Disney announced in June 2020 that complimentary MagicBands would be eliminated for resort guests beginning January 1, 2021. Now that the new year has arrived, we now have more details on the changes to the MagicBand system.
Resort guests hoping to still use MagicBands during their stay will now need to pay $5 for the previously complimentary MagicBand options. Like before, “premium” MagicBands that feature unique characters and themes are available at a higher price.
Guests who decide to visit without ordering MagicBands will either be directed to use a Key to the World card available from the resort’s front desk or the My Disney Experience app on their phone.
Disney has previously said they will roll out future updates to the My Disney Experience app to add functionality that’s available from MagicBands. However, some functionality may remain exclusive to MagicBands and their RFID chip.