Pros and Cons of Disney MagicBand+
MagicBands make it easier to unlock your resort door, tap into the theme parks, and charge purchases when staying at a Disney resort. In 2022, Disney introduced the latest MagicBand, MagicBand+. Since then, both MagicBand+ and the older MagicBand 2.0 have been available for purchase, but how does MagicBand+ stack up against MagicBand 2.0? Here are the pros and cons of MagicBand+.
Pros
Interactive Features
MagicBand+ has a few features that MagicBand 2.0 does not have. For example, guests can use their MagicBand+ to interact with the golden character statues in the theme parks. The bands will also light up to go along with the fireworks shows. In Hollywood Studios, guests can use their bands to play “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters.” The band’s light patterns and haptics help them find bounties for galactic credits.
Compatible with Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line
Unlike MagicBand 2.0, MagicBand+ works at Disneyland and can be used to access resort rooms and enter the theme parks, just as guests do at Disney World. The bands will also light up and vibrate to shows like World of Color and Fantasmic!
MagicBand+ also works for Disney Cruise Line! It can provide a hands-free alternative to the key to the world card that opens the stateroom and allows for charges to be billed to a guest’s stateroom. MagicBand+ also interacts with entertainment on board the ships from the fireworks at sea to magical features in the dining rooms and kids clubs. As of March 19, 2024, all of the Disney Cruise Line ships will be compatible with MagicBand+. Disney Cruise Line also sells its own version of MagicBand+ called DisneyBand+ that can also be used at Disney World and Disneyland.
Cons
Cost
A clear difference between MagicBand+ and MagicBand 2.0 is the price. MagicBand+ starts at $34.99 while MagicBand 2.0 starts at $19.99. The difference in cost also extends to pre-arrival purchases where MagicBand+ starts at $24.99, and MagicBand 2.0 starts at $9.99. The approximately $15 difference doesn’t sound like much, but it can add up when purchasing multiple bands for a whole family.
Regular Charging Needed
Unlike MagicBand 2.0, MagicBand+ requires regular charging via the USB cable that it comes with. A charge will last one to three days, depending on how heavily it is used. However, even if the battery is not charged, it will still function like a MagicBand 2.0; the interactive features like the lights and haptics will not work.
Whether you prefer MagicBand 2.0 or MagicBand+, there’s a whole world of magic to discover on your next Disney trip! Start planning your vacation today by browsing the confirmed reservations or checking DVC availability for specific dates.
