Hi Holly!
Welcome to planDisney.
My
MagicBand is an integral part of my holiday! I can't imagine having to rummage around in my backpack for my park tickets, my phone, all the things! They make life so much simpler when entering parks, rides, and using the services of a PhotoPass Photographer. Did you know they are also completely waterproof so if you are swimming or visiting a water park you have everything handy on your wrist, and you can store your valuables and phone safely away in a rented locker.
You can only purchase MagicBands from ShopDisney.com or at many locations around Walt Disney World Resort - so I don't think you'll be able to buy one before your visit, but you could easily find one on your first morning. For good selections, I recommend the
Emporium on Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom Park, Creations Shop at EPCOT, and at Disney Springs -
World of Disney or D-Tech on Demand at Marketplace Co-Op.
If you are thinking of stopping by one of the Disney Resort hotels for lunch, maybe, the gift shops also stock a small selection of MagicBands. By chance, last October, I had a dinner reservation at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort (at Shula's Steakhouse!), and I wandered into their Disney gift shop and found my perfect Magic Band (not MagicBand+) ready to link for my next visit. So they are around, it just can't be guaranteed where you'll find your perfect design. Keep checking ShopDisney.com as well because they frequently update their stock.
It should be noted that guests from the United States staying at a Disney Resort hotel can pre-order their MagicBands from a wide selection, and have them delivered to their home address. The battery life on older versions is around 2 years.
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions, and you can
send me a direct question if you wish. We will be happy to help you plan your magical vacation.
Sue