Yesterday, Disney shared a few reopening details including the fact that they would be canceling Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Magic Kingdom
They also announced that the Epcot Food and Wine Festival would kick off on July 15th this year. And just this morning, Disney shared a full list of tours and special events that will not take place during the initial phase of reopening.
Now, they have just released a BIG update regarding MagicBands. Disney will be discontinuing FREE MagicBands in January 2021. Previously, Disney World Hotel guests would receive a complimentary solid colored MagicBand. This will no longer be the case beginning next year.
MagicBand Options ©Disney
Instead, Disney plans to launch new offerings as part of the My Disney Experience app that will bring features of a MagicBand to your smart devices. While expanding upon the app’s Digital Key Feature (which allows guests to unlock their rooms using their smartphones), Disney will be “retiring complimentary MagicBand distribution” for all Disney Resort hotel guests starting January 1st, 2021.
MagicBand reader in Walt Disney World
Disney Resort hotel guests will still be able to purchase new MagicBands at a discounted price, and Disney says they will continue releasing new MagicBand colors and designs. These will continue to be sold at retail locations as well as online.
New MagicBand display at World of Disney
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’ll continue to provide you further details as soon as they’re released!
What do you think about Disney’s decision to discontinue distributing free MagicBands to resort guests? Let us know in the comments below!