With Disney’s announcement about the details of their new reservation system they also buried information about Magic Bands into the bottom of the article. Their new plan is to have guests use their smart phones instead of Magic Bands by putting those features onto the My Disney Experience App.
Of course after this begins they will no longer offer complimentary Magic Bands you will be required to buy them, but at a discount starting on January 1, 2020. So this whole this is to just to cut expenses. I do know some people would just prefer to use their phones. For myself, I would prefer the band because I think using my phone for everything could raise my chances of it breaking or dropping or touching gross things. I would much rather buy a new band at $30 than a new phone. But it’s just a way to charge for more bands and say there’s a free option too.
Here’s what they said:
“As you begin planning your upcoming visits, we’re also exploring engaging ways for guests to use their mobile tech to experience the magic – particularly now as the use of phones and apps continues to evolve. In 2021, we plan to unveil an innovative new offering as part of the My Disney Experience app that will bring features of a MagicBand to your smart devices, building on the app’s existing digital key feature. With this new offering on the horizon, we will be retiring our complimentary MagicBand distribution to Disney Resort hotel guests for new reservations with arrivals beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and we’ll be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future. Guests who prefer not to purchase a discounted MagicBand will be able to use the My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card during their visit. We will still offer MagicBands in retail locations and on shopDisney.com, and guests will be able to continue using the wearables throughout Walt Disney World Resort.”
I guess now you have a choice, but it just seems like a way to charge for more Magic Bands. But now, if you don’t want to use one you won’t have to. So there is an upside for some!
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
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