Hi there Cynthia, and welcome to planDisney!
I'm a big fan of wearable technology when it makes things more convenient or adds an extra level of interactivity to an experience, much like the goals of the MagicBand+
when it first debuted in 2022. I was actually part of a team that tested and introduced precursors to this that had the ability to store guest information on board
Disney Cruise Line, and the newest iteration is definitely one that many folks might take some time getting used to.
There are so many features to enjoy with your MagicBand+, but it's important to be able to know how to make sure that you can make it work, so I'm happy to help share my experience with it!
- From the sounds of it, you're talking about the power button on the back of your MagicBand+; the most important thing to note is that the functionality of certain features depends on it having enough power, so I first recommend ensuring that it is fully charged. (When I received my first one it definitely was out of battery, so be sure to connect it to the charging cable that allows the MagicBand+ to snap securely into its cradle). If you press that button on the back, the front face of the MagicBand+ featuring the icon in front will light up in either red, yellow or green to indicate how far along it is as it charges.
- This power button on the back can also be used to turn off or reset your MagicBand+ if you press and hold it for about 6 seconds. This will make it buzz twice with haptic vibrations and light up red before turning off. Pressing the button and holding it briefly for a second should allow it to light up green and turn on again.
- That same button can be used to perform a factory reset, which involves pressing it twice and holding down for 15 seconds on the second press, which should result in the MagicBand+ buzzing three times and lighting up with rainbow colors before performing a factory reset itself.
I found that the only times where my battery has drained down completely within a day at the Theme Parks was whenever I chose to participate in
Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge as it actively lights up and uses haptic responses and vibrations throughout the activity. In my experience, my MagicBand+ usually takes under 2 hours to be fully charged and ready again for the following day! (With new advancements and releases happening each year, I wouldn't be surprised if this changes and becomes easier over time, especially as offerings are subject to change without prior notice.)
As more and more Disney destinations introduce the MagicBand+ and more folks get accustomed to using these (or
what may be called globally as a DisneyBand+), I'm really excited for where these advancements could possibly lead when it comes to the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and the way it could shape attractions and character interactions in the future! I hope this works for you Cynthia, be sure to
come back to planDisney again if you need any more help ahead of your next Disney adventure!
Wishing you all the best on wielding the power you wear on your wrist!
Prince