New MagicBand upgrade options are now available

DisneyDreamer08Feb 13, 2023

Thanks so much! Glad to hear you didn’t have issues with it falling off.

StupidoFeb 13, 2023

I fully respect your decision, and I probably would have made the same decision in your shoes. I feel like the "one-size" model is a bit too risky when they start putting so much technology into these wristbands. Having experience with MB+ I felt it was more secure on my wrist than my standard MB, but I would be nervous spending that much money for a child's wrist. A piece of advice for those struggling to charge devices on their trip, this usb charging strip changed my life. It has plenty of ports for up to 10 devices, and you can leave those cumbersome charging blocks at home.

DisneyDreamer08Feb 13, 2023

Thanks! My kids (and me) have no interest in Star Wars. Now my husband on the other hand, he might want to give it a try… 😂

pdude81Feb 13, 2023

Make sure you learn how to do the dance to connect to MDE, and then prepare to let the kids play with it in SWGE. Also you'll end up giving up your phone so they can play the game. The cost is a bit high but the bounty hunter thing is a worthwhile diversion. Good luck

DisneyDreamer08Feb 13, 2023

Yes, I will definitely keep an eye out for on ride photo screens, just in case.

DemarkeFeb 13, 2023

One reminder about using older magicbands 😃, their battery starts fading after a year or so and dies after about two years. They still work for tapping in and such like an RFID without power (so you can still use them to get into the parks, tap into a lightning lane, tap for Photopass photographers, and rides that have a tap screen (space mountain, expedition Everest, Buzz Lightyear, tower or terror, rockin rollercoaster). But, they won’t likely pick up the remotely linked ride photos (slinky dog, dinosaur, seven dwarfs, haunted mansion, pirates, frozen, guardians of the galaxy) and features like names popping up on signs and such (like small world and rockin Rollercoaster queue). If you’ll always be in the same car with them or don’t care about ride photos, it won’t be a big deal, but if your party separates at all you may miss some.

DisneyDreamer08Feb 13, 2023

Update. Our trip is the first week of March. We told my kids about it on Christmas. I told them they could get new magicbands (not +). I just couldn’t justify the extra cost for them since it would be my responsibility to charge them every night, along with all our other devices. And I’ve heard they are bigger & clunkier and fall off smaller wrists more easily. We’ve been checking every day since Christmas, usually 2-3 times a day. The magicband selection has been pitiful. There are usually at least 60 MB+ selections and 10-15 regular bands. The regular bands are always exactly the same. A few solids, a few themed to MK lands, a Gaston, a Chewbacca, and an Up themed band. None of which my kids (or me) are interested in. We were essentially at the point where we had to place our order. So my kids agreed to use their bands from January 2020. Thankfully we know where they are because my kids like to play with them at home. I also told them I would give them each an extra little spending money to soften the blow. I caved and ordered a MB+ for myself. There were two 50th themed ones that were on sale for $25. I recently became a TA and since it’s obvious Disney is pushing the MB+ option, I wanted to have first hand experience with it.

MagicHappens1971Dec 30, 2022

They don't unfortunately, you can only use one persons MB+ with the Play app on each account.

PanchoDec 29, 2022

I have my band and two other family member bands linked to my phone and they all work just fine. they don't all work at the same time with the play app though. At least not that I've been able to figure out.

PanchoDec 29, 2022

I really like the new bands but yeah, totally agree that charging them is more of a pain than a benefit. the charge just doesn't last very long as they are "always on". good enough for a day or two consecutively in the parks, but if you go one day, then go again a few days later, you need to recharge.

TouchdownDec 29, 2022

I actually really like what they do on certain rides. The first time I got to the queue for HM and the thing started pulsing red and vibrating for the brides heart beat was really great, and I also enjoyed Elsa lighting up my band on Frozen Ever After. I think that’s the coolest part of those bands. I also plan on going to DLR again in the future, and I need a collection of them for that as MB2s don’t work there. That said it’s really annoying for families that only one band can be linked to 1 phone to do the light up stuff. Kids don’t have phones for the most part, and will want their band to light up. Charging at night isn’t a real issue, I have to do it for my phone.

Fido ChuckwagonDec 29, 2022

We have MB+. They’re pointless. The golden statues work maybe 10 percnet of the time, and they are difficult to hear. Other than that, they are heavier, and having to charge them every night is a pain. Total bust.

DisneyDreamer08Dec 29, 2022

Agree 100% The amount of MB+ vs MB for resort guests right now is ridiculous. I already told my kids we’re getting the standard bands (the added features just don’t justify the extra cost for us) but the availability right now is pathetic.

aaronmlDec 29, 2022

Maybe I’m just cynical, but I think they are deliberately offering a poor selection of MB2s in order to push people towards the MB+.