MagicBands first emerged at Walt Disney World in 2013 and the high-tech wristbands have become a staple to the Walt Disney World vacation ever since. Nearly a decade later, the next generation takes the technology to a whole new level. MagicBand+ officially launched on July 27, 2022, at Walt Disney World. With even more features such as color-changing lights, vibrations and gesture recognition, these new wristbands are a fun new addition, creating even more pixie dust across all four theme parks.
Overview of MagicBand+ at Walt Disney World
MagicBand+ has all of the current features of a MagicBand. It acts as your ticket by entering theme parks with a tap, linking PhotoPass photos, accessing Lightning Lane entrances, unlocking your resort hotel room and more.
Where MagicBand+ differs is the enhanced features and interactive experiences in the park, which we’ll dive into more later in this guide. The new wristband has motion recognition, color-changing lights, vibrations and more! You'll be able to interact with objects, shows and more while at Walt Disney World.
MagicBand+ has a rechargeable battery and comes with a 6-inch USB charging cable (don't froget to grab the chord before tossing the packaging!). The battery can last one to three days, depending on use. If using straight away after purchasing, be aware the battery may not be fully charged. However, if the battery runs out, it will continue to function as a normal MagicBand — just the interactivity (color-changing lights, vibrations, etc.) won't work.
MagicBand+ Interactive Experiences
The best part of the new MagicBand+ is the exciting experiences available at Disney World! Be sure to have the Play Disney Parks app downloaded and linked to your account to utilize these awesome interactive features.
Be sure to keep an eye on your band after certain attractions, as sometimes the Magicband+ lights up! We've seen it light up after exiting Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Disney Fab 50 Quest
In honor of Disney World’s 50th anniversary, you can interact with the Fab 50 golden character statues throughout all four parks. The Disney Fab 50 Quest brings the sculptures to life with a little virtual pixie dust from Tinker Bell. Use the Play Disney Parks app to find hints about the characters and their statue location, and collect Special Achievements once you've found them. You can also unlock augmented reality experiences that feature some of these Disney characters.
When you're near a statue, the MagicBand+ vibrates and its colors spin and glow white. Once that hoppens, wave your hand at the character statue until it vibrates again and turns multiple colors, which lets you know you've collected that character. The statue also reacts — some of them talk to you, while others play music. Don't worry if it takes a few tries. Sometimes, the interactions were immediate while others needed a little extra pixie dust. In those cases, try to wave at them quickly or walk away and come back.
Lily had so much fun with the Fab 50 Statues! Pluto barked, Stitch greeted us with "Aloha," Pinocchio shared that he's going off to school and Mickey and Minnie wished us a wonderful day in the parks. One of our favorites had to be Chip 'n Dale with their cheeky commentary. Even after you've collected a character in the Play Disney Parks app, you can continue to interact with the statues — they might even share different reactions!
Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters
Calling all space adventurers! It’s time to collect some bounty on Batuu with Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters! Use your MagicBand+ to collect virtual bounties hidden throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
To get assigned a bounty, go to the bounty board located across from Ronto Roasters in Galaxy's Edge. There, you tap your MagicBand+ and receive instructions on what certain vibrations and lights mean. Then, you're assigned your bounty! As you walk around Batuu, the wristband will turn green if you get closer to your bounty or red if you're straying further away from your bounty. When it turns purple, you've found it!
Once you find the bounty, use the Play Disney Parks app to see what’s behind the hidden doors at Black Spire Outpost with the augmented reality feature. The local guild master Raga Bua then rewards you with galactic credits. This was Tad's favorite interactive experience! Check out our out-of-this-world guide for more details.
Nighttime Spectaculars
Experience Disney World’s nighttime spectaculars like never before with MagicBand+! During Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Forever at EPCOT, your band lights up and vibrates in sync with the fireworks and music. MagicBand+ also interacts with Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios.
Purchasing and Setting Up MagicBand+
MagicBand+ starts at $34.99 with more than 30 designs to choose from. It was so hard to choose! From characters to 50th-anniversary themed bands, you'll certainly find one that speaks to you.
Resort hotel guests may purchase MagicBand+ online before their arrival at special prices — at least six days prior to the hotel reservation. Annual passholder discounts will also be available — passholders are eligible six or more days before their park reservation — and the discount may only be redeemed once a year.
MagicBand+ is also available online at shopDisney or at most stores at Walt Disney World. You'll find the most selections at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom, Celebrity 5 & 10 at Hollywood Studios, Pin Traders at EPCOT, Discovery Trading Company at Animal Kingdom, as well as Disney Springs.
Setting Up Your MagicBand+
Once you get your MagicBand+, begin set up by pressing the button on the back and then tapping the band to your phone. MagicBand+ can pair with most smart devices, including both Apple and Android phones. Open the My Disney Experience app and follow instructions to link to the correct person. (Once a MagicBand+ is assigned, it cannot be transferred to another person). Double-check the band is charged and the software is up to date.
If managing multiple MagicBands from one account, head to “MagicBands and More” in the app. Here, you can view your managed guests, set-up a guest’s MagicBand+, check battery status and adjust settings. You can customize your band by choosing a custom light-up theme and adjust the vibration and motion recognition settings.
Be sure you have all of your tickets, park passes and other reservations linked to your account via the app or the Disney World website. You’ll need the My Disney Experience app up to date on your phone, and you will need to allow Bluetooth and Location services access so you can enjoy the full experience of MagicBand+.
MagicBand+ Frequently Asked Questions
Is MagicBand+ replacing MagicBand?
Nope! MagicBand+ is just another great option to accessing your park tickets and reservations. You’ll still be able to use your regular MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile Service or Keys to the World card.
Do I need to purchase a MagicBand+?
No, MagicBand+ is not required and just an enhancement to your trip. You can still use your MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile Service or Keys to the World card.
Can I have multiple MagicBand/MagicBand+ bands linked and active on one account?
Yes! If you have multiple bands that have been linked and activated, you can use them all interchangeably.
How long does the battery last?
It can last up to three days, though if you're using it more frequently, it will need to charge sooner. Ours used up the battery after a full start-to-finish day at the park. We recommend bringing the charging cable and your own battery pack with you to recharge on the go.
What happens if my MagicBand+ runs out of battery?
If the battery runs out, the interactive elements including vibrations and light-up colors will not work, but you'll still be able to use it as a regular MagicBand to enter the theme parks, Lightning Lanes and your hotel room, etc.
Is MagicBand+ available at Disneyland Resort?
Yes! MagicBand+ is also available at Disneyland Resort.
Can I use my MagicBand+ on a Disney Cruise?
Absolutely! The Disney MagicBand+ seamlessly bridges two distinct Disney experiences – at Walt Disney World and aboard the Disney Cruise ships. On the Disney Cruise ships, these bands ensure a waterproof and hands-free way to ease boarding, serves as a stateroom key and a means to pay for food and onboard purchases (when linked to your account & credit card on file). You can even scan your band at character meet & greets to link your photos to your account. (Keep in mind that the original MagicBand and MagicBand2 is not supported on a Disney Cruise or at Disneyland.)
What do you think of MagicBand+? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: How to Navigate the Ins and Outs of My Disney Experience
Keep hopping!
