Welcome back to planDisney, Sarah! I'm so glad to be able to answer your question today.
MagicBands definitely enhance your trip to Walt Disney World, so let's chat about what's available and what you'll be able to order before your upcoming trip next year.
At the moment, the only MagicBands being sold through
My Disney Experience for pre-arrival and on
The Disney Store Online are MagicBand+. The older MagicBand 2 styles aren't available to order at the moment. Inventory does change from time to time, so it's always possible that something could pop up, but as of today, the realistic path, especially if you want to be set up before your trip, is MagicBand+.
It's possible that you may be able to find a MagicBand 2 at a merchandise shop in the parks or at a
Resort Hotel, but it's become pretty rare. Every now and then, a merchandise location will have leftover stock, but there's no guarantee anything will be available when you arrive, and designs and colors can be limited. If you want to make sure everyone in your party has a band, MagicBand+ is the way to go.
The good news is that you don't have to use any of the "plus" bells and whistles if you don't want to. You can wear it exactly like a classic MagicBand for park entry,
Lightning Lane taps, room access, and purchases. The tap-to-enter features work even if the battery is low, so you don't have to worry about charging it. You can also turn off the light and vibration effects in the settings if you'd prefer a more low-key experience.
If MagicBands aren't a must for your group, a no-cost alternative is
Disney MagicMobile, which puts your park ticket in your phone's wallet. But if you want an actual wristband, plan on MagicBand+. It will do everything you need, with or without the extra sparkle.
Have a magical day, Sarah!
Jessica