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  • On Mar 25, 2026
    Nicole from TN Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Many sources say that the MagicBand+ are discounted for resort guests when purchased through MyDisneyExperience, but Disney Store offers them for the same price, or cheaper with sales. What are the pros and cons of the different buying options?

    Hi Nicole!

    Welcome to planDisney!  I'm glad you stopped by with a great question as you get ready for your visit to Walt Disney World Resort this summer.  With new experiences and great resort perks available for summer 2026, it's a fabulous time to plan your vacation!

    Nicole, Guests can purchase a MagicBand+ to add a bit of extra convenience to their stay.  I like that I can be hands-free in the parks and simply tap my band to enter the park, access Lightning Lane entry, charge purchases, and unlock my resort hotel door.  Plus, there are some fun, interactive features that you can enjoy throughout the parks during select entertainment offerings.  As a Disney Resorts Collection Guest, you can purchase a MagicBand+ for yourself and everyone registered to your room before arrival in My Disney Experience on the Walt Disney World website or by viewing your hotel reservation in your My Disney Experience Mobile App.  Unfortunately, pre-ordered MagicBands are no longer offered at a discount; however, there are still some advantages to ordering through your account.  A pre-ordered MagicBand+ can be shipped for free directly to your home (or will be waiting at your resort hotel), is fully linked to your account, and can even be personalized - making it easier than ever to start your vacation!    

    I have to admit that I have several bands that I like to switch between, depending on which outfit I'm wearing or the park I'm visiting, so I'm all about saving money on my purchases.  I've been fortunate over the years to take advantage of great sales at disneystore.com for some super cute MagicBands!  If you order online, you'll want to follow the included directions to link the bands to each member of your travel party.  You can also shop MagicBand+ selections at your resort hotel and throughout the parks during your trip that can easily be linked to your account once purchased.

    Additionally, you can use Disney MagicMobile Service either along with or instead of purchasing a MagicBand+.  With MagicMobile, you can create a digital pass that is stored in your mobile wallet.  It's completely FREE to set up and is a budget-friendly alternative that provides much of the same functionality as a MagicBand.  We typically create a MagicMobile pass for everyone in our party in addition to using MagicBands, just in case someone loses their band during the trip.  

    I hope this information has been helpful, Nicole, and that you enjoy a wonderful visit to Walt Disney World Resort this summer!  Remember, you've got a friend in me here at planDisney, so please stop by again if you have any other questions!

    To Infinity and Beyond!
    Kristi
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Meet the Panelist: Kristi, Maryland

Hi! I'm Kristi and I've been making magical memories at the Walt Disney World Resort since my first visit in 1989. While I cherished my childhood visits, my favorite memories have come sharing all of the excitement and wonder of a Disney Parks vacation with my husband and three boys. Whether you're planning a runDisney racecation, a trip with little ones, a land and sea adventure, or anything in between, I'm ready to help you make some bibbidi-bobbidi-beautiful plans for your next Disney Parks vacation! Learn More About Kristi

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