Hello, Gretchen!
Welcome back to planDisney, and thank you for your question about MagicBands. I’m delighted to help you prepare for your upcoming visit to
Walt Disney World Resort.
Yes, your MagicBands from a previous trip should still work, as long as they are linked to your
My Disney Experience account. MagicBands use a battery to function, and while the battery life is estimated to last about two years, many guests find that their MagicBands continue to work even beyond that timeframe. They can still be used for park entry, Lightning Lane access, and connecting PhotoPass photos, provided they are active in your account.
To ensure your MagicBands are ready to go, log into your My Disney Experience account, either online or via the app, and check the "My MagicBands and Cards" section. Here, you can verify that your bands are still active and linked to your account. If the battery has expired, they may not work for long-range functions, such as automatically linking on-ride photos, but they will still work for tap-style interactions like park entry and redeeming Lightning Lanes.
If you decide to upgrade to a new
MagicBand+ for enhanced features, such as interactive elements and customizable designs, you can still keep your older MagicBands active as a backup or for members of your group.
If you have any additional questions as you plan your magical vacation, please feel free to send them our way at planDisney. We’re always here to help! Have a fantastic trip and a magical New Year at Walt Disney World Resort!
Happy Planning,
~Yael