Hi, Cherlyn! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Aren't
MagicBands the coolest? I absolutely love not having to bring anything other than my MagicBand and my phone for a day at Walt Disney World!
The official estimated average lifespan of a MagicBand is two years. However some Walt Disney World Resort guests often post on social media that theirs are still going strong well after that time frame. There are of course factors like how much use your bands have had, the temperature of where your bands are stored, etc, that will effect the individual battery life. So for sure bring your original bands because it sounds like there is hope.
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel you'll receive a brand new MagicBand, the price of which is already included in your quoted vacation package. If you are not staying on property, you will have plenty of opportunities to purchase a new band from almost any shop or retail location throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
If you do have to purchase a new MagicBand, don't fret, because they've recently received a makeover. Unlike the original MagicBands, who become just another colorful plastic bracelet after their batteries die,
MagicBand 2 has an innovative removable center puck where all of the magic is stored. This way should you find a really awesome design dedicated to your favorite ride, character, snack, or year of your visit, you can keep using that outer part of the band for ever and ever, and you'll only need to replace the magic puck on future trips.
I'm so excited for your return to Walt Disney World Resort, Cherlyn, and let us know if your bands were still working or not as I'm now curious too!
~Kristen