Ever wondered what you can do with MagicBand+? We’re sharing the exciting MagicBand+ features, plus how Genie+ enhances them!
MagicBand+ is Walt Disney World’s newest and most advanced MagicBand iteration to date. The slim wristbands complete with Disney Parks and character-inspired designs are highly detailed, well-themed…and very smart! For the first time ever, MagicBand+ grants guests the ability to use the bands to not just double as their room keys and ticket media, but also to interact with the theme parks themselves! With so many new interactive experiences waiting for you to discover, let’s get into the features of MagicBand+!
Setting Up MagicBand+ for Disney World
Screenshot by Maria Salerno
While MagicBand+ may look aesthetically similar to the MagicBand, there are some key differences! First, MagicBand+ requires charging. The clear rim around the center puck will act as your own personal light show, complete with vibrations and prompts as you explore. In order to gain access to these awesome features, ensure you charge your MagicBand+ with the included charger before your first use!
Screenshot by Maria Salerno
Next, you’ll hold your charged MagicBand+ up to your smartphone to wirelessly pair with your My Disney Experience app. No technical knowledge is necessary, as the band connects automatically via Bluetooth! Once linked, your new MagicBand+ will show under the ‘MagicBands and More’ tab in the My Disney Experience app.
MagicBand+ Features in the Parks
Photo by Maria Salerno
MagicBand+ allows guests to truly immerse themselves in the theme parks unlike ever before. Upon entry to the Parks, your MagicBand+ will vibrate and perform a little welcome light show around the center puck. During Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, 50 gold character statues have been placed around the four theme parks. When you get close to one of these interactive statues, your MagicBand+ will pulse on your wrist, letting you know to keep an eye out for a nearby character!
Photo by Maria Salerno
Once you locate the statue, go closer for a unique, MagicBand+ exclusive interaction! To interact with the golden statues, give them a wave with your MagicBand+ arm! Your MagicBand+ will recognize this gesture, and the statues will each deliver a unique message to you. I love waving at the classic Disney characters around the Cinderella Castle Hub while waiting for Festival of Fantasy parade. Not only can you interact with the statues, but with the theme parks themselves!
Over in Hollywood Studios, guests visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge can try their hand at the interactive ‘Batuu Bounty Hunters’ quest! This MagicBand+ exclusive game prompts guests to find and collect bounty via different checkpoints around Batuu, truly immersing you into the Star Wars universe. Plus, the game takes you to different locations around Batuu, allowing you to get to know the land while gathering some highly-coveted bounty!
In the evenings, Disney World come to life via their many nighttime spectaculars. Your MagicBand+ will actually ‘glow with the show’, lighting up to match the color schemes, pulsing with the music, and vibrating in an explosion of color at the climax of each show!
Genie+ Enhancements to MagicBand+ Features
Photo by Maria Salerno
When you purchase Genie+ as part of your Walt Disney World vacation, MagicBand+ becomes a whole lot more useful! As you scan into each of your Lightning Lane reservations, the touch point (and your MagicBand+) will glow green, allowing you access. The really neat part is that each attraction’s Lightning Land touch point will not only vibrate your band but speak to you too! My favorite Lightning Lane greeting is the ghoulish howl that emanates from the Haunted Mansions’ touchpoints!
Photo by Maria Salerno
When exiting certain attractions, be sure to pay extra attention to that MagicBand+ for a unique send-off! At select attraction exits, my MagicBand+ vibrated and lit up, granting me a colorful surprise at the culmination of the ride. Your band’s bright glow in the darkness of Tower of Terror’s exit really makes for a unique post-ride experience!
Overall, MagicBand+ adds a high-tech but very user-friendly layer to your Disney World day. The band was very easy to set up and charge, and fits comfortably on my wrist. When you purchase Genie+, the MagicBand+ makes scanning into the Lightning Lanes very simple– no constant searching for your ticket or phone!). Plus, only MagicBand+ wearers are treated to the unique post-attraction experience at certain rides!
