Hi Fallon!
Thanks for stopping by with your question about the next generation of Magic Bands, scheduled to roll out in 2017. I'm super excited about the new design!
The MagicBand 2 was first announced on
Disney Parks Blog in November, and guests have been eager to check out the new technology. The new bands will work like the current MagicBands, but are more customizable than the originals. The center piece is removable and can be placed in lanyard clips and carabiners (called MagicKeepers) for those who prefer not to wear them on their wrist.
The new edition of the MagicBand is already available on the
Disney Store website, as well as the Shop Disney Parks app. I purchased one for myself for Christmas (I couldn't resist!), and it was easy to link it to my My Disney Experience account using the ID number on the inside of the band.
As to when guests will begin receiving the new MagicBands as part of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation package, there has yet to be a specific date for a resort-wide debut. "Early 2017" is the information Disney is providing at this time, so I would think with your trip being scheduled for the end of the year, you should be receiving the new bands by that time.
I hope this helps answer your question. Please come back and visit if you have more planning questions before your trip - we're happy to help!
Have a magical day! - Diane W.