Hi Gillian!
Welcome to planDisney.
It's always a pleasure to assist my fellow guests from the UK. Thank you for sending me this question as I am on the same mission as you!
I can't imagine anything making my life more simple while at the theme parks and water parks than my
Disney Band. I don't have to worry about scrambling around my bag for park tickets or my phone, and everything is right there on my wrist, including the ability to make charges to my room account whenever I need to. It's useful to know they are also completely waterproof so if you are swimming or visiting a water park (or get caught in a heavy downpour) you can continue to wear them and they won't be damaged.
The original version of Disney Bands may still be on sale but they are being phased out. I am clinging onto mine, until it no longer works! You might have to search a little for them now, but you might find one somewhere. Check out the hotel gift shop when you arrive, and at any other Disney Resort hotel gift shop. They have a smaller selection but you might be lucky. That is exactly where I found my ideal Disney Band last year. Also, have a look in the Magic of Disney stores at Orlando International Airport (Terminals A&B) when you arrive. I will personally be on a search to find one during my trip next week!
If you intend to visit the Orlando International Premium Outlets (located at the North End of International Drive), the Disney Character Warehouse is a possibility - as it's an outlet store they may have some older versions of Disney Bands for sale. I cannot guarantee this, it's just if you're passing by, you may as well have a look.
I encourage you to keep checking
DisneyStore.com because they frequently update their stock. If you find designs that you like you can purchase them and have them shipped to your Disney Resort hotel in advance of your arrival (I would recommend that you do this around 10 days before you arrive). On your shipping address put "Your Name" + "GUEST arriving -
insert your check-in date" + the name & address of your
Disney Resort hotel, which you can find on the hotel's 'Overview' page on the website.
I hope you can find the designs you are looking for, but if not you can always request a
Key to the World Card when you check-in. These are free of charge and give you all the same basic facilities as Disney Bands - room charging, park admission and entry to your hotel room.
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 holiday to Walt Disney World!
Sue