Getting Started with Disney's MagicBand

Planning a trip to Disney World, Disneyland, or a Disney Cruise? You're likely to come across something called a MagicBand (or DisneyBand, if you're cruising). If you're picturing a high-tech wristwatch you need to learn how to use – don't worry! It's way more straightforward and way more magical than that.

Originally introduced by Disney in 2013 at Disney World, think of your MagicBand as your very own pixie dust-powered tool, letting you effortlessly experience everything the most magical place on earth offers. This waterproof band, available in a rainbow of colors and designs, is your key to a seamless and magical Disney vacation.

Here's how it works:

• Your Park Ticket is on Your Wrist! No more fumbling for tickets at the gate. With your park ticket linked to your MagicBand, you'll simply tap your band at the entrance and stroll right in.
• Unlock Your Hotel Room with a Tap: Your MagicBand also acts as your hotel room key. Just tap it against the sensor on your door, and voila! No more worrying about losing your key after a long day at the parks.
• Effortless Purchases: Forget about carrying cash or cards around the parks. You can conveniently charge all your souvenirs and snacks to your room by tapping your MagicBand at checkout.
• Capture Every Magical Moment: Connect your MagicBand to your Disney PhotoPass account, and your photos will automatically link to your account, making it a breeze to preserve and share those treasured memories.

In 2022, Disney took the MagicBand to the next level with MagicBand+, which works at all Disney resorts and parks in the US (unfortunately, MagicBands are not available for Disney's parks and resorts outside the US). This is now the default MagicBand and it boasts extra enchantments, like:

• Interactive Experiences: Imagine your MagicBand pulsing with light and vibrating in sync with the fireworks show! That's the magic of MagicBand+. It enhances select attractions and nighttime spectaculars with haptic feedback and dazzling light displays.
• Become a Bounty Hunter: In Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, you can join the ranks of Boba Fett with the MagicBand+'s interactive bounty hunting experience. Vibrations guide you as you track down virtual targets.

If you're on Disney Cruise Line, MagicBand+ is called "DisneyBand+", but it is the exact same device. You can use MagicBand+ and DisneyBand+ devices interchangeably. On a cruise, the DisneyBand+ acts as your "Key to the World" card and can be used to access your cabin, board and leave your ship, check children in and out of Oceaneer Club, and more. Disney's been adding DisneyBand+ support to their entire fleet, and as of today (late 2024), it is available on the Disney Wish, Fantasy, Magic, Dream, Wonder, and Treasure.

While MagicBand+ offers an array of enchanting features, it does require daily charging. You'll still have access to core functions like park entry, hotel room access, and purchases even with a low battery, but if you want to keep getting the full experience, MagicBand+ devices should be charged every night while on your trip.

That was a bit of shock on our family's first trip with MagicBand+, which is why we created the MagicBand+ Charging Tower to help organize and simplify charging while at Disney. The last thing you want on a Disney vacation is more devices scattered around your hotel room charging. A convenient charging station ensures all MagicBands are accounted for and charged at the start of each day!

So, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Disney pro, the MagicBand is a great way to add a little extra magic to your Disney adventure. We wouldn't vacation at Disney without them!