Hey there, ho there, ho there, Tammy, and welcome to planDisney. In 2014, when MagicBands became mainstream at Walt Disney World Resort, I did not think Mickey could improve the magic, well, he did and now we have
MagicBand+. Here are the main differences for both day Guests and Guests staying at a Disney hotel.
All Guests with MagicBands linked to their tickets can use the MagicBand to link
Disney PhotoPass photos, use them to tap in at all theme park entrances, and tap in at
Lightning Lane entrances for Guests using
Disney Geniei+ Service.Guests with MagicBand+ can do all of the above. MagicBand+ is rechargeable whereas MagicBand is not rechargeable (typically a 24-month lifespan). MagicBand+ is customizable for color, and vibrations, and has light-up interactions with evening entertainment like
Fantasmic! and
Happily Ever After. It also allows you to enjoy enchanting entertainment around the theme parks like the
Disney Fab 50 Character Collection and
Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters game in
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
Disney Resorts Collection hotel Guests with a MagicBand have all the standard features plus they can link their MagicBand for merchandise and food and beverage purchasing as well as open Resort hotel doors.
Disney Resorts Collection hotel Guests with MagicBand+ have all the standard features for Disney hotel Guests with a standard MagicBand plus all the customization that comes standard with MagicBand+.
Lastly, there is a price difference with MagicBand+ usually being more expensive because it has more features.
planDisney Pro Tip: We charge our MagicBand+ every night to make sure we are ready for the adventure the next day. There are bounties to be hunted!
Tammy, I hope this information clears up some confusion and helps you make a decision about purchasing a MagicBand+. In my opinion, your money goes a lot further with MagicBand+. Please feel free to
write me back directly with any follow-up questions.
Enjoy making many Magical Memories.
~Jason