. . . I like it for a room key and park ticket, but also for those ride photos that you can't get by using a touchpoint. I love ride photos, so it's good for me. . . but I know that's not everyone's cup of tea.
We splurged on MB+ for our whole party when we did our big trip 2 years ago, and thankfully they worked out very well for us at the time. The friend we brought with us wasn't thrilled with the idea of wearing another band, because she also liked her smart watch at the time, so before we left for our trip I sewed her a Tangled-themed holder for her puck and she put it on a badge reel to wear around the parks. The MB+ had only JUST debuted a few months prior so I wasn't that surprised at the lack of overall functionality, but now that it's been 2 years I definitely think it's a bummer that it doesn't do more.
I'm also seriously surprised at the lack of puck holders! The bands don't seem like they're really intended to last very long, or I feel like they'd be made of a much sturdier silicone or something more akin to an inexpensive watch band, rather than the solid vinyl. Disney could easily make a solid amount of $$ on "upgrades" to keep your MB+ wearing longer, from people who don't want to just buy another one.
But all that said, I really did love how we were able to use our pre-trip MB+ purchase to really hype the event for our kids, because they each got to pick the band of their choice and that was definitely the start of our trip magic!
One caveat on Magic Bands: the sizing can be problematic. My wrist is exactly the size that the adult size, on the smallest hole, is too big for my wrist, and stripping out the middle to make it the child size is too small for me even in the largest hole. I’m lost my Magic Band in taking a jacket off or even just brushing my wrist lightly against something. People have been nice in returning them to me. Eventually i just put my MB+ in my fanny pack and pulled it out when i needed to use it. I got a 50th Anniversary MB+ with the Walt statue and castle, and i love it as a souvenir of that awesome year. If you use the band just once or twice a year, i suppose the band lasts longer.
I like having a Magic Band. But for those who want to avoid the expense, Disney’s smartphone app will also act as your room key, park ticket, and credit card charging device at merchandise stores. You can also use the app to scan your phone at the end of each ride in order to collect your ride photos.
So while the Magic Band may be simpler (you don’t have to fumble to open your phone app), it’s not really necessary. By not purchasing one, you’ll only be missing out on a few little vibrations and light flashes on your wrist during various Disney park experiences.
wow. it's only been 2-1/2 years since MB+ came out. i thought it was longer than that.
we've got originals - we got them right after they were released. they still work as advertised, all day. our bands have not cracked or worn, yet.
i really like the MB+. it's a fun extra to enjoy during the stage shows, fireworks, parades, etc.
it's neat that each MB+ design has its own lighting color scheme, too, that matches the "theme" of the band.
i like that they are rechargable, unlike the original magicbands.
it's also cool the way it buzzes when you're near something interesting (like the 50th figures) that you might have not noticed, otherwise.
ALSO: if they are not turned on, or the battery is dead, they will still work for ride photos. you just have to touch the puck to the touchpoint for the displayed ride photos to mark it (if it's turned on, there are sensors that will recognize you as you enter the ride vehicles, and you don't have to do anything for the photos to be attached to your account).
Got back from our most recent visit a little over a week ago and this was my first time with a MB+ instead of a normal MB. The room key and lightning lane usage is enough to make it worthwhile to me. As for MB vs MB+, I enjoyed seeing the MB+ lighting up while doing things and the ability to charge it, but would be fine with either option.
I like that I can charge it. When it vibrates, it brings to my attention something near by I can look around for and interact with. The other usual magic band stuff too. I like them. But I can get along just fine using the basic ones too. But I do have quite the collection of those, Hence, charging is great and I don't have to by a new band each year we go.
For me, especially as someone who really likes ride photos, having the ability to charge is a huge plus 'cause I know I can get my pics is huge. I have a pretty big collection of MBs too, so having some that will last me longer is GREAT!
DCL: For anyone curious about the cruiseline-specific bands called "Disney Band+"...they are exactly the same as "Magic Band+" in the parks.
You do not need to buy both, they're interchangeable, just different names due to a copyright conflict outside of the US. Same features, same cheap quality, not worth the extra money at all IMO. On the cruiseships it can be used as your stateroom key but you'll still need your "key to the world" card for purchases and other things that require ID.
The interactive feature on all the bands is gimmicky and can be a little confusing when it lights up for unexpected reasons, like when you're unknowingly near an interactive game.
One more thing: All bands are "one size fits all". Each band has a perforated outline in the plastic that you are supposed to tear to fit smaller wrists. And yes, it feels as cheap as it sounds.
I switch back to the old ones on the last trip. I personally don't like to take it off on the trip where + you have to charge every night.
You know, that's a GREAT point! Thanks for sharing. Yes, while the charge CAN last for a few days at a stretch [we've had our MB+ last about 6 days before needing a charge] you'll have to take it off at some point, which can definitely be a reason to accidentally leave it behind. . . kinda defeating the point that I was making at the beginning there. 😳 Thanks for sharing this point. 😄
P.S. i also have a Max and Powerline band - love it and got compliments!
Awesome! I think I saw that one, but I can't remember. I'll have to google it.
As you say, I like it as a tool and just to move around in the Disney bubble. My biggest dislike, however, is the closure. My husband got one and lost it after just one ride on Big Thunder Mountain. He noticed it at the exit and reported it to a cast member. They also searched all the cars straight away, but unfortunately, as we found out later, a stupid child had stolen it. We continued to receive his ride pictures from him for 3-4 days... Customer service apparently couldn't do anything, so we had to buy a new band .
A very simple solution to the problem would be to simply attach a clasp like on a watch instead of this stupid push button.
I'm a lanyard with my ticket around her neck kind of girl. Just can't justify the cost personally, that's almost a character meal. 🤣
MB2 > MB+. Frankly, I just don't need another device to make sure is charged and the older magic bands are better quality.
Can't argue with that! Especially when I'm traveling, I already have a ton of devices and chargers to keep track of. . . I don't really want to have to worry about another one. I'm honestly surprised they haven't updated the bands OR at least provided an alternative solution [replaceable bands/puck holders]. It's definitely a huge downside for me, especially with how quickly they start to crack.
Not worth the extra money
I mainly just watch Disney handle universal videos just because I miss socialization with people I'm incredibly lonely I'm incredibly weak towards just anything I mean I'm used to be very addicted to Kickstarter I used to be very forward-facing I don't lie on the internet and I used to have Facebook and I don't anymore I've grown up in some ways and I've defaulted in others so I haven't gone to Disneyland or Disney world or universal I want to but we'll see what happens next year I'm hoping that $2,000 will be enough to cover if we stay at some place local
Good luck - I really hope it works out for you!🤞. If not, the videos are a fun, and a great way to plan while you save for your trip. 💐
Its not worth it...sure it lights up and there is the Star Wars interactions, but IMO you are buying it for design not function. But I love having a magicband to check into LL's over a phone...just doesn't have to be a +.
I agree. It doesn't NEED to be a MB+ in order to have the best benefit. . . convenience.
have you used it at aulani ?
oh and the cruises?
We have not used MB+ at either Aulani or Cruises as of yet.
@@bungleeeeWe used them on our last cruise on the Fantasy. It can supplement your stateroom key for unlocking doors but you'll still need your "key to the world" card for purchases and ID.
We have another cruise booked on the Treasure in Feb, gonna reuse our same bands, not worth buying new ones.