In the fall of 2021, Disney announced new technology that was coming to the Walt Disney World Resort – MagicBand+ and in-room voice assistant capabilities. Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, 27 July 2022, with over 25 designs to choose from, guests will be able to take advantage of this new generation of MagicBands at the Walt Disney World Resort. MagicBand+ will launch at the Disneyland Resort later this year.
MagicBands were originally developed, in conjunction with Disney’s MyMagic+ program. These programs were in response to advances in new technologies that consumers were being exposed to and Disney’s failure to keep up with these trends. Disney executives wanted to create a system that would allow guests to streamline their interactions while visiting the Walt Disney World Resort.
MyMagic+ would allow guests to make dining reservations, book FastPasses, store their park tickets, access their guest room through their smartphone, and more. Guests would use the MagicBand in a similar way.
According to the Disney Parks Blog, their newest wearable also has some new features including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition – plus it pairs to a guest’s smartphone using the My Disney Experience app.
Disney Fab 50 Quest
As part of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, guests will be able to interact with the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection throughout all four theme parks with the “Disney Fab 50 Quest.” Help Tinker Bell bring the sculptures to life across all four Walt Disney World theme parks using virtual pixie dust from Tink.
To interact with one of the Disney Fab 50 Character sculptures, guests simply wave their hand “to sprinkle virtual pixie dust” at each of the sculptures for different reactions. To unlock even more, guests can use the Play Disney Parks app to collect the sculptures and enter the worlds of your favorite characters through an augmented reality feature.**
Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters
In Batuu, Disney’s MagicBand+ allows guests to seek numerous virtual bounties hidden across Black Spire Outpost with the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters experience. Vibrations and lights on MagicBand+ guide adventurers down the right path. When a bounty is found, guests can use the Play Disney Parks app’s augmented reality thermal viewer to reveal who’s hiding in the shadows.** Local guild master Raga Bua will reward guests with galactic credits.
Nighttime Spectaculars
Disney says that MagicBand+ “brings the magic of Disney nighttime spectaculars closer than ever before during ‘Disney Enchantment’ at Magic Kingdom Park and ‘Harmonious’ at EPCOT!” The new bands complement the magic in the skies by lighting up and vibrating in sync with fireworks, visual effects, and music. However, some guests who obtained a MagicBand+ earlier this year, when Disney accidently put them for sale in some of the shops, were less than impressed. They said the only thing they did during “Disney Enchantment” was change colors according to what was on Cinderella Castle. Disney also says the MagicBand+ will also engage as all four theme park icons transform into Beacons of Magic!
Before using a MagicBand+, Disney suggests to make sure it is charged, up to date, and paired to a smartphone. They have also released easy how-to videos on DisneyWorld.com.
Disney Resort hotel guests may purchase MagicBand+ online at special prices before their arrival. Annual Passholder discounts will also be available on MagicBand+ (visit disneyworld.com/pass for more information). All guests can buy MagicBand+ at select stores across Walt Disney World and online at shopDisney, starting at $34.99.
At Walt Disney World, MagicBand+ can be found at the following locations:
- Magic Kingdom Park: Emporium
- EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Discovery Trading Company
- Disney Springs: Disney’s Pin Traders
- Select merchandise locations at Disney Resort hotels
Disney states that features and experiences across Disney Parks will vary.
*With valid admission and park reservation
**To use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to enhance the MagicBand+ experience, guests must be logged into the Play Disney Parks app with the Disney account linked with their MagicBand+.
