Katelyn Mathis 
Is MagicBand+ worth it? Dive into our experience to see how these bands enhance your Disney adventure with new abilities.
My husband and I took a trip to Disney for the first time since the pandemic. And yes, we went child-free. We were armed with a took day ticket and park hopper, ready to take on all four parks in two days. We weren’t concerned about timing for two seasoned Disney pros but instead focused on what we knew we wanted to do. As we went from park to park, we noticed the interactive stations for the new MagicBand+. These new and “improved” bands differ from the original bands by having a rechargeable battery and unlocking interactions throughout the parks. However, our latest visit has cast doubts upon their “improved” abilities.
INTO THE PARK!
The MagicBand+ was released in July of 2022. Since then, new additions have been made to the band’s abilities and places where they can be used. Around all four parks, there are the “Fab 50” statues. The release of MagicBand+ and the statues coincided with Disney’s 50th anniversary, so there had to be 50. When you wave your MagicBand in front of a statue, the character will speak, sing, play music, etc. None of the statues move, but the music or vocals can change with the seasons.
In Galaxy’s Edge, you can play Batuu Bounty Hunters.
You will need the My Disney Experience app, the Disney Play app, and a MagicBand+ to play. You cannot play with a regular band. First, you head to the main playboard and are assigned a bounty. You then find your bounty via your band’s hot/cold vibration. Once collected, you turn in your bounty and can be assigned another.
THEMES
At night, the bands can sync up with a nighttime show or fireworks and flash. They glow almost any color and come equipped with different themes and vibrations. The bands are beautiful, and the center puck can be removed and worn separately on a necklace or keychain or attached to your watch band via an adapter. Overall, it’s a pretty magical idea from the most magical place on earth. But how does it play out in reality?
My perspective: not well. The statues in all four parks are relatively unresponsive. I watched many families get as close as possible, awkwardly wave their arms, stand on their tiptoes, jump up and down, etc., to get the statue’s attention. And that was if they managed to get it at all. But at least everyone around you got a chuckle watching you, right? The Bounty Hunter’s game was easily the most glitchy. We took a break and sat for a while in Batuu. We noticed that you must scan your band to sign up for the game. Probably half of those we saw tried to scan failed to do so and walked away.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
It wasn’t enjoyable to see. Perhaps Disney is spreading itself too thin. With several newer rides, more technical updates for older rides, and several resorts getting overhauls, the MagicBand+ system is low on the totem pole. However, at $35-$45 a piece, I would hope the system has all cylinders firing. But honestly, the most common uses for the MagicBand+ are precisely what the originals are: door keys, park passes, payments, and lightning lane passes. The main perk? They have lights.
So, if you’re wondering if the MagicBand+ is worth it, my assessment is no. They aren’t reliable enough for the price tag. I still have two older bands that work just fine. And, once they die on me, I don’t plan on replacing them. Everything they do can be done with your phone, including tickets and lightning lanes. Alternatively, you can pick up cards at Guest Services in Disney Springs or have them mailed to you before your vacation. Honestly, I love this option!
The cards felt so old-school to someone who grew up going to Disney in the 90s. It made me miss the old FastPass system even more. Unfortunately, Disney is still coming up with ways to recoup pandemic losses, and MagicBand+ was one of those ways. It has excellent bones, but that’s where development stopped. If you plan on purchasing one, do it to enjoy the lights and ease that the MagicBands creates. But be aware that the park and gaming aspects can have glitches.
Have you encountered issues with Disney’s MagicBand+? Join the conversation in the comments below.
Katelyn Mathis is a Senior Staff Writer for The Future of the Force. She is a passionate Star Wars fan and is the go-to source for Force Knowledge. Follow her on Twitter where she uses the force frequently!
