Magicband+ Launches Today at Walt Disney World Resort

After being announced last September, today is finally the day; Magicband+ launched at Walt Disney World. Magicband+ is the latest generation of the popular wearable introduced to the resort in 2013. With a Magicband, you can link your theme park tickets, make purchases, redeem Lightning Lanes, and enter your hotel room. The new Magicband+ will supposedly ‘plus’ this experience in every way.

Well, what exactly new is introduced with the Magicband+? First of all, the appearance is totally revamped. With LED lights embedded into the band, you will have to charge this device unlike the regular Magicband. Thanks to Blog Mickey, we have a great unboxing with looks at the Darth Vader band. You can check that out here.

In addition to the new design, three main activities can be completed, as of now, at the parks. One includes a scavenger hunt where guests will wave to the Fab 50 character statues and will hear a special message from the character. Disney previewed this feature with a video from Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

Additionally, Magicband+ can be used in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to complete bounty hunter tasks. You will use the Play Disney Parks app as well as your band to complete tasks around the land. For each bounty, you receive ‘credits’ and use AR technology on the app. Finally, Magicband+ lights up the night during firework spectaculars. Kind of like the old ‘Glow with the Show‘ ears, Magicband+ will change color based on what is going on in the spectacular. This currently works with Harmonious, Disney Enchantment, and the Spaceship Earth Beacon of Magic.

So, is Magicband+ worth it? Time will tell. There are so many options to scan into a Disney park that Magicband+ may seem superfluous. For an avid Disney Parks goer, $35 for a solid color and $45 for a design, a $15 increase from a regular Magicband, may not be worth the plunge with lackluster offerings attached. However, for a first time guest or younger child, hearing Mickey Mouse talk to them might make the magic worth the price.