MagicBand+ Review: Is the Updated Accessory Worth the Cost?
Recently, Disneyland followed suit with Walt Disney World, offering Guests a coveted accessory. But, is the MagicBand+ worth the cost on a trip to Disney Parks?
Disney World Guests have been taking advantage of MagicBands for a long time. But, recently, the electronic wristband was updated to include extra features.
MagicBand+
Photo: Disney
The question is, are those features enough to account for its somewhat hefty price tag? On average, MagicBand+ runs anywhere from $29.99 to $59.99.
Before our recent trip to Disneyland, we decided to purchase a more affordable option on shopDisney. We chose a simple, red version for $34.99, to use at the Parks and keep afterward as a souvenir.
Photo: shopDisney
One thing we were cautious of from the beginning is keeping it charged. We’d heard that its battery life did not last very long and wanted to ensure it stayed live as long as possible.
Front Gate Access
Although the MagicBand+ can be used to scan into the Disneyland Resort, we weren’t able to take advantage of this feature, much to our disappointment. Because we arrived at the Parks early in the morning, for rope drop, we didn’t have time to turn it on before heading through the gate.
Photo: KTLA.com – DAVID MCNEW/AFP via Getty Images
In an effort to save the battery, we opted to keep it off when we arrived. Then, when we attempted to press the button last minute, which is extremely small, and located underneath the face, it was troublesome to access.
An exterior switch would be ideal for the accessory, in our opinion. In addition, a longer-lasting battery would ensure optimal use.
Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters
Photo: Christy Weinberg
The first location we used the MagicBand+ was Galaxy’s Edge. My son wanted to play the bounty-hunting game offered on the updated accessory.
We followed the directions via the app and visited the designated area. When he put his wrist into the allotted space, galactic lights and sounds scanned the device, lighting it up!
Photo: Christy Weinberg
As avid Star Wars fans, this, in and of itself, made the MagicBand+ worth its price tag! After getting his assignment, we went in search of the character.
When getting closer to finding him, the MagicBand turned green; while when farther away, it changed to red. Eventually, when we located the character, it lit up purple.
World of Color
Photo: Christy Weinberg
The next place we used the MagicBand+ was World of Color at Disney California Adventure.
While watching the Season of Light, its holiday version, the accessory lit up in unison with the performance. Colors and movements in the show mirrored those on the device.
Photo: Christy Weinberg
Our MagicBand+ also vibrated at times, which was a cool feature! Sometimes, like while in the queue for WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, it would vibrate out of the blue.
When we looked down, it showcased the colors of the ride we were on. To sum it up, in our opinion, MagicBand+ is definitely worth the cost, adding additional fun and enjoyment during a trip to the Parks!
