Disney fans know that when MagicBands arrive in the mail before a magical trip the excitement level for vacation skyrockets. That’s not going to happen anymore unless you want to purchase the magic bands yourself.
In June, Disney announced it was ending the distribution of free MagicBands for guests at its Disney Resort hotels next year, but the move would not affect vacations planned in 2020. Vacationers receive the bands, which are linked to their My Disney Experience accounts and become their “key to the world,” acting as their hotel room key, park tickets, dining plan credits, payment information, and much more.
The decision to end the distribution of free MagicBands was because of planned upgrades to the My Disney Experience App, which now offers the same features as the bands. Guests who prefer may continue using MagicBands, as the company will now make them available for purchase.
“Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and we’ll be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future,” said Disney in a statement. “We will still offer MagicBands in retail locations and on ShopDisney.com, and guests will be able to continue using the wearables throughout Walt Disney World Resort.”
Inside The Magic, a Disney blog, reports that vacationers who had previously received MagicBands can re-use them as long as they remain active.
The bottom line is that with the new upgrades to the My Disney Experience App, vacationers now have more options. The conveniences of the MagicBands have made them very popular amongst guests, and you’re free to continue using any previously received complimentary MagicBands, purchase a new one, or not use a MagicBand at all. In another statement, it appears the company is pushing its free app as its tool of choice.
“Yes, your MagicBand is your ‘key to Disney World’ — but so is your Disney World app. And, in many ways, the My Disney Experience app offers so much more than a MagicBand. That means you can use your smartphone to check into your Disney Resort hotel, unlock your hotel room door, and mobile order from a variety of dining locations. You can make dining reservations and even join mobile waitlists and virtual queues on the My Disney Experience app.”
MagicBands can be purchased online and range between $5 and $20, depending on your choice. Bands featuring characters may cost you over $10 as opposed to bands with basic colors.
Related articles:
