It’s no secret that MagicBands have become an integral part of Disney World vacations over the last decade+. They can serve as room keys, payment methods, entry tickets, be used to check-in for Lightning Lanes, connect with PhotoPass, and react to select Disney theme park attractions with “lighting effects and gesture recognition”, and they’re available in a slew of cool designs!

MagicBand+

However, take it from me, there are some things you NEED to know before picking up your bands for your next Disney World trip!

MagicBands Are no Longer Free

Guests who haven’t been to Walt Disney World in a while may be shocked to find out that the most basic MagicBands — which used to be included with Disney hotel stays — are no longer “free.” While this has been the case since mid-2021, going by emails and Facebook comments we receive, many fans are still mad about it.

MagicBand+

They are also no longer discounted for Disney World hotel guests, which was another huge shocker and bummer for guests.

Price Differences are Mainly Aesthetic

There are various price levels of MagicBand+ offerings, with basic bands going for around $35…

©Disney

… more decorated bands with character or park iconography going for around $45…

©Disney

… and limited/anniversary celebration bands priced around $55 and up.

©Disney

While the designs are aesthetically pleasing, and we’d always recommend picking up a collectible representing a franchise or ride you care deeply about, from a functionality standpoint, all these MagicBand+ variants are created equal. Take it from someone who has experienced it firsthand: The basic bands will fulfill all the same operational needs as, say, a Lady and the Tramp 70th Anniversary band.

MagicBand+

There Are A Lot of MagicBand Accessory Options

From silicone locks to keep your MagicBand+ affixed properly…

©Amazon

…  to charging hubs to keep multiple bands charged without taking up every outlet in the hotel room…

MultiCharger for MagicBand+

… to a watch adapter that you can attach your MagicBand’s RFID puck to your Apple Watch band. (As someone who chafed at wearing both an Apple Watch and a MagicBand in the hot Florida sun, this one might be my FAVORITE).

Apple Watch band MagicBand+ converter

MagicBands are without a doubt integral to a modern-day Disney World trip, but there are things you NEED to know before picking some up before your next trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips.

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Do you have a favorite MagicBand? Let us know in the comments below.