It’s no secret that Disney World is constantly dreaming up new ideas and innovative ways to bring the latest technologies into the parks.

Remember the days when you had to physically walk to a kiosk, scan your Disney ticket, and it would print out a PAPER FastPass? And now, with the help of Genie+, you can skip the line at the touch of a digital button. Disney introduced another piece of innovative technology — the MagicBand — several years ago, a sort of all-in-one wristband that serves as a hotel room key, park “ticket,” can be used to pay for purchases around the parks, and can connect Photopass pictures to your My Disney Experience account. Disney had previously announced that an all-new reimagined MagicBand would be rolling out in the parks, and we’re sharing everything we know about the upgraded tech so far!

MagicBand+ will be rolling out in Disney parks this summer (although we got quite the shock when they were accidentally put out on shelves recently!) and will feature exciting new technology that will allow guests to have even more interaction throughout Disney World. 

So, what exactly is this exciting new technology, and what holds the MagicBand+ apart from its predecessor? The new MagicBand+ will feature much of the same technology as the original:

• Pay for purchases around the parks (for Disney World Resort hotel guests);
• Enter attraction Lightning Lanes booked through Disney Genie;
• And connect Disney PhotoPass pictures to your My Disney Experience account;
• Serve as a Digital Key to enter your Disney World Resort hotel room;
• Serve as your park “ticket” (when linked to pre-purchased valid admission).

But, the MagicBand+ promises to be much more interactive — complete with “color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition” that will activate once guests enter a theme park. Have you spotted the golden 50th Anniversary Statues throughout Disney World? Guests wearing MagicBand+ devices will be able to interact with them! 

As part of the “Disney Fab 50 Quest,” guests can go on a scavenger hunt throughout the parks using their MagicBand+. Take your hunt to the next level by pairing the Play Disney Parks app and unlocking special achievements along the way.

We also know that the MagicBand+ will allow guests to become a bounty hunter in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Test your bounty hunting skills as you look for virtual bounties throughout the land.

Guests will be able to join the Batuu Bounty Hunters’ Guild while playing “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Follow the band’s light patterns and haptic vibrations to complete your mission and get galactic credits in return.

Not only that, but you’ll be able to pair your bounty hunting with the Play Disney Parks app to keep track of your virtual bounty using the built-in augmented reality thermal viewer!

MagicBand+ will feature customizable color-changing lights and vibrations that will “let you feel the magic with light vibrations that bring experiences to life.” Which experiences, you ask? Well, so far we know that the MagicBand+ will light up in sync with both Disney Enchantment (Magic Kingdom) and Harmonious (EPCOT) fireworks shows!

Disney also promises that the MagicBand+ will be a fashionable tech accessory, and will continue to release new styles and varieties of designs just like they did with the original. Unlike the original band, however, the new MagicBand+ is RECHARGEABLE and comes with a power cord. 

Not only that, but it will apparently also work with Amazon Alexa! Exactly how it will interact, we’re not quite sure — but we’ll keep an eye out for more announcements.

The band looks at feels different from a standard MagicBand. You can see the differences here. 

Disney has yet to share any pricing details or an official release date for the MagicBand+ in Disney World and Disneyland, but when the MagicBand+ was accidentally released early on May 1st, 2022, we were able to purchase it for $29.99. We’ll keep an eye out for an official price once Disney announces it. 

Wondering what to do with all of your old MagicBands now that MagicBand+ is coming out? Not to worry, as guests will still be able to purchase and use the current version of MagicBands. 

For the latest on MagicBand+ and more Disney parks news, don’t forget to stay tuned to DFB!

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Will you be upgrading to the interactive MagicBand+ when its officially released? Let us know in the comments!

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