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I’ve Tried Every MagicBand Hack in Disney World and I’m Sharing 4 of My Favorites


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With a team full of theme park reporters, we here at DFB have tried DOZENS of hacks in Disney World over the years!

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Beauty and the Beast Sing Along

From hacks that’ll help you save money to tricks for how to get on rides faster to the ultimate snack hacks, if there’s a new tip out there, chances are that we’ll try it out to see if it works. And along with that list, we’ve tried quite a few MagicBand hacks over the years…now we’re sharing our favorites!

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

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What IS a MagicBand?

For starters, let’s break down what a MagicBand is and does. MagicBands have been around in some variation in Disney World since 2013, but in that time, they’ve had quite a few versions. The latest version of the technology is the MagicBand+, which added on some interactive features that the previous MagicBand 2 didn’t have.

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MagicBand+

These days, you won’t find many MagicBand 2 designs for sale in the parks or online, as Disney seems to be phasing them out slowly in favor of the newer MagicBand+ option. A MagicBand+ is a rechargeable wristband with a light-up puck in the center. It uses RFID technology to assist you in the parks, and can be scanned at various touchpoints to act as your park ticket (IF you already have a park ticket and the MagicBand+ linked to your My Disney Experience account).

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Star Wars R2-D2 Magicband+

You can use your MagicBand+ to do quite a few things, including scan into the parks, scan into Lightning Lanes, unlock your hotel room door, and even charge purchases to your hotel room. So what are the BEST features and hacks that the MagicBands offer? Let’s break it down.

Remove the Puck to Wear It With Your Watch

One of our favorite MagicBand+ hacks is that you can purchase a puck holder for your Apple Watch or other smart watch. With this device, you simply remove the center piece of the MagicBand+, put it in the puck holder, and then slide the holder onto your watch band. It allows you to wear both devices at the same time!

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Apple Watch band MagicBand+ converter

This Luke3DP Watch Adapter Compatible with New 2022 Disney MagicBand+ is available on Amazon currently, and we’ve used it ourselves in the parks! You can order it in several different colors for each of your family members.

GET THE PUCK HOLDER ONLINE HERE!

Charging Purchases to Your Hotel Room

We mentioned above that MagicBands could be used to charge purchases to your hotel room, and many people forget about this particular feature! In order to use this hack, you’ll need to have the card you want to use listed on file for your “incidentals” and be staying at a Disney World Resort. You’ll set up a PIN for each person in your hotel room — without that PIN, they won’t be able to charge their purchases. (Prevents the kiddos from spending recklessly on mom and dad’s dime!)

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Card Reader

Once those things are set up, you can scan your MagicBand to pay at gift shops, snack stands, and various other locations around Disney World. Your purchases will be charged to your hotel room account. How convenient!

Ordering MagicBands at a Discount

For a while, there was a really great perk where Disney World Resort guests could get a free MagicBand with their hotel stay. That was discontinued a few years ago, but Resort guests can still order a MagicBand+ ahead of their trip at a discount!

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MagicBand+

To choose your MagicBand+, you’ll need to log into your Disney World account on the website and have a hotel stay booked for the future. You’ll be given the choice of select MagicBand+ designs, so this is a great deal if you’re not too picky about which pattern you want. The offerings vary throughout the year, so if you don’t see one you like, you can always check back closer to your trip!

Look Out for Special Interactive Elements

And finally, we’ve got to talk about the fun interactive elements of the MagicBand+! You may already know that you can use the MagicBand+ to interact with the Disney Fab 50 character statues around the parks, but did you know that your band may also light up for rides, attractions, and fireworks shows?

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MagicBand+

Depending on the attraction, you may look down at your wrist and discover that your MagicBand+ is lighting up with special haptics and effects to match your expeirence. We’ve noticed this with some entertainment offerings, newer attractions, and the nighttime fireworks shows. It’s a fun little addition that we think kids in particular will enjoy!

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Effects at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

So there you have it — our favorite hacks for using MagicBand+ in Disney World. We’ll keep you in the loop with more tips and tricks for your vacation, so stay tuned.

Click Here for the Guide to MagicBand+!

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.


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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Do you own a MagicBand+? Tell us in the comments!

The post I’ve Tried Every MagicBand Hack in Disney World and I’m Sharing 4 of My Favorites first appeared on the disney food blog.

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