Disney World Offers Gift Cards & Refunds for MagicBand+ Delays
Walt Disney World is making lemonade out of lemons, with a great example of guest recovery following shipping delays to discounted MagicBand+ designs purchased pre-arrival by Walt Disney World resort guests. This post takes a look at the refunds and gift cards being offered, as well as our experience with the order fulfillment issue.
As you might be aware, one of the Walt Disney World on-site guest benefits is a pre-arrival discount on MagicBands, which includes the new MagicBand+ as well as the standard MagicBand 2. Up until last year, the basic colors were free and only limited edition or other special graphics had an upgrade charge.
There have been a variety of supply chain issues with the MagicBand pre-arrival upgrade option in the last several months, all of which are beyond the scope of this post. Suffice to say, inventory has been extremely limited and delays are common. This made it all the more surprising when MagicBand+ debuted, and there were more designs being offered via the pre-arrival program than at Walt Disney World or on shopDisney.
The pre-arrival discount for MagicBand+ went live on the same date that the devices started being sold in stores at Walt Disney World and on shopDisney. Anticipating more supply chain chaos or other headaches, we were up bright and early, placing our order at around 5 am on July 27.
As it turned out, this was unnecessary. After the initial surge of morning purchases died down, all 33 MagicBand+ designs remained available later in the day…and week. Even right now, all 33 styles are still available. This is mentioned because it’s relatively unprecedented. Normally, if I share screenshots of regular MagicBand inventory at 9 am, readers report seeing different options by 10 am. This has been the case since the beginning of the upgrade program, and has been exacerbated by the supply chain challenges of the last several months.
Anyway, a few days before our Walt Disney World trip, we started seeing comments from readers that their MagicBand+ orders still had not been fulfilled even though they were about to leave for vacation. Others had their orders cancelled without notice or explanation. Some shared their experiences in contacting Disney, which suggested this was a known issue and problem that would impact a lot of people with trips in (at least) August 2022.
We checked on our order, and sure enough, same thing. The day we departed for Walt Disney World, the message on the Your MagicBand Order page still says: “Congratulations! You’ve made your selections and your MagicBands will be shipped to your home.” However, our order status is still “Processing.” Short of the device being teleported to us, there was no way we were going to get it before leaving for our stay.
We were advised that it was possible that our order had been re-routed from our home address to our hotel, so we didn’t bother doing anything more. There’s also the fact that this is a minimal amount of money, and Walt Disney World telephone hold times can be ridiculous.
To each their own, but there’s no scenario in which I’m going to spend 1-2 hours on the phone for a possible solution to a ~$35 problem. My personal philosophy learned over the course of many years in dealing with Disney is to try letting the issue sort itself out. This approach has been successful time and time again.
Our MagicBand+ order status did change to “Shipped” later on our day of departure, and was updated with USPS tracking info. At the time, it only said: “Picked Up by Shipping Partner, USPS Awaiting Item – DAVENPORT, FL 33897 – Shipping Partner: OSM WORLDWIDE.” There was nothing indicative of destination, so it was still unclear whether the order would be waiting for us at the resort or waiting for us at home when we returned.
Upon check-in, we inquired and found out that the MagicBand+ order was not at the resort (although the Cast Member did check as other orders had been directed to the front desk). They requested that we return the following morning to see if it had arrived then, and if not, they’d come up with a solution. This was perfectly fine by us, as it was late and we didn’t need to use the band that evening.
By the following morning, it was clear from USPS tracking that the MagicBand+ order wasn’t heading to the resort, so we returned to the front desk. Cast Members there issued a credit to our folio for the MSRP cost of the MagicBand+ device, which was a perfectly satisfactory solution from our perspective. The order would still be waiting for us at home, and we could buy another at the Emporium, where inventory was abundant.
From our perspective, this was a guest recovery win. Cast Members were friendly and helpful, the process was smooth and easy, and we felt more than fully compensated for the inconvenience. It gets even “better,” as Walt Disney World has sent out the following email to those experiencing this problem:
We are reaching out about the recent MagicBand+ order you made through My Disney Experience. Due to overwhelming popularity, we are unable to fulfill your order in time for your arrival at Walt Disney World Resort. Therefore, your order will be complimentary.
If you were charged, a refund will be automatically processed back to your original form of payment within 7 business days. Your MagicBands will still ship to the address provided, at no cost to you so you can use it for future visits.
In addition, if you’d like to purchase other MagicBands to use at the Walt Disney World Resort for this visit, to provide the discount you were offered online, we will be sending you a $50 digital Disney Gift Card that you may use toward the purchase of a MagicBand+ at a Walt Disney World Resort retail location, or you may apply it toward the purchase of other Disney merchandise or experiences (see DisneyGiftCard.com for details and participating locations). A separate email will be sent with your digital Disney gift card.
Please accept our sincerest apologies. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you real soon!
So not only will impacted guests receive a gift card for more than the full price cost of a MagicBand+ device, but also a refund on the original purchase, and the original order will be complimentary. In other words, this amounts to receiving a windfall of the MagicBand+ plus $50 from Walt Disney World.
This is really great to see, and proves that Walt Disney World can still do an exemplary job of going above and beyond to fix a problem and recover from a bad experience. Over the years, we’ve heard countless stories like this, and even experienced a few ourselves. While this doesn’t undo all of the damage of the last few years, it does go to show that there are still people at Disney who care and know how to make right by guests. We love to see it.
In a nutshell, that’s the point of this post. Anyone who is impacted likely already knew about the solution thanks to the email (although maybe not–all of our MagicBand-related emails have been flagged as SPAM, no matter how many times we unflag them).
Nonetheless, it’s nice to know when Walt Disney World does something good–the old school approach to delivering exemplary guest service. We focus a lot on perceived negatives, so it’s only appropriate to point out the positives, too. It’s true that the company as a whole is putting profits above all else to a greater degree than in the past–but it’s also true that there are still people working at Walt Disney World who believe in the Disney Difference, and try to do right for fans and first-timers alike.
If there’s any other takeaway to this post, it’s to not call the moment you identify a potential problem with Walt Disney World. I’m 100% serious about this and my approach of letting things work themselves out, if at all possible. I only ever pick up the phone as an absolute last resort.
Quite often, issues like this aren’t identified internally as a trend impacting batches of bookings until after fans on the internet spot a trend and freak out. Those who call early will wait on hold, and usually receive an inconclusive answer. By contrast, those who wait will frequently have an answer “come to them” without being proactive about it.
Obviously, use your discretion when following or not following this advice. If the problem you’re experiencing seems like an isolated glitch related to only your reservation and the stakes are high, you should call ASAP. If it’s relatively inconsequential, maybe wait and see. My personal “test” is the likelihood anyone on the phone is going to have a satisfactory solution or whether I can ignore the problem until arriving at Walt Disney World and get it fixed in-person. If the latter apply, I wait. That definitely was the right approach with the MagicBand+ shipping delay!
The newest wearable also has new features, including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition. It also pairs to your smartphone using the My Disney Experience app. There are also MagicBand+ minigames revolving around Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary statues and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Suffice to say, there’s a lot you can do with MagicBand+ at WDW. For everything you need to know about the interactive bands, see our FAQ for MagicBand+ at Walt Disney World!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you had any MagicBand+ order issues or shipping delays? Did you receive the email above with the refund and gift card information? Do you feel that this is a satisfactory–or better–solution to the problem? Other thoughts or points to address? Excited about using the MagicBand+ at Walt Disney World? Will you hold off on purchasing current gen MagicBands now, or do you not really care about the interactivity? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
We placed our order on 08/06/22. We got confirmation and a tracking # that they have shipped on 08/18/22. A 12 day turn isn’t too bad, all things considered.
I ordered back in July and only ordered the magicband 2 bands. I have not received and email of any sort in regards to the delay and it just says in progress on the order page. Unsure what to do at this point.
I wish WDW would make a Magic Band 2 or Fort Wilderness. They never have had one and I am sure a lot of people that go there would appreciate it.
I have ALWAYS found Disney’s customer service tremendous. They really bend over backwards to help you. For example yesterday we had Wild Africa Trek scheduled. The phone wan’t working all that well so I went to the desk and requested someone knock on our door at 7 am. Turns out we didn’t need it but sure enough a man came round at 7AM. When we returned they had taken care of a few other items I’d asked for. This is always how it is. Once lost my refillable mug on the Keys to the MK Tour. My fault not theirs but went to lost and found at town Hall in the hopes someone might turn it in. They said come back tomorrow and when I showed up they surprised me with a voucher for not one but TWO refillable mugs (obviously they figured me out). They take care of problems quickly. We ordered a total of 6 MB+s’. They were attached to three of our 6 resort stays on our now current trip. A few days before we left home I did call. Not having the financial resources of a blogger the total of $75. 86 (for two) times three is a great motivator. Besides I just put the call on speaker phone and listen to the music. Sometimes I call and do that just because I’m too lazy to get up and play the cd. Long story short the lady I dealt with was very gracious and followed up with us the next day. Right now it seems all three pairs will be free though there was one anomaly. The first two pairs shipped we were charged that $75.86 but the third pair they only charged me $5.86. The shipping fee? Haven’t gotten any money back yet but did get the $50 gift card. Yesterday we picked up two in AK. Disney customer service is the best but in all honesty in this case I don’t see what other choice they had. They can’t assume a person will return to use them and they are as useless as a Harry Potter wand from Universal once you get it home. They can’t keep your money for an item they didn’t deliver in time and they can’t expect you to pay full price at the parks/resorts/Disney Springs when you had the pre-order discount BUT they could have offered $10 in a gift card stipulating it must be used on a MB+ rather than a $50 gift card that can be used on anything you want. Way to go Disney!!! Thank you.
Hello,
Can you explain the difference between the magic band+ versus the magic band 2
I had a very nice resolution when I went to the resort desk (since my order was still “in progress” last week when we arrived). They gave me $50 for each MB+ purchased (as credit on a gift card) to use any way we wanted. Plus, I came home to find an additional $50 gift card code in my email. I am curious if we will still get the original order (not that I need it, of course). $200 for three MBs ordered!
While I was swimming with my MB+ on, the Disney lifeguard suggested I take mine off as they were receiving reports that they aren’t truly waterproof. Have you heard this?
We ordered 5 for our trip and had a very similar experience but instead of a $50 gift card we received $100, maybe because of the quantity. A full refund, being able to keep the bands and $100 is certainly a very fair solution in my opinion and nice to see them doing the right thing.
Thanks for this update! Called Disney on the 8/12 because our order placed on the 27th still said in progress. Was told they received an internal memo that morning stating if checking in 8/24 or before the bands would ship to resort. That night got an email they were shipped to home and as of 8/15 still awaiting USPS. Not confident they’ll arrive before we leave, but this new info about the resort making it right makes me feel much less stressed about it.
I just got the email that mine was shipped. Of course the tracking says “Picked up by shipping partner”. I wonder if it doesn’t arrive by the date I leave will they reimburse me. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
Hi Tom! I am planning on placing our MAGICBAND+ order today for my Aug 23rd arrival. (Today is the last day that we’re allowed to order.) Do you think that I will get my magicband+ ? They have quite a few designs that I can order, so does that mean they are available if they are an option for me to order? Or is it possible that it won’t be there at the resort when I arrive? Thank you!
I ordered mine first thing in the morning like you did Tom and it arrived Saturday (August 13th) in the mail. My trip isn’t for another 2 weeks, so I’m good. I followed the shipping process and while my order was marked fulfilled and shipped within 10 days, it spent the rest of the time with ODW.
Just checked – and my order has been billed and shipped – and our arrival isn’t until the end of October!
Seems like Disney should have prioritized orders ( esp. those rec’d on the first day) so that people arriving soonest got their bands first.
3 month shipping? You must of paid extra
Wow. That’s a little surprising (but maybe shouldn’t be). Good news for you, though!
I now feel like I am being cheated. I got no email, and my order is still saying “processing” so am I ever going to see my Magic Band Plus. As usual not everyone is being treated the same.
Did you check your spam folder? I’ve found it’s common for emails from Disney to end up in there. Beyond that, you’re right, receiving emails from them is very hit or miss. If you haven’t received the MB+ order by your trip, I’d definitely ask the front desk about the gift card and refund. I doubt eligibility hinges upon receipt of the email.
That’s good- they doing the right thing.
I think I’m now hoping my magic bands don’t arrive before my trip
I find it very disappointing that they do not ship to Canada. While I have very old bands I am unable to link them. I now have to purchase at full price when I arrive at the resort. With the Canadian dollar being what it is any discount would have been helpful
June, you can still order the prearrival magicbands from Canada. The only difference is that it’ll be shipped to your resort, not to your house.
Hi Tom,
How long before your scheduled arrival did you receive the email from Disney?
We ordered on 7/27, our resort arrival date is 8/30, but we haven’t received any email from Disney. Maybe they hope to have the orders fulfilled in the next few weeks.
The email was sent on our arrival date–but I think it also went out to people who will be impacted for the next couple weeks.
I wouldn’t sweat it (yet) if your arrival date is 8/30. (Personally, I wouldn’t sweat it at all. This is a better outcome than having the MagicBand+ arrive on time IMO.)
So good to hear that Disney is keeping to high customer service standards and it all worked out for you in the end..
We had an issue with our room at CBR last May and we were so pleased that management went above and beyond to make things right.
Any idea how far out (or how soon) a guest’s stay must be for them to be contacted? Are they expecting a long delay?
We ordered 5 magic band +’s on July 27th but our arrival isn’t until September 21st. It still says processing and I know it’s way too soon to worry about them being late, just thought we’d ask if you think this shipping delay will be ongoing.
“It still says processing and I know it’s way too soon to worry about them being late, just thought we’d ask if you think this shipping delay will be ongoing.”
I have zero insight, sorry!
I will say that the store shelves at Walt Disney World are incredibly well stocked with MagicBand+, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything–the same has been true with regular MagicBands despite the supply chain issues impacting the pre-arrival orders.
My guess is that they got inundated with orders on day one and have been digging out. Given that ours shipped on our arrival date in mid-August suggests that they’re not *too* far behind. I’d expect the problem to be resolved this month–not next.
Then again, I’ve expected a lot of things to happen on optimistic timelines in the last ~2 years, so take that with a grain of salt. 😉
Thanks for the update. We were in a similar boat, and left for Disney World with a slight disappointment not having bands yet. We also got complimentary bands at the resort and went to the party (great to see you last night – and we are still not worthy). But I also want to throw the compliments back at your philosophy to Disney. It is easy to shelve our complaints at a person in charge, but I love thinking of how each of these decisions are made by people who love this place as much or more than we do. I love your posts, and love these posts even more. Thanks.
It was also great to see you, and I forgot to mention, but your costumes were excellent! Always impressed by those who go all-out in the August weather.
Hope you had a good night despite the rain…and also that you got those Magic Shots. Our headless horseman one is currently just a photo of us looking terrified at the sight of a building in Liberty Square. Pretty amusing, actually.
We saw the same thing this morning. Both of ours have now been updated. Keep up the work. You are appreciated. Especially loved your tribute earlier this year. You and he were the two we always read.
“My personal philosophy learned over the course of many years in dealing with Disney is to try letting the issue sort itself out. This approach has been successful time and time again.”
Would you mind if I go ahead and apply this to the totality of my life? Okay, i admit it,.. I’ve been doing just that all along,.. Squirrels in the attic? They’ll find their way out,.. and so forth
I was recently reading an article in National Geographic about how there’s newly discovered evidence suggesting that cats domesticated themselves to form a symbiotic relationship with humans.
Given enough time, your squirrel situation should resolve itself the same way. It’s only logical. (Note: I am not a squirrel expert…yet!)