Walt Disney World (WDW) recently announced that they are discontinuing complimentary Annual Passholder MagicBands.
If you’re a fan of MagicBands and also a Passholder at the most magical place on earth, this is news you’re going to want to hear.
On May 18, Disney sent an email to current Passholders telling them that since the Disney MagicMobile service is now available for those with iPhones, Apple Watches, or Google Pay enabled Android phones, free MagicBands will no longer be offered to Passholders.
The website has also been updated with this latest information.
Here’s what else you need to know, including when the discontinuation goes into effect.
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Ending Complimentary Passholder MagicBands
How do MagicBands REALLY work? Photo by Cliff Wang.
As shared by Disney, beginning Aug. 16, 2021 and beyond, Disney “will no longer be offering complimentary MagicBands with Annual Pass purchases and renewals…”Â
At this time, Annual Passes are not available for purchase, but current Passholders are able to renew.
A special discount on MagicBands will still be offered to Passholders if or when they want to purchase a new one.
Passholders can still use current MagicBands or new ones they purchase, along with their Annual Pass Card and Disney MagicMobile when visiting WDW.
Disney Resort hotel guests also no longer receive complimentary MagicBands, which went into effect starting Jan. 1, 2021.
MagicBands continue to be available to guests who choose to use them. Disney is also releasing new designs in the future. The former free bands are now priced at a special pre-order price of $5.
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Disney MagicMobile Pass
Activating your MagicMobile pass is a breeze! Photo courtesy of My Disney Experience
On March 30, Disney officially launched its new Disney MagicMobile Pass.
This is a contactless way to access MagicBand features, including theme park entry and linking PhotoPass images to your account. It’s basically for anyone who doesn’t want to use a MagicBand.
The new service also allows guests to choose from several Disney-themed pass designs via the My Disney Experience app. For example:
So many styles! So hard to choose! Photo courtesy of My Disney Experience
In the near future, there will be more designs released featuring Orange Bird and Figment, but they will be exclusively for Passholders.
We’ll be sure to keep you in the loop, including when WDW Annual Passes once again go on sale.
If you’re a Passholder, how do you feel about this MagicBand news?  Tell us in the comments on our Facebook page!
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