Personal review of the new MagicBand+ program at the Disneyland Resort
MagicBand+ is a new way to enhance your visit at the Disneyland Resort. Turning your memorable moments into unforgettable experiences.
What is it?
MagicBand+ is essentially a decorative band you wear on your wrist that allows you to have unique experiences like no others while at the Disneyland Resort Parks. Inside the wristband is a puck that has the secret magical components to create a hands free interactive experience while at the Disneyland Resort. Link it up to your Ticket in your Disneyland app, charge your MagicBand+ and you are ready to go.
What Does it do in the Park?
- Use it to Scan into the Park instead of your Park Ticket
- Photo Pass Photographer can Scan it after taking your photos
- Scan into Genie+ & Lightening Lanes instead of opening your phone
- Play Bounty Hunter Game in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
- Interact with various Rides, Fireworks and Shows
In the future Disneyland plans to add more features like you will be able to use your MagicBand+ to unlock your hotel room, make purchases in the park and more.
How does it interact with Rides and Nighttime shows?
The emblem on the band will light up various colors and vibrate. For fireworks and Nighttime Shows the lights & vibration are in sync with the music and during important moments of the show.
On various rides it might light up and vibrate as well during the ride or at the end of it. I’m not sure which rides it interacts with but the ones I noticed was Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster all had some sort of fun interaction either during the ride, toward the end or as I was exiting the ride.
What is Bounty Hunter?
Bounty Hunter is an interactive game in Star Wars Galaxy Edge in which you can your MagicBand+ at a specific kiosk station and hunt for virtual bounties. Read More here.
How Much Does it Cost?
The price will vary depending on the style and design of the MagicBand+ and if you have any Magic Key discounts. On average the cost ranged between $35-50 per MagicBand+ and it comes with the special charging cable connection. You can buy them in the Park, Downtown Disney at the World of Disney or online at ShopDisney. If you buy one on ShopDisney make sure to only get the MagicBand+ one, the other older bands will not work at Disneyland.
Do I really Need one?
Short answer is NO. You can still have a great time at Disneyland without the MagicBand+ and you can still use your mobile devise to access things like Park tickets, Genie+, etc. However, if you want to enhance your experience in the Parks you might want to consider purchasing one if it fits into your budget. If you decide to get one each MagicBand+ can only be linked to 1 person, so each person will need their own MagicBand+ to participate in the enhancements.
How Long does the band stay Charged?
According to Disneyland the MagicBand+ after a full overnight charge can last 1-3 days. Unfortunately there is not a battery indicator to let you know how charged the MagicBand+ is.
What are your Personal Thoughts on MagicBand+?
As a regular visitor to the Disneyland Resort and Magic Key Holder I was absolutely against having MagicBand+ come to the Disneyland Resort. Then when they launched I watched several of my Disneyland friends share all the fun things it can do. It got me rethinking my initial thoughts and on my next visit I purchased one.
It definitely made my day easier by not having to open my phone to scan into the Park for the day. I have not used it yet for Genie+ but I know it would make things so much easier too. It was a surprise when I felt a little vibration on various rides when I wasn't expecting it. And watching the evening show with the lights and music was so much fun!
I also had a great time playing the bounty hunter game in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings and I literally bumped into Kylo Ren and the Storm Troopers. Let's just say it was the BEST character Interaction I have EVER HAD! I am looking forward to using my MagicBand+ on future visits to the Disneyland Resort and unlocking more magic!
