Hiya, Christy!
Welcome to planDisney! I am so very glad you stopped by with your planning question. Using a MagicBand during your stay adds so much convenience to your theme park day! You can access your theme park tickets with the tap of a wrist, link your Disney PhotoPass pictures to your My Disney Experience account, and they can be used to access your Lightning Lane entrances. And the
new MagicBand+ options offer fun and new theme park interactions like virtual bounty hunting in
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Guests staying at a
Walt Disney World Resort Collection hotel have the opportunity to order MagicBands and the new MagicBand+ option at a special pre-arrival price. This may be why your family was able to purchase their bands for a different amount than you are currently seeing listed. Should you wish to order a MagicBand or MagicBand+ before you arrive, you can do so
online through shopDisney! While there are no pre-arrival promotions this will still give you the opportunity to receive your bands before your vacation starts, and charge/link them ahead of arrival if you are ordering a MagicBand+.
You also have the option of purchasing these magical accessories after you arrive at The Most Magical Place on Earth. MagicBands can be purchased in merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. There are a large variety of options available, featuring everything from beloved characters and even your favorite snacks. Once you purchase your favorite selection, you can
easily link your MagicBand or
MagicBand+ to your My Disney Experience account in moments.
I hope your upcoming adventure is memorable and magical!
We'll see ya real soon!
Tammy