Magic bands and tickets when starting offsite

returnplanning · 17 Jan 21, 04:12 PM

At least some members of our group will want to stick with Magic bands rather than using the apps on their phones. When we have gone previously, we have stayed onsite at the start, and so we picked up our magic Bands at the hotel and they were all linked.

Due to the rearrangement process, we are now staying onsite towards the end of the stay (DVC stay), but are purchasing tickets to start about a week before we go on site.

Apart from shopdisney.com, is there anywhere else that we can pre-purchase Magic Bands? It would be nice to have them sorted before we leave (would use a parcel holding service).

Secondly, does anyone know if we would have to wait until our tickets start to link them? It would be nice on the first day that they start to be able to go straight to the parks without having to queue at the place that does the linkage.

Thanks

**Dr.JumbaJookiba** · 17 Jan 21, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by returnplanning

Apart from shopdisney.com, is there anywhere else that we can pre-purchase Magic Bands? It would be nice to have them sorted before we leave (would use a parcel holding service).

There's some on Ebay or maybe try a personal shopper?

Originally Posted by returnplanning

Secondly, does anyone know if we would have to wait until our tickets start to link them? It would be nice on the first day that they start to be able to go straight to the parks without having to queue at the place that does the linkage.

Thanks

You can link them to MDE online as soon as you receive them , all you need is the code off the band.

luckystrikes · 17 Jan 21, 08:19 PM

Last time we went we were staying in a villa, so when we arrived and unpacked we had a quick drive to Disney Springs and bought some magic bands. When we got back to the villa we linked them via the app. Was really easy and worked for our first visit to the park the next day.

Shkyler · 18 Jan 21, 07:50 AM

We�re planning on doing the same as staying offsite, I think someone mentioned that there�s a store in the airport in MCO that you can also buy them

bighal · 18 Jan 21, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by Dr.JumbaJookiba

There's some on Ebay or maybe try a personal shopper?

You can link them to MDE online as soon as you receive them , all you need is the code off the band.

I would avoid buying magic bands from anywhere apart from official Disney stores unless you just want to collect them and not use them. There is no guarantee that they have not already been linked to another MDE acount buying from other sources.

Nimbus · 18 Jan 21, 01:53 PM

By the way, you can use your old Magic Bands that you've had from previous onsite stays. You don't have to get new ones each time you visit.

Those old MagicBands will still be linked to your account. Therefore when you link the tickets to your account then they'll also be linked to those old MagicBands (as well as any new MagicBands you buy).

You can link tickets to your account as soon as you have the ticket details. Linking tickets does not activate them; using the ticket (either via a MagicBand or a plastic card) to enter a park activates the ticket.

rnewman1 · 21 Jan 21, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Nimbus

By the way, you can use your old Magic Bands that you've had from previous onsite stays. You don't have to get new ones each time you visit.

Those old MagicBands will still be linked to your account. Therefore when you link the tickets to your account then they'll also be linked to those old MagicBands (as well as any new MagicBands you buy).

You can link tickets to your account as soon as you have the ticket details. Linking tickets does not activate them; using the ticket (either via a MagicBand or a plastic card) to enter a park activates the ticket.

Hi, anyone know if the bands have batteries and how long they last? I have the toy story ones from 2019 and wondered if these would still work?

If they do have batteries and they run out, do Disney replace them? Thanks

**Dr.JumbaJookiba** · 21 Jan 21, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by rnewman1

Hi, anyone know if the bands have batteries and how long they last? I have the toy story ones from 2019 and wondered if these would still work?

If they do have batteries and they run out, do Disney replace them? Thanks

The batteries are estimated to last a couple of years and aren't replaceable. They will continue to open room doors and give park access though but won't work long range for ride pictures like on 7DMT.

Nimbus · 21 Jan 21, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by rnewman1

Hi, anyone know if the bands have batteries and how long they last? I have the toy story ones from 2019 and wondered if these would still work?

If they do have batteries and they run out, do Disney replace them? Thanks

MagicBands have two different functions:

1. Short Range function. This is where you tap the MagicBand next to a scanner, such as when you enter a park, enter a fastpass queue, open your room door, link Photopass photographers photos to your account, charge items to your room account (if onsite), etc.

2. Long Range function. This is where things happen automatically without you tapping the Magicband next to something. So, for example, when ride photos and videos are automatically linked to your account or when your name appears on some screens in the park.

The short range function does not require batteries at all. This function will last 'forever'. So tapping to enter a park or fastpass queue will always work even after the batteries have long since died.

The long range function does use batteries. Disney has indicated that the batteries last for about 2 years. The long range function in your 2019 MagicBands will possibly still work at the moment but probably not next year. Unfortunately you can't replace the batteries.