MagicBand+ made its debut in Walt Disney World earlier this summer, and with any new/updated technology, there are bound to be a lot of questions.
As promised, I’ve got an unboxing! I’ll share my experience with Batuu Bounty Hunters and the Fab 50 Quest, and share my final thoughts so you can decide if the upgrade is necessary.
Unboxing
If you have an upcoming trip with a resort hotel reservation and you buy your MagicBand+ at the discounted pre-arrival price it will arrive on your doorstep in a shipping box! You'll find a startup guide, the MagicBand+, and a charging cable for each band.
The charging cable does not come with a plug or adapter - so be sure to pack an extra!
Pre-arrival pricing is currently a savings of $10. I picked up a 50th Anniversary design for $34.99 + tax and shipping. Keep in mind pricing and savings could change at any time. If you're not staying on property or you choose not to buy your MagicBand+ in advance you'll be able to purchase one at numerous merchandise locations across Walt Disney World. The packaging will look different in the parks, but everything inside will be the same. You can also buy an extra charging cable if needed.
If you plan to use your MagicBand+ as soon as you arrive be sure to order them ahead of time and charge them before you get to Walt Disney World. Our bands came with different charge levels and both needed an update in order to pair to our phones.
Batuu Bounty Hunters
Batuu Bounty Hunters is an interactive game in Hollywood Studios played with your MagicBand+ and the Play Disney Parks app. This is the hot/cold game with an augmented reality twist! It's my favorite MagicBand+ feature and made the purchase "worth it" for me.
You start off in Galaxy's Edge at the Bounty Board! First tap your MagicBand+ on the medallion to accept a job, then follow the signal on your MagicBand+ to find your target. Green means you're getting closer, red means you're getting away from where your target is hiding.
When you're found your target your MagicBand+ will light up purple. You'll can the door with your thermal scanner (your phone open to the Play Disney Parks app), then return to the Guildmaster's Hideout to collect your credits. Repeat until you've located all the targets!
It's a lot of fun! It does get repetitive since the game is limited to Galaxy's Edge; there are only so many doors that a target can be hiding behind. It's also tough to see the signal on the MagicBand+ if its very bright outside, and it can drain the battery on your phone pretty quickly since you need to have the Play Disney Parks app ready to go!
Two more things to note:
If you're having connectivity issues with the Play Disney Parks app and can't scan a door for your targets, you'll still be able to collect your bounties
If you're playing with kids it will be tough for both of you to search for targets at the same time - targets are assigned randomly and they require a bit of wandering around to find; one of you will likely be following the other around while your MagicBand+ buzzes (it only stops when you complete a bounty)
Be sure to subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss my full recap of Batuu Bounty Hunters!
Fab 50 Quest
In preparation for Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary golden statues were installed across all four theme parks. The MagicBand+ brings them to life! The Fab 50 Quest is an interactive game that combines the statues, the Play Disney Parks app, and your MagicBand+ for a fun scavenger hunt!
Your MagicBand+ will buzz to notify you that you're approaching a statue. If you don't want to use the Play Disney Parks app, just wave at the statue with your MagicBand+ and listen to it come to life!
If you want to play the game be sure to open the Play Disney Parks app before waving at the statues - this way you'll be able to "collect" them and unlock AR (augmented reality) worlds for each character.
I tried to play in Epcot and experienced connectivity issues. I did have a lot of fun interacting with the statues, but I wish I had been able to play the game!
Nighttime Spectaculars
Your MagicBand+ will light up and vibrate along with Harmonious in Epcot and Enchantment in Magic Kingdom! Unless you plan to look at your MagicBand+ instead of the fireworks I don't think this feature is too important.
Overall Thoughts
MagicBand+ is a fun enhancement to the existing technology! It’s new and original, and adds a level of interactivity that elevates your Disney experience.
While it's cool I don’t think it’s a must have at this time, especially if it's not in your budget - you'll have a magical vacation with or without it!
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