MagicBand+ Review
Before you read this review, there have been some changes to Walt Disney World. They are phasing out the MagicBand and MagicBand 2.0. You can still find them sometimes online or at resorts, but The Disney company has pretty much stopped making them. If you are trying to decide if you need one, read Do you need a MagicBand? I plan on keeping that blog up until they are completely phased out. I will leave the review here on the MagicBand+, but let me tell you some key features of it before you read my now-dated critique on why you would have been fine with the original MagicBand. The review part of this blog was more relevant when you had options. Now that you do not really hve options unless you get lucky, the key features is what you need to know.
The MagicBand+ has a sleek and modern design with vibrant colors and patterns, making it fashionable and fun to wear. The band is slightly more robust than its predecessor to accommodate new features like the LED lights and haptic feedback. The extensive options allow you to choose a design that reflects your Disney style.
Key Features
LED Lights & Haptic Feedback: The MagicBand+ now features LED lighting that synchronizes with different attractions and nighttime shows, enhancing the overall experience. While watching Happily Ever After at Cinderella Castle or Lumious at EPCOT, your magicband+ will light up your band to coordinate with the show, bringing an extra touch of magic to your day.
The haptic feedback is another cool addition, giving you subtle vibrations during certain events or when interacting with features around the park.
Interactive Experiences: One of the standout features of MagicBand+ is the interactive experiences it unlocks. For instance, the band can trigger surprises in the Fab 50 Character Collection statues scattered throughout the parks, offering a fun and engaging scavenger hunt-like experience. You can also use the band to engage with the Disney Play app, why Bounty Hunting at Disney's Hollywood Studios Themepark.
Enhanced Convenience: Like previous versions, MagicBand+ still acts as your all-in-one ticket to the parks, hotel room key, and payment method. The touchpoints around the park have been upgraded to sync with the new features of the band, ensuring a seamless experience whether you’re entering a park, tapping in for Genie+, or paying for a Dole Whip.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the trade-offs with the new features is the need to charge your MagicBand+. It comes with a small charger connecting magnetically to the band's back. A full charge can last anywhere from one to three days, depending on your usage. It’s a good idea to charge it overnight, especially if you plan on making full use of its interactive features during your day at the park. Even if your MagicBand+ dies, the charge and room features will still work. The RF reader does not die, just the features for lights and haptic interaction.
User Experience
Overall, MagicBand+ enhances the Disney experience in a way that feels both magical and convenient. The added lights, haptic feedback, and interactive elements make it more than just a functional accessory—it becomes a part of your adventure. However, the need for charging and the slightly bulkier design might be minor inconveniences for some guests.
My Review of MagicBand+ vs Magic Band 2.0
Ok, here is my candid review on MagicBand+. As you know, we are a MagicBand family. We love our MagicBands. All of our kids have 2 or 3 different MagicBands.We love them. The only time you'll see any of my children without their magic band is when we go to one of the water parks because they don't need to wear it there since they are still young, and we stay close together. And MagicBands are waterproof!
When MagicBand+ debuted, the design looked pretty awesome. They're a little thicker and heavier, which I like because it feels more like a watch, but they now, unfortunately, require charging. There are various options for style, and they really poured themselves into the designs. They are significantly more expensive, costing $54.99 - $34.99. There is a discount for Disney Vacation Members and those staying on Disney Property. If you are staying on the property, you get a discount if you order before your arrival, and it will arrive in a discreet white box similar to the regular magic Band before your vacation.
Before I dive deep into why you don't need MagicBand+, my opinion excludes Disneyland. Currently, Disneyland is still on the RF card and Magic Mobile system. Disneyland recently upgraded to MagicBand+, the only type of Magic Band that works there. In the case of Disneyland, it is necessary! If you are still on the fence about getting a MagicBand at all, you can read about all the options you have a Walt Disney World.
For those at Walt Disney World, do you need a MagicBand+ over a traditional MagicBand? No. Plain and simple, you don't need it. The only exception to this is if you know you're going to carve out time to go bounty hunting with your kids at Hollywood Studios. And Honestly, even with that, you only need one. I would buy ONLY ONE that doesn't belong to anyone and make the kids take turns scanning at the kiosk because you can only Bounty Hunt one kid at a time or one kid per parent phone. There's no group feature! So for people like me that have four kids, it's a pain.
Then there is the firework and nighttime spectaculars, illuminating the MagicBand+ works if your Band is still charged and it picks up the signal. Unfortunately, mine worked less than 50% of the time. But my husband worked every time, so maybe I got a lemon.
However, my Band would light up at random times. It was crazy. I would be on a random ride, and it would start lighting up. So if that is the reason you are getting it, also pass.
The technology will get there, and I know Walt Disney World is already adding more places to use MagicBand+, so in the future, I am sure that Walt Disney World will make better use of these bands that cost almost $55 in some cases!
But if you LOVE Star Wars and want to experience Bounty Hunting, then MagicBand+ is for you! Otherwise, save the money and wait until Disney has more to offer!
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