Do you know what the Disney MagicBand Plus colors are for you?
In this post, instead of giving you the latest on our favorite ride or food options at the most magical theme parks, I’m going to talk about something a little bit different…
… Your ThemeParkHipster style!
Today, I’m going to discuss everyone’s favorite wearable technology at Disney World: Magic Bands!
This article is going to be your one stop shop for all things Disney Magic Bands!
From what they do, to how to get one, to more importantly…what colors and styles are available.
That way you can plan your next Disney World visit confidently, knowing that your Magic Band will match your favorite park ‘fit!
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
What is a Disney World MagicBand Anyway?
Introduced to the Orlando, Florida Walt Disney World resort location in January of 2013, Disney MagicBands were a technological solution to a better guest experience.
The idea was: no more carrying around your park tickets, Lightning Lane reservations, room key, wallet, and credit card all over the parks all day. Why do that when you can wear it all in one place!
In essence, Disney’s MagicBand is a rubber bracelet that will make your pockets lighter and your guest experiences more efficient and convenient.
Essentially, by using the My Disney Experience app or website, or by visiting a concierge or Guest Relations desk, you can link up as much or as little information to your DisneyMagicBand as you’d like.
From your park ticket, to their room key, to their credit card, the more you link up, the less cards you have to carry around!
ORDER NOW to secure your Orlando theme park ticket reservation in the parks! GET MY TICKETS.
What are the Disney MagicBand Colors?
Below are the standard solid colors to choose from.
Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Read the Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
Walt Disney World MagicBands: Then and Now
Over the past 10 years, the system of Disney World’s MagicBands has pretty much been the same.
However, the technology has changed as we’re now on the third version called the MagicBand Plus which allows you to experience fun interactions throughout the parks.
How to Use Your Disney MagicBand Plus
- Step 1: Book a Disney Resort or Disney Park visit.
- Step 2: About two weeks before your visit, you receive an email reminding you to choose your Disney Magic Band color.
- Step 3: Personalize the inside of the Magic Bands with your name/text of your choice.
- Step 4: Have the Disney MagicBands shipped to your home in preparation for your vacation visit.
From 2013 until 2020, this process was free of charge, for all Walt Disney World resort guests…however, you should know that this is no longer be the case!
New Changes
As of January 1, 2021, guests staying on Disney property are now expected to pay for a Disney MagicBand.
This was likely to cut costs for the Disney company, although don’t fret, if you’re not interested in paying for one, Disney Magic Bands aren’t 100% necessary for Disney guests. (But I’ll get into that more in the FAQ section below.)
“But, what if I’m not interested in staying in a Walt Disney World hotel or resort, but I still want a Disney Magic Band for my park visit…Can I still get one?” you might be wondering.
The short answer is yes. But again, check out the “Walt Disney World MagicBands FAQ” section below for more details.
Join the Conversation on the Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Community on Facebook!
Walt Disney World MagicBand Tips
Just like any other facet of your Walt Disney World stay, the Magic Bands have their own set of tips and tricks that you should learn before getting one for the first time!
See our favorite MagicBand hacks below!
1. Personalize the Inside – for Free!
If you are staying on Walt Disney World property and therefore ordering your Disney Magic Band ahead of your stay, I’ve got some good news!
Not only can you select from one of the nine Disney Magic Band colors (listed above), but you can also opt to put your name on the inside for free!
This is a fun detail that shouldn’t be missed!
Especially if you’ve got a unique Disney nickname you’d like to add…maybe something like Happy, Sleepy, Dopey, or Grumpy…if you catch my drift?
2. Add Your Credit Card Info
Ok, I know this may sound like an “unsafe” idea at first, but hear us out.
For those of you who’d like to enjoy a convenient, efficient, touch-free park experience, (remember, less touching = less germ spread!) then consider doing this.
Use the My Disney Experience app or website, or visit a concierge or Guest Relations station on property (there’s one in each of the four parks and Disney Springs). Ask to hook up your credit card info.
Just like with any typical debit card, you’ll also be asked to set up a 4-digit pin number to go with it. This keeps your payment information safe and private.
So now, anytime you’re anywhere on Walt Disney World property, from a gift shop to a restaurant, all you have to do is touch your Disney MagicBand to the mickey head.
Input your pin number, and BAM you’ve paid for your purchase without touching or exchanging cash or plastic cards!
Save on your Disney World tickets with Tripadvisor TODAY!
3. Personalize the Fit
If you’ve got small wrists, then listen up to this trick! All Disney MagicBands are made of a rubber material and have multiple holes in the wristband to personalize the size.
However, if you have extremely small wrists, you can make the fit even more comfortable! Simply remove the extra piece of rubber on the wristband and throw it away for a tighter, comfier fit.
4. Connect Your PhotoPass Account and Park Tickets
Yet another way to personalize your Disney MagicBand+ and make your park experience more efficient is by adding your park tickets and PhotoPass account to your band.
Again, this is another option that can be done through the My Disney Experience website or app, or at any Guest Relations or concierge location.
Both your park tickets and PhotoPass accounts have unique serial numbers.
Simply input this information into My Disney Experience and suddenly you don’t need to carry around your PhotoPass card or Park Tickets as all that information will be stored on your band.
Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide
Walt Disney World MagicBand FAQs
Now that we have the basics out-of-the-way, let’s go through a few of the most common questions regarding your MagicBand.
Are Disney World MagicBands Free?
As I explained above, the Disney MagicBands are no longer free and range from $34.99 to $64.99
Where can I get a Walt Disney World MagicBand?
For guests who want a more exciting color or design option for their Disney World Magic Band, don’t worry!
There’s plenty of places for you to purchase unique ones at locations such as:
- The Emporium on Main Street of Magic Kingdom
- MouseGear in Epcot
- Windtraders in Animal Kingdom
- Adrian and Edith’s Head to Toe in Hollywood Studios
- World of Disney in Disney Springs and so much more!
Or, if you haven’t arrived on Disney World property yet and want to order ahead of time, check out the Disney Store. Search “MagicBands” to see all the latest and most popular options!
WATCH: 13 Beginner Tips for Going to Disney World This Year!
What Disney Magic Band Colors and Designs are Available?
The amount of Disney Magic Band colors and designs are endless!
From more traditional designs featuring Mickey or Minnie, to limited edition ones like park anniversaries or discontinued rides or characters, the price you pay will reflect how rare your Magic Band is.
Remember though, regardless of your Disney MagicBand+ color or design, they all work the same. So what you’re really paying for is aesthetic.
And Disney has done a great job of creating such a large array of designs, we’re sure there’s one that every ThemeParkHipster will enjoy!
How can I choose my Disney Magic Band Color?
If you’re staying on Disney Property, you can choose your color by logging into your My Disney Experience account via the app or online.
According to Disney, Guests that have a Disney Resort hotel reservation or an Annual Pass may receive a special pre-arrival price on a customized MagicBand+ if they purchase through My Disney Experience prior to their arrival. Resort Guests qualify for the discount 6 or more days prior to their Resort hotel reservation. Annual Passholders are eligible to purchase a specially priced MagicBand or MagicBand+ per Annual Pass.
Once your account is created and activated, click on “My Disney Experience Account” and then “My Magic Bands and Cards” from the drop down menu.
This will bring you to all your customizable options like Disney MagicBand colors, inscriptions, linked accounts and park tickets, etc.
If you’re not staying on Disney property, then you’ll have to choose your Magic Band color or design the old fashioned way: by shopping in store or online!
Can I put my Lightning Lane Selections on my Magic Band?
Yes! You can link your Disney Lightning Lane selections to your Magic Band!
This makes hopping into the attraction line even faster and more convenient, in case you didn’t think that was possible!
Do I need a Magic Band to go to Disney World?
The short answer is no. You don’t need a Disney Magic Band to enjoy the four Orlando theme parks.
However, at the same time, do Magic Bands make your Disney visit more convenient? Yes. Do the majority of guests have them? Yes.
But, even still, you can do everything a guest with a MagicBand can do, without one. Just instead of having your park ticket, PhotoPass, and room key in one place, you’ll have them all on separate cards.
The bottom line? Don’t feel pressured to purchase or get a Disney Magic Band if they don’t fit your vibe or will cause you discomfort.
But at the same time, keep in mind that they are safe to use (you need to scan your Magic Band to confirm your identity before entering the park) and they are waterproof.
Which means you don’t have to worry about damaging or losing your credit card, cash, or wallet on roller coasters or water rides!
Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
My Final Thoughts on Choosing One of the Best Disney MagicBand Colors
Overall, here at ThemeParkHipster, we’re a big fan of the Disney World Magic Bands!
They let you show off your Disney style, rep your favorite characters, and enjoy an efficient day at the park all at once.
It feels great walking around the park hands-free with no purse or full pockets, because you know everything you need is right on your wrist! We also love that they’re reusable.
Buy or receive your Disney Magic Band once, and use it for the rest of your Disney days!
So, now that you’re a pro on all things MagicBand, if you’ve never used one before, are you excited to try one? Or, if you’ve already had your fair share of Disney MagicBand wear time, what’s your favorite color? We’d love to hear in the comments below.
As always, thanks for joining us and choosing ThemeParkHipster to be your guide for all things amusement parks!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Gina is a former Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who enjoys reliving the magic by writing helpful tips and tricks for future guests!
Check out more about her Disney adventures and writing endeavors here on ThemeParkHipster or Florida Hipster!
(Original Article Date: January 27, 2015/Updated by Editor on August 19, 2024)