Why Magic Bands Are Not Needed Anymore
Stop using MagicBands! They are SO 2013. Here’s everything you need to know about MagicMobile.
MagicBands were introduced in 2013 along with the MyMagic+ program, also called My Disney Experience. If you haven’t noticed, Disney likes to create multiple names for basically the same thing: Disney Genie+ / Lightning Lane and Memory Maker / PhotoPass are good examples. MagicBands were how guests entered the theme parks, opened hotel rooms, charged meals and merchandise, and entered FastPass queues.
In January of 2021 Disney began phasing out MagicBands and stopped including them for free with Disney World vacation packages. Your entire visit to Walt Disney World is managed through your phone, so there’s no need to have a separate MagicBand when your phone can do the same things, plus more.
Today, it’s rare to see someone wearing a MagicBand in the Walt Disney World theme parks.
MagicBand displays in retail stores went from taking up entire walls to just a small selection, usually near the check out line - almost like an impulse item at the grocery store. I have even found them at the Disney World outlet store here in Orlando.
A very limited selection of MagicBands for sale at World of Disney, the largest Disney merchandise store in world.
On a recent visit to Disney Springs, I found only a handful MagicBands in the technology section of the store. I could get any color I wanted as long as it was army green.
World of Disney is the largest Disney store in the world.
It’s worth noting that MagicBand+ is sold at Disney Pin Traders inside Disney Springs.
So, what happened to MagicBands?
It’s not that MagicBands are bad in anyway, in fact they are neat little gadgets. It’s just that we don’t need them anymore, they're outdated.
Today most people are using their smartphones instead. Yep, your phone comes with a hidden MagicBand inside. Smartwatches too.
Your smartphone (or smartwatch) can now do everything a MagicBand does, plus more.
Disney World MagicMobile
Disney World MagicMobile uses the wallet feature in your phone. If you’ve used your phone to pay for items in a grocery store or to board a flight, you have already used your phone’s wallet technology.
If you haven’t used the your phone’s wallet feature yet, that’s ok! I’ll go over it here. Plus, Disney’s app will walk you through the setup process in just a few steps.
Using MagicMobile at Walt Disney World
Enter theme parks
Connect Disney PhotoPass (MemoryMaker) images to your account
Gain access to virtual queue attractions when your boarding group is called
Open your Disney World hotel room
Charge to your Disney Resort hotel folio during your stay
Enter theme park parking lots (complimentary for Disney resort hotel guests and Annual Passholders.)
How to set up Disney MagicMobile:
Download and install the Disney World app on your phone.
Set up your account by linking your package reservation number or your standalone ticket order number to your account. Note: If you have a room and ticket package, you do not need to link your tickets separately.
In the app, tap the Disney MagicMobile tile.
Click the plus (+) sign to begin setting up your pass or passes.
The app will then guide you through the setup process one step at a time.
If you need assistance contact Disney World Internet Help at 407-WDW-HELP.
📱 TIP: If anyone in your party has their own My Disney Experience account, I recommend the lead guest use the “Select Passes to Share” tab within the app and follow the steps.
Using Your Phone to enter the Disney World theme parks
At the park entrance you’ll need to tap your phone on the tapstyle, just as you would a MagicBand. You don’t even need to have the Disney app or the wallet app open. Your phone will automatically open to the wallet when it’s tapped against the reader. It’s magical. Your phone may even play a little jingle.
If you are managing passes for others, such as children, you’ll then swipe the screen to the next pass and tap again.
Cast Members are standing by ready to assist if you need help.
Is Disney MagicMobile free?
Yes, this feature is free to all guests of Walt Disney World, even if you’re not staying on property.
What to Do If You Lose Your Mobile Phone
If you lose your mobile phone or smart device, please go to Guest Relations for assistance. Don’t worry, you’re vacation isn’t over!
What is MagicBand+ and do I need it?
Read my full article Easy Guide to MagicBand+ here.
Will an old MagicBand from a previous trip still work?
Yes. Disney says that MagicBands should last up to 2 years however I have several that are much older than that and they still work. Just make sure they are listed as “active” in your My Disney Experience account.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
Features of MagicMobile Service Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
Key Features of Disney MagicMobile Service
Last year I shared an update on the future of Magic Bands and a new smartphone feature coming to Disney World. Today I have an update! This new smartphone feature, called Disney MagicMobile, will have the same functionality as a Magic Band and offer some new features.
MagicMobile Service is coming to Walt Disney World later in 2021
Features of Disney Magic Mobile
Disney MagicMobile will first be available on iPhone and Apple Watch devices. Other smart devices will be able to use this technology at a later date.
Guests will be able to create a Disney MagicMobile pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to their smart devices digital wallet.
Disney MagicMobile will offer the same features such as serving as your room key, theme park pass, FastPass, and even some new features that have not been shared yet. Magic Mobile will work just by holding up your smart device near an access point, just like you do with a MagicBand.
If you do not have an Apple smart device or prefer not to use it with MagicMobile, you can purchase a Magic Band or obtain a complimentary Key to the World card.
Disney MagicMobile will be introduced in phases, starting later in 2021.
MagicBand Deadline Coming for Gift of Magic Vacation Package
Disney World - Gift of Magic Special Edition
As a reminder, to ensure delivery of the special gift box and MagicBands by Dec. 15, 2017, those of you who have booked the "Disney Gift Vacation Package" must claim your reservation to your personal My Disney Experience account and verify your mailing address by Dec. 1, 2017.
Reservations that do not complete these steps by Dec. 1, 2017 will not be sent the special gift box. If a solid MagicBand color is chosen in lieu of the specially designed MagicBand, the selection cannot be changed after Dec. 1, 2017.
Please note this is only for guests who specifically booked the "Disney Gift Vacation Package" and does not apply to "Magical Vacations Travel - Agency Exclusive Offers" or any other package type.
Disney Gift of Magic - Special Edition Magic Bands
Disney Announces MagicBand 2 Release Date
Recently I shared with you that that the Walt Disney World Resort introduced MagicBand 2. This new form of the original MagicBand is more versatile and customizable for Guests to unlock the magic of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation.
When you book a Walt Disney World Resort vacation and elect to receive your MagicBands at home prior to arrival, you will receive a complimentary MagicBand 2. You'll continue to have the option to choose from the current eight colors: pink, blue, red, green, orange, gray, yellow and purple. Guests who pick up their MagicBands at the front desk upon check-in will continue to receive the original MagicBand until early February.
Related:
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
MagicBand2 FAQ
A new MagicBand is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort and I was able to get my hands on one at the D23 conference this past weekend. Here's what you need know:
What's new with MagicBand 2?
MagicBand 2 has a stronger signal so it's not always necessary to physically touch the band to an RF reader. This is especially noticeable on hotel room doors. The doors unlock just by holding the MagicBand within 2-3 inches away. The new bands are lighter and slightly softer than the first generation MagicBands.
Is the center part of the MagicBand 2 removable?
Yes. You can remove the RF reader chip and insert it into a lanyard. Disney will begin selling special lanyards (see prototype image above) that are specifically designed for MagicBand 2 chips.
When will MagicBand 2 be available?
Disney has not set a date yet, but expect them soon.
Will there be any new colors?
Disney has made MagicBand 2 more customizable with the lanyard options. I expect Disney to also begin offering special band designs just as they have with the current Magic Bands. There is no official word on new colors being introduced.
Will the old style MagicBands still work?
Yes, internally they are still share the same technology.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
A NEW MAGIC BAND BOX DESIGN IS COMING
New Magic Band packaging is environmentally friendly.
Beginning Nov. 11, 2016, Guests who receive MagicBands at home before their resort stay will have their MagicBands fulfilled in new packaging. The new packaging is fully recyclable and printed on recycled paper, in response to Guests' requests.
The new packaging includes a sleeve on its left side, which is where the Walt Disney Travel Company luggage tags will now be located. The luggage tag straps can be found inside the gray MagicBand holder.
Related:
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
This page will be updated as details are released on the 2024 Epcit Food and Wine Fest.