You’ve probably heard all about MagicBands in Disney World, but in 2021, MagicBands received a huge upgrade! Disney released the MagicBand+ which incorporated interactive and immersive elements to keep moving forward. Plus MagicBand plus bands can be used not only at Disney World but also, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line.
Check out all of the current MagicBand Plus colors available in Walt Disney World so you can plan your next Disney addiction! Plus, we explain the differences between MagicBand and MagicBand+ to help you decide which would be best for you.
MagicBand 2.0 (Classic)
MagicBand 2.0, which we refer to as the classic MagicBand because it was the star of the show for so long, is still kicking around! Despite the release of the fancy new MagicBand+, Disney’s classic MagicBand is still accepted as it always was.
The classic MagicBand uses RFID technology that requires no charging that works with nearby scanners. Because this technology requires such little battery, classic MagicBands DO NOT require charging. The internal non-changeable battery has a shelf life of approximately 2 years.
While you can still use classic MagicBands, and Disney has not said that they would discontinue the use of the classic MagicBand in the parks, we have seen a steep decline on the available styles available for sale, which leads us to believe that Disney is phasing out the classic MagicBand.
Functions of a Classic Disney MagicBand
- Connect your park tickets and/or Annual Pass to enter the parks
- Use to scan into Lightning Lanes
- Use as your room key for your Disney Resort
- Scan with PhotoPass Photographers to capture memories (also works for ride photos!)
- Make purchases (only if staying as a Disney World Resort guest)
PROS and CONS of the Classic MagicBand
PROS
- No charging required
- Easy to use and understand
- Long battery life
CONS
- No interactive elements
- Difficult to find and limited choices
MagicBand+
MagicBand+ was the highly anticipated hot item of 2021. Disney excited fans with this new technology that blended the classic RFID technology of the original MagicBand and blends in new technology and features to further immerse guests into Disney magic.
Perhaps the most exciting feature that was introduced with the MagicBand+ is the interactions with its wearer. You know those golden 50th anniversary statues sprinkled throughout the parks? When wearers of a MagicBand+ walk by, their puck will vibrate and light up, indicating to its wearer that there is an interactive attraction close by. Then when you tap the band to the indicated part of the statue, the statue will talk!
Obviously, the statues will not be there forever, as they were a part of the 50th anniversary celebration, but this gives guests a taste of the experiences to come. Disney has been incorporating senses like sight, sound, and smell to immerse guests for decades. Now, it’s time to bring in touch!
In addition to the interactive elements with the statues in the parks, the MagicBand+ also interacts with the Happily Ever After Fireworks. During the show the puck will vibrate, light up, and have a little fireworks show right on your wrist!
Unlike the classic MagicBand, the MagicBand+ does require charging to use all of the new functions. It’s been reported that the battery life is fairly lackluster on these new bands, but it’s expected that Disney will improve the technology for new versions down the line.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
One of the confusing parts of the MagicBand+ is the battery. Yes, you need to charge the MagicBand+, but that part of the battery is only for the interactive elements, like the fireworks show. All of the basic RFID functions will still work when the battery dies. So, if you forget to charge your MagicBand+ you can still enter the parks, capture your photos, etc.
Functions of a MagicBand+
- Connect your park tickets and/or Annual Pass to enter the parks
- Use to scan into Lightning Lanes
- Use as your room key for your Disney Resort
- Scan with PhotoPass Photographers to capture memories (also works for ride photos!)
- Make purchases (only if staying as a Disney World Resort guest)
- Interact with elements around the park, unlocking new magic along the way
- Interact with the fireworks show
PROS and CONS of the MagicBand+
PROS
- New technology
- Enjoy new interactive elements in the parks
- Tons of styles to choose from
- Easy to find
CONS
- Need to charge
- Guests could grow tired of the vibrations when they are near elements
- More technology to navigate and troubleshoot
What is the Difference between MagicBand and MagicBand+?
While MagicBand (classic) and MagicBand+ can both get you into the parks, into Lightning Lanes, and use for PhotoPass and more, the new MagicBand+ is used to fully immerse yourself into the parks with interactive elements, such as making the statues talk or with a mini light fireworks show during the Happily Ever After Fireworks.
The most important difference between the classic MagicBand and the MagicBand+ is that the new MagicBand+ requires charging. When you purchase a new MagicBand+, it will include it’s own charging cord.
Do You Need a MagicBand in Disney World?
No, you do not need a MagicBand in Disney World, but it makes your trip much more convenient. If you choose to forgo this extra purchase, then you can either use your phone to hold your park ticket and use it everywhere where you would use a MagicBand, or you can get a free Keys to the Kingdom card from Guest Relations.
While both of these options come with no extra charge, they do have their inconveniences. The Key to the Kingdom card is very easy to lose, and if you are pulling it out all day for Lightning Lanes, it could easily get lost. And using your phone as a park ticket and scanning it all day is a quick and easy drain of the battery.
MagicBands are a simple and convenient way to enjoy the Disney parks.
See our article “Are MagicBands Worth It” here!
Do You Need to Charge a MagicBand?
Yes! And no… The classic MagicBand does NOT require charging. There is an internal battery and lasts for about 2 years. Remember, MagicBands can used vacation after vacation after vacation until they die.
The new MagicBand+ DOES require charging to use all of the new interactive features. Don’t worry if you forget to charge your MagicBand+ or it dies because all of the basic functions like entering the parks, Lightning Lanes, or using the MagicBand+ as a room key will still work just fine.
How to Use a MagicBand
Using a MagicBand, whether it’s the classic or the MagicBand+ is very easy. Each MagicBand needs to be assigned to a guest, and once it is assigned, it cannot be used for any other person. This is your PSA to be careful purchasing MagicBands online from third party sellers!
You assign the MagicBand by opening your My Disney Experience and locating the profile section and finding the MagicBands section. Once you find it, then look at either your MagicBand packaging, whether it’s the classic MagicBand or the MagicBand+, and locate the number. Once you input the number into your My Disney Experience account, then the MagicBand is activated all ready to go.
Cost of a MagicBand
Prices for Disney’s new MagicBand+ range from $29.99 to $64.99. Prices fluctuate depending on the simplicity and exclusiveness of the MagicBand. There is a wide range of designs from basic solid colors, classic characters, and exclusive designer collabs with Disney.
Prices for the classic MagicBand start are approximately $19.99. It’s tough to give a range because of the sporadic availability of the classic MagicBands. Some days we see the solid color MagicBands for as little as $7.99, and other days they are full price. It’s hard to say if this availability issue is that they are being phased out, or if there is a supply issue.
MagicBands for Resort Guests
Back in the old days, solid colored MagicBands used to be provided to resort guests free of charge, with the option to upgrade to a themed MagicBand at a steeply discounted price. This freebie was discontinued in 2021.
All is not lost, however! Resort guests still enjoy deep discounts on MagicBands to order for their trip! Resort guests can enjoy a $15 discount to use on either classic MagicBands or MagicBand+!
Here’s the kicker – Resort guests looking to purchase a discounted MagicBand+ prior to their vacation have a wider selection of designs to choose from than the average shopper on ShopDisney!
Where to Buy Disney MagicBands
MagicBands can be purchased throughout Walt Disney World. Each park has their major souvenir shop at the front of their park where guests can browse the selection of MagicBands, mostly MagicBand+. MagicBands can also be found in resort gift shops, and a large selection can be found in Pin Traders in Disney Springs.
Shops will have different inventory and stock from one another! This is important to know, because if you see a MagicBand in one shop that you love, it’s not guaranteed to be in another shop!
Available MagicBand+ in Disney World
Basic MagicBand Plus Colors
- Lime Green
- Hot Pink
- Dark Blue
- Light Blue
- Red
- Gray
- Light Purple
- Light Pink
- White
- Black
MagicBand Design Options (June 2023)
- Tinkerbell
- Haunted Mansion
- Grogu
- Starwars
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Disney 100
- Walt and Mickey Partner Statue
- Chip & Dale
- Orange Bird
- Coco
- Cheshire Cat
- Donald Duck
- Mickey Mouse
- Minnie Mouse
- Avatar
- Tiana
- Be Happy
- Disney Dad
- Disney Mom
- Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
- Main Street Electrical Parade
- Loki
- Stitch
- Moana
Available MagicBands in Disney World
Honestly, there aren’t a lot of options left for the older Magicband 2.0 designs and colors. We mostly only spot this older generation in the gift shops at the Disney Resorts.
See all of the available MagicBands on ShopDisney here.
I am a mother of three that has refused to grow up. Adulting is for the birds, so I go to Disney World every chance I get for that magical escape from reality. I believe that Haunted Mansion is the best ride in all of the Disney Parks, and I am fervently in team Happily Ever After for fireworks spectaculars, (sorry, not sorry, Enchanted). Finally, I hope I never grow tired of skipping down Main Street, USA, and my dream come true would be “friends with” the Fairy Godmother in my old age.