Remember how exciting it was to receive a package of MagicBands before your Walt Disney World vacation? Unfortunately, that complimentary program is being eliminated for resort guests beginning with reservations on January 1, 2021.
Disney’s announcement on the change stated that guests will instead be able to perform all of the MagicBand’s functionality with their smart phone devices. But, if guests still want to use MagicBands during their stay, they will be available for purchase.
In 2021, we plan to unveil an innovative new offering as part of the My Disney Experience app that will bring features of a MagicBand to your smart devices, building on the app’s existing digital key feature. With this new offering on the horizon, we will be retiring our complimentary MagicBand distribution to Disney Resort hotel guests for new reservations with arrivals beginning Jan. 1, 2021.
Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and we’ll be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future. Guests who prefer not to purchase a discounted MagicBand will be able to use the My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card during their visit.
Many guests already elect to purchase a “premium” MagicBand over the basic set of MagicBands that are included in resort reservations. Still, it is disappointing to see the free options going away in 2021 as MagicBands were one of the more special elements that made Walt Disney World vacations feel unique.
Disney pushing guests to use their smart phones is a smart budget decision, but it cuts down on the feel of disconnecting from the real world while on vacation. Relying heavily on smart phones can also cause its own issues such as battery life and poor signal, which would be incredibly frustrating when trying to unlock your resort door after a long day at the parks.
What do you think of this change? Will you purchase MagicBands for your future resort stays?
