Disney4me Posted 3 hours ago Report Share Posted 3 hours ago After you’ve been to Disney World a few times, there are a few vacation “rules” you start to follow. Some are practical (rope drop is essential), some are culinary (DOLE Whip is non-negotiable), and some are technological (shoutout to Disney tech like MagicBands for making our lives easier). But what if we told you that some of the most common MagicBand “rules” are actually costing you money and convenience? Magic Kingdom As Disney World’s technology has evolved, so should our approach to wearable devices. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifteenth trip, here are three MagicBand rules that savvy Disney experts know to break. Rule #1 to Break: “You Need to Buy a New MagicBand” Perhaps the most unnecessary expense in Disney planning is the belief that you need a fresh MagicBand for each trip. Your old MagicBands still work perfectly fine! The original MagicBand and MagicBand 2 have batteries that typically last a few years (we estimate 2-3 years in our experience), and even after the battery dies, the passive RFID chip still works for basic functions like park entry and Lightning Lane access. That means you can keep scanning into the park with your old MagicBand for a while! The Band Concert Magicband (OLD design) If you’re determined to expand your MagicBand collection, consider these money-saving strategies: If you’re a resort guest, pre-order MagicBands at discounted prices (we’ve seen MagicBands available for as little as $25!) Check Disney Character Warehouse outlet stores near Orlando for discounted MagicBands Rule #2 to Break: “Always Buy the Latest MagicBand+” When Disney released MagicBand+ in 2022, it seemed like the obvious upgrade — more features, more interactivity, more magic! But many of us who eagerly purchased them have found ourselves wondering if the “plus” is worth the additional cost and hassle. Tron Lightcycle / Run MagicBand+ Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: battery life. While traditional MagicBands can last several years without charging, a MagicBand+ needs to be charged pretty often. A full charge can typically last between one and one and a half days, so we recommend charging it each night when you get back to your hotel. That means adding yet another device to your nightly charging routine during vacation. Nothing says “relaxing getaway” like hunting for an available outlet in your hotel room, right? MagicBand+ The price difference is also substantial: MagicBand+: $34.99 for solid colors, $44.99+ for specialty designs Original MagicBand 2: $19.99-$24.99 (though Disney does not sell these anymore on the Disney Store website) So what do you get for that premium? MagicBand+ vibrates and lights up during nighttime spectaculars and offers interactive features like the Batuu Bounty Hunters game in Galaxy’s Edge. But many people feel like these features are pretty subtle and certainly don’t justify the extra cost and charging headaches. You can interact with the statues in the Magic Kingdom Hub Consider sticking with a standard MagicBand if: You dislike having another device to charge on vacation You’re not particularly interested in the Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters game You prefer minimal technology interaction during your vacation You’re traveling with a family (those price differences add up quickly!) Rule #3 to Break: “Everyone Needs a MagicBand” Disney (and the people around you) might make you believe that MagicBands are essential to the Disney World experience. Those colorful wristbands have become almost as iconic as Mickey ears for many visitors. But here’s the insider truth: with recent technological advances, MagicBands are completely optional. MagicBand+ The My Disney Experience app with MagicMobile service now offers nearly identical functionality: Park entry Lightning Lane and virtual queue access PhotoPass service Resort hotel charging MagicBands might not be worth the investment if you’re: Visiting for just 1-2 days Tech-savvy and comfortable using your smartphone Not staying at a Disney resort Trying to stick to a budget (MagicBands start at $35) That said, there are still some functions where physical MagicBands edge out the digital version. MagicBands offer more reliable room key access (the My Disney Experience app’s “Unlock Door” feature works about 75-85% of the time), resort parking gate access, automatic ride photo linking without having Bluetooth enabled, and locker access at TRON Lightcycle / Run. Lockers at TRON: Lightcycle / Run The bottom line? If you’re primarily visiting the parks and not staying on property, you can probably skip the MagicBand altogether and save that money for an extra DOLE Whip or two. By breaking these unwritten “rules” about MagicBands, you can save money while still enjoying all the convenience of a well-planned Disney World vacation. Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation. I Lost My MagicBand Charger, and I was Shocked When Disney World Cast Members Told Me THIS Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Do you have a MagicBand+? Let us know in the comments! The post Three Disney World MagicBand Rules You Should Break first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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