Walt Disney World has made the first upgrade to the Magic Band since their introduction in 2015. Magic Band 2.0 are now shipping to Annual Passholders and they are available in shops at Disney World as well.
What's different? The basic functions remain the same: they act as your park ticket, resort room key, Fast Pass, dining plan credits and you can charge purchases to your Disney resort room. These bands, however, have a 'puck' in the center that can be removed (two tiny screws hold it in place) and they can be placed in a new holder. The new holders are supposed to come in a couple of styles like the traditional bracelet AND clips that could go on a lanyard or your park bag.
I used the new Magic Band 2.0 the week before Christmas. It's a little wider but not as thick as the old band and the strap part is more flexible. It was definitely more comfortable to wear. The best part of the new style is that it scanned more easily, both at the tapstiles to enter the parks and at shops to make purchases. I found myself not struggling as much to align the Mickey with the Mickey.
Your old style bad will continue to work just fine (until the battery wears out). If you get the new bands, however, I hope you like them as much as I did.
Mary Graham is a Vacation Specialist with Coasters & Castles Travel. She lives in North Carolina and has visited Walt Disney World 15 times, with just her husband and with children. Her favorite character is Dumbo and her favorite ride is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Contact her for help planning your vacation at mgraham@coastersandcastlestravel.com.
Comments