You might want to take a closer look at your MagicBand+ the next time you visit Disney World.

MagicBand+

Disney just rolled out a few new features that make your park experience even more interactive—and a whole lot more magical. If you thought this little piece of tech couldn’t get any cooler, wait until you see how it now connects with some of Disney World’s newest shows and nighttime entertainment. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest MagicBand+ upgrades you can experience right now in 2025.

What’s MagicBand+ Again?

If you’re not familiar, a MagicBand or MagicBand+ is a wearable piece of tech that does a LOT for you in Disney World. It can act as your park ticket, hotel room key, and even a way to make purchases.

©Disney

MagicBand+ takes things up a notch. This upgraded version reacts to your surroundings with flashing lights and haptic vibrations, syncing up with fireworks, shows, and attractions across the parks.

Your MagicBand+ will also unlock effects around the park!

We’ve already seen MagicBand+ interact with rides like Haunted Mansion, TRON Lightcycle / Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Avatar Flight of Passage, plus shows like Festival of the Lion King and Fantasmic!. Now, Disney has expanded those features even further for 2025, introducing new interactive elements across three major entertainment experiences.

1. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After

Fans of Disney’s darker side — this one’s for you! MagicBand+ now reacts during Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, the all-new stage show that celebrates some of Disney’s most infamous baddies. When you attend this show, you’ll notice your MagicBand+ pulsing and lighting up in sync with the action on stage.

Unfairly Ever After

From flashes of color and subtle vibrations during intense moments, your band becomes part of the performance. It’s a small detail, but it helps pull you even deeper into the story. So while you’re watching Maleficent and Hades take the spotlight, your MagicBand+ will make you feel like you’re part of their villainous world, too.

2. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

MagicBand+ is also diving under the sea for The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, one of Disney World’s newest stage productions. As you experience Ariel’s story unfold, your MagicBand+ will respond with colors and vibrations that sync with the show’s big musical moments.

The Little Mermaid

Picture this: During the show, your MagicBand+ flashes in colors that match the rhythm of the music, and gives feel gentle haptic feedback that makes key moments even more emotional. It’s one of those “you have to see it to believe it” touches that Disney does best — immersing you in the magic without you even realizing it’s happening.

3. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away

The third new feature has us glowing — literally! The Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away nighttime parade now features MagicBand+ interaction. As the floats glide down Main Street, U.S.A., your MagicBand+ lights up in sync with the parade’s music and effects.

Encanto float in Disney Starlight

If you’ve experienced how your MagicBand+ lights up during fireworks shows like Happily Ever After or Fantasmic!, you’ll love this new addition.

Why It’s Worth Getting Excited About

Disney has always been about creating connections between guests and stories, and these new MagicBand+ updates continue that trend in a big way. It’s no longer just a park accessory — it’s a storytelling tool. The bands add an extra layer of interaction to your visit that feels surprisingly personal, even though everyone’s experiencing it together.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

If you’re heading to Disney World soon, make sure your MagicBand+ is charged up before you go so you don’t miss these new effects. You’ll still be able to use it for park entry, hotel access, and purchases without power, but you’ll need that battery to unlock all the new lighting and vibration features. And trust us — you don’t want to miss those moments when your band syncs perfectly with the show you’re watching.

Frozen Sing Along

MagicBand+ keeps evolving, and these 2025 updates prove that Disney’s not done finding ways to make your trip more magical and immersive. Whether you’re cheering on the villains, singing along with Ariel, or glowing with the crowd during Disney Starlight, your MagicBand+ will make you feel just a little closer to the magic happening all around you. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest news and updates from Disney World, so make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more!

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Have you tried out these new MagicBand+ features yet? Tell us in the comments.