The Must-Read Guide to MagicBand Plus Uses at Disney 

Even since Magicband Plus debuted in 2022, there has been a lot of talk. Are there really enough MagicBand Plus uses to justify the price increase? Was the original MagicBand design really in need of a revamp? Do I even need to purchase a Magicband+, or can I use my Apple Watch and/or other smartwatch device in the parks and achieve similar results without the extra cost?

Within this post, I plan to break down all of this and more for you in an easy-to-use guide. From the new MagicBand Plus uses to the flaws already uncovered in their design, I promise to hit it all. By the end of this post, you will know if the MagicBand+, the Original Magicband, or no MagicBand at all will create the most magical impact on your upcoming Disney vacation. 

What in the Heck is a MagicBand Anyway?

Those who have not gone off the deep end into an all-inclusive Disney brain dive may wonder what a MagicBand even is. 

In short, a MagicBand is a plastic, RFID bracelet Disney sells for use on their resort properties. MagicBand comes in many colors and is sold in two different sizes—one for adults and one for children. As was mentioned previously, there are now even two versions of the Disney MagicBand that are available for purchase: the MagicBand and the Magicband+. 

To experience the magic of a MagicBand, the user must purchase the band of their choosing, have it activated, link it to their My Disney Experience account, and off they go. (For MagicBand plus users, an update will need to be done after opening your MagicBand. Also, I would recommend a charge. More on that later.)

What is the Difference Between The Original Magicband and the MagicBand Plus?

So now that we have defined what it is that makes a MagicBand a MagicBand, we need to dive into the differences between the original Magicband and the Magicband+.

In 2013, Disney dropped their first Magicband device. While this design was simple, it still was highly effective in bringing so many things all to the tap of the wrist. 

In 2022, Disney released their update to the original MagicBand, the MagicBand Plus. This device had all of the features of the original MagicBand, plus some significant upgrades. So then, what were the enhancements?

Rechargeable

One of the new MagicBand+ features that stirred up some excitement is that the new devices have a rechargeable battery. 

When the original MagicBand came out, one of the downfalls to the design was there was no way to tell if it still had battery aside from trying to use it. The regular MagicBand device had a battery that was a one-time use. While that one use was said to last over two years, some users were getting more out of it, and others did not. 

With the MagicBand+, the device is rechargeable and comes conveniently packaged with it’s charging cable. One charge is good for up to three days of use, depending on what features you utilize on the device. With a quick 90-minute zap, your MagicBand Plus should be fully charged and ready to rock again. 

Another perk to the band being rechargeable? For those families who do not vacation to Disney every year but still visit the parks every couple of years or so, you will be able to reuse your MagicBand+. Keep the bands and chargers put up so you do not lose them, and break them out for your next Disney adventure! 

Customizable

Another of the new features of the MagicBand Plus that differs from the normal MagicBand is that the latest version is customizable. 

Once you have a full charge on your MagicBand Plus, it is time to hook it to your My Disney Experience App to see how you can customize your experience. Starting with the color scheme, you can select the colors you want the lights on your MagicBand Plus to flash at you when it encounters magic. You can also customize the vibration and motion recognition settings from this same screen. 

Customizing the interactive elements of the band may not seem like a huge deal, but it is just one more way that Disney has added a bit of pixie dust to your vacation. 

Interactions

Speaking of interactions, that is the next major one of the MagicBand Plus Uses that sets it apart from the normal MagicBand design. 

With your MagicBand Plus, you can now engage in the magic with interactions across the parks. Over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you can engage in the Batuu Bounty Hunters adventure and become, well, a galactic bounty hunter! (You must download the Play Disney Parks App for this one, but you will rack up some galactic credits playing!) During various nighttime spectaculars, the color-changing lights and vibrations of the MagicBand Plus will keep you involved in the magic. For added fun, you can meet and collect character friends across all four Disney World Theme Parks with the “Fab 50 Quest”, where you wave to all the golden character statues. 

Why Use a MagicBand Plus?

Now that we know the difference between the original MagicBand and the MagicBand Plus, let’s dig into why you would want to use one. 

Convenience

When you use a MagicBand, everything is right there on your wrist. No need to dig through pockets, purses, bags, or bras for tickets. No need to dig through your phone to pull up passes for all 5011 people in your party. 

Scan the band on your wrist for everything from lightning lanes and park tickets, to using it while shopping to charge purchases!

Plus, since it is a nifty bracelet design and everyone is scanning for themselves, you don’t have to keep track of them. 

Win!

Personalization

Disney has gone a long way, not just to make the MagicBand+ a functional tool. This dude is a personalized accessory. 

You and your kids will get excited to pick out your MagicBand Plus design. From your favorite characters to your favorite colors, there are multiple designs to choose from. Added perk, they are always coming out with more! 

In addition, you can add your name to the inside of your MagicBand with their customization option. So if two members of your party have to have the same design, never fear! You are still going to be able to tell them apart. 

Magic

While you can absolutely do Disney without the added magic of the features a MagicBand Plus unlocks, it is definitely fun to be able to have them! 

During various showtimes, your band will come to life to interact with the show features around you. You can also participate in games like Batuu Bounty Hunters and the Disney Fab 50 Character collection. With the versatility of the new MagicBand Plus uses, you never know what Disney cast members will come up with next to integrate in more magic. 

MagicBand Plus Uses

Now that we know the difference between the original MagicBand and the MagicBand Plus, let’s dig into the reasons why you would want to use one. 

Park Entry

One of my favorite MagicBand Plus Uses, especially for those with kids who are trying to rope drop, is that they hold your park ticket. At the entrance of any Disney park, tap your MagicBand face to the Mickey Head at guest entry, wait for it to turn green, put your finger on the fingerprint reader until it turns green, then carry on about your day. 

No digging around for ticket cards. No swiping from screen to screen to screen matching the child’s name. Each person has their own MagicBand on their wrist, scans themselves in, and you don’t have to conduct search and discovery on any of it. 

Lightning Lane/Virtual Queue 

For those utilizing Genie+, Lightning Lane, or Virtual Queue services for part or all of your party, you will LOVE the MagicBand. Again, rather than having to find your ticket, either physically or on your phone for each party member,  you will scan your MagicBand at the entrance of any of the lightning lanes you are utilizing. Then, off you go into the queue. 

Honestly, I have done this both ways with my kids. I have carried the physical cards around, and while it is doable, the convenience factor here is so nice!

PhotoPass

If you read my other posts, you will find I am a MAJOR fan of Disney’s PhotoPass package. (Um, professional photographers making sure mom is IN the picture, not taking the picture? Yes, please!) Therefore, it should be no surprise that the integration with PhotoPass is one of my favorite MagicBand Plus Uses. 

I am that person who stops every time I see that green-vested cast member with a camera. This is especially true if the Photopass photographer doesn’t have a line. Being able to scan the MagicBand of any member in my party once that camera is done clicking gets us back off on our next adventure much quicker. 

Not to mention, if you are wearing your MagicBand+ on any of the rides with on-ride photos, MOST automatically syncs to your My Disney Experience App. You will want to check your photos after you exit the ride however, just to be sure, you do not need to snag a scan if something was missed!

If you are planning to hit any character greetings, you will also be delighted to know that the PhotoPass photographers at these locations will also be asking for your MagicBand before you leave. No one wants you to miss that scan and miss out on that Kodak moment with Mickey!

Tap to Pay

Are you thinking about utilizing the Disney dining plan? Maybe you do not want to carry all your cards into the park. Whatever the case may be, your MagicBand has you covered!

For those utilizing the Disney dining plan (Eeeeek, it’s back!), one of the MagicBand Plus uses you will love is that you can use it to pay for your meals using your credits! Before you pay, tell the cast member checking you out that you are on the Disney dining plan. They will then scan your MagicBand and off you will go. 

For those of you who do not want to carry 5011 cards with you for the risk of losing them (It’s me, I am that person), your MagicBand+ will also be your best friend. If you have a valid credit card connected to your My Disney Experience account, you can scan your band at checkout and be handed your receipt. Simple as that!

Resort Room Key

Now it is the time I realize I have A LOT of favorite MagicBand Plus uses. I was absolutely thrilled to learn that my MagicBand also served as the key to my hotel room! 

Each resort hotel door has this fun reader that picks up the signal from your MagicBand to allow you entry. Bonus: this works for everyone listed as a guest in your room with a MagicBand linked. This makes things so nice when trying to carry everything at once. Now, even your smaller kids can key open your door!

Plus, it is a fun way for them to get in on the magic. We all know that sometimes the little things can be just as entertaining as the parks themselves in children’s eyes. (I cannot begin to tell you the number of times my kids have found delight in the elevator button. It’s a thing.)

MagicBand Plus Downfalls

There are plenty of great things to say about the MagicBand Plus uses. But with the good must come the bad. While there have not been a ton of downfalls that have been found with the use of MagicBand+, I have listed the ones I have discovered below:

Battery Life

While one of the significant upgrades of the new MagicBand Plus design is its rechargeable battery, that same battery inevitably becomes one of its downfalls. 

When you first purchase the new MagicBand Plus, it does come equipped with about half a charge. This will get some users through a full day in the park. If you want to utilize all of the cool new MagicBand Plus features, you are looking at a half-day’s worth of juice at best. Therefore, before you can even fully experience the magic of your MagicBand, you will need about 90 minutes and an electrical outlet to juice that puppy up. 

Once fully charged, the other downfall is that you are looking at 1-3 days use MAX per charge. My recommendation is to collect all of your parties MagicBands each night and put them all on the chargers overnight. This ensures you can fully experience all of the MagicBand Plus uses that you bought your device for in the first place. 

Oh, and for those wondering, your new Magicband does come with a charger cord! Those of you ordering multiple devices ahead of your next trip will receive one cord per device in your package. 

Limited Customization

With the introduction of the MagicBand+ came the promise of some fantastic new customization features. When it all boils down, though, the features offered really were not overly magical. 

Aside from choosing your band design (just like the original MagicBand, you have the option of a solid color or a printed band design) and selecting the size of the band (you can wear the band as is out of the package for an adult, or remove the extra tab of the band to size it to a child), there is only really one other physical customization option. Guests now have the ability to engrave their MagicBand+ with a name (up to 9 characters). These characters will be printed on the inside of their MagicBand. 

Options aside from this include the vibration settings and the customization of the different colors of color-changing lights. The Magicband uses these to interact with you in the parks. These options can be selected from inside the My Disney Experience App. 

Software Updates

A significant complaint being heard from MagicBand Plus users is that, straight out of the box, the device is in need of a software update. 

While this is inconvenient, it also should not come as a surprise. Disney doesn’t want to send any of their guests into the parks with a device that is not fully functioning. This means ensuring you don’t go anywhere with all of the latest updates. Realistically, Disney cannot check every device in each store location when an update is dropped to ensure it’s uploaded. Thus, this burden falls on the guest.

The good news is the update should take less than 10 minutes, and you will be back on your way. 

Privacy Concerns

Many guests have voiced privacy concerns over how the Walt Disney Company uses the information it collects from your MagicBand Plus. 

MagicBand Plus constantly utilizes a small radio frequency to interact around the park. Since it always knows where you are in relation to the props used for different games and experiences, it is fair to assume it knows where you are on the property when you are wearing it. Guests have mentioned their concerns over how Disney uses this information across multiple forums. 

In other news, this isn’t much different than how Disney, or an airport, has your location and more when you connect to their public WIFI. The tech world is vast, and the use of MagicBands is just one more way we can expose ourselves. This one is up to you to make the best choice for you and your family when utilizing MagicBand devices. 

Tips for Effective MagicBand Plus Use

Link to Your My Disney Experience App Before Park Time

The best time to link your MagicBand Plus to your My Disney Experience App is BEFORE you hit the parks. Better yet, if you have your MagicBands before you leave for your trip, it isn’t a bad idea to go ahead and link them before you ever leave. 

That way, if you do have any issues, you already have a plan to see a cast member for help. This keeps you from scrambling the morning of your first park day to try to find someone who can figure out how you can undo whatever mistake you made trying to connect them before your kids find out and implode with vacation doom. 

Yep, we do not show the kids our vacation weakness. We also do not leave the linking of our MagicBands to our My Disney Experience App until we are shoulder to shoulder in line with 5011 other people at rope drop. 

We are more intelligent than that AND come prepared.  

Take Steps to Prevent Loss or Theft

MagicBands are fun and magical devices. That is until one of them is lost, misplaced, or mistakenly wandered off without the intent of ever returning. 

Then, they are devices of torture meant to cause us as parents to fork out additional dollars to replace them. It is in your best interest to protect your initial investment. Aside from doing a quick band check when you go to get off of rides or leave shows, there is one other magical trick you can do. 

Amazon sells these cool MagicBand protectors (you can check them out here) that slip on over the clasp of your MagicBand to keep it secured. While it is an additional cost, it is a small price not to worry about replacing the whole device.

The last significant step I would take? Do not put a MagicBand on a kiddo who is too young to leave it alone. I know this seems a given, but MagicBands are cute and a pretty thing to put on small children. This is probably one of those instances in which you do not want to 

Familiarize Yourself With the Features Before Go Time

One of my biggest tips with any Disney tech is to always familiarize yourself with the features before hitting the parks. In addition to reading this post in its entirety, maybe two or three times, I suggest the following things MUST DO TASKS before you try to take your MagicBand on a spin for a day in the parks.

• Connect your MagicBand Plus to your My Disney Experience App to check for software updates.
• Personalize your MagicBand Plus in the My Disney Experience App. Do this by choosing the vibration settings and color-changing lights colors you would like.
• Connect your MagicBand Plus to it’s charging cable and give it a full charge.
• Ensure you have the right credit card hooked to your account if you decide to charge purchases.
• Check out the Interactive Game scene with the Disney MagicBands and decide which you want to participate in. 
• Teach the younger members of your party how to scan their MagicBands for park tickets, lightning lanes, and hotel room keys. (Them learning this now WILL save you time and headache later when you are in line with others behind you!)

A Final Word on Your MagicBand Plus Uses

Holy wow, that was a ton of information, and I am sure your head may be reeling. On the other side of life, I hope this post has given you many insights into MagicBand Plus uses. From park tickets to resort hotel entry, this magic wearable technology has so many cool features!

While I am an avid believer in the magic of the MagicBand Plus, I know it is certainly NOT for everyone. My other hope is you now have a better idea of whether they are a good idea for your crew. Whether you are ordering them for your next vacation or not, if you find yourself ready to get your dates booked, reach out to Kameron at Charming Getaways, and she will hook you up!

Have any additional fun features I forgot to mention here? Feel free to drop them in the comments below! Ready to learn more before your Disney vacation? Check out this post on the My Disney Experience App. Catch you soon!