MagicBand 2 Photos & Unboxing
The MagicBand 2 is now shipping, and ours just arrived for our next trip to Walt Disney World; we thought we’d show them to you in this post. We’ll start out with some thoughts on them, and also add a visual side by side comparison to the OG MagicBands. Oh, and in true internet form, we’ll share an unboxing video. (I don’t know why unboxing videos are a “thing” but some people seem to like them, so whatever…)
Let’s start with a brief overview: MagicBand 2 is the successor to the original MagicBand, and the primary differences here are the new one being slightly larger yet lighter, and having a removable “puck” style that allow it to be placed in keychains and other (presumably upcoming) accessories. Fret not, as it’s almost physically impossible for the puck to fall out–you need a screwdriver. I’m actually surprised that they didn’t go the FitBit route and allow them to pop out a bit easier.
Additionally, there’s significantly less packaging. Our last MagicBands came in a thick box featuring the Incredibles, which itself was inside of another box for shipment. The shipping box doubles as the packaging here, with Cinderella Castle pictured on the inside. I’m sure this amounts to cost-savings for Disney, but it’s also more eco-friendly, so win-win.
My assumption is that cost-savings were the impetus behind switching to the removable puck style. Even as production costs have dropped significantly, they are still around $5 per MagicBand and almost all of that can be attributed to the HF RFID and RF tech inside the MagicBand.
With that tech now in the puck, Disney can sell tech-less MagicBands at a higher margin, and potentially send guests future MagicBands sans pucks. It’s hard to envision the raw material for the thermoplastic polyurethane band costing more than a few cents (the old packaging probably cost more than the plastic in the bands).
If you’re wondering, the MagicBand 2 started shipping right around the beginning of 2017, with some slight overlap between the old and new bands. By this point, if you’re booking a Walt Disney World vacation now or in the future, you should almost certainly receive the MagicBand 2.
That is, unless they get recalled for exploding on flights. (Hopefully Disney didn’t use the same suppliers as Samsung…) We’re guessing that’s pretty unlikely, though, so you should receive your own set of MagicBand 2s the next time you travel to Walt Disney World…
Finally, to my knowledge, unlike the stupid new refillable mugs, the MagicBand 2 is officially* microwave safe! At least, I assume so.
There’s no warning telling me otherwise, so that means I can do it and I’m not responsible for the consequences because no one warned me otherwise. I’m pretty hyped to microwave this bad boy!
That’s really about all there is to know about the MagicBand 2 (at least to my knowledge–if you have questions, ask), so here’s the unboxing:
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! For Walt Disney World news, tips, discount info, and free eBook downloads sign up for our free monthly newsletter.
Your Thoughts
What do you think of the MagicBand 2? Do you prefer the lighter new design? Wish it were smaller or had a sleeker profile? Wish you could just ditch the MagicBand completely and have the whole system integrated into your smartphone? Share any questions or additional thoughts you have in the comments!
Do you know if you still get the cute shipping box if you order the magic bands from ShopDisney? Or does it only come this way if you get with your resort reservation?
Do you know if it is possible to utilize more than one MagicBand for the same trip? For example, if I wanted to switch bands between days, is that easily achieved? Thanks for all you do!
I am staying off site and have 4 days tickets to WDW, which I ordered through Parks Saver. Do we have to purchase magic bands or are do they come with the tickets? I am a first timer, so what purpose does it serve?
MagicBands are provided by Disney when you stay at a Disney-owned hotel. Think of them like a universal remote: they work as a hotel room key, Disney Dining Plan credit repository, park ticket storage, and FastPass+ repository.
You don’t need them, but you can purchase one if you want. Or, you can just use your park tickets (to enter the park, and for FastPass+).
Hello,
Do you have to purchase the Magic Bands separately or does it come with the purchase of the tickets? We bought our tickets through the WDW website and booked our hotel with them as well. Our trip is scheduled for the first week of May, 2018.
My trip isn’t until next year, but I am extremely happy to see the 2.0 version. I hate anything around my wrist or close to my throat, almost to the point of claustrophobic proportions. It drives me to distraction to even have sleeve cuffs near my wrist. This new version is perfect for people like me because of the ability to put the chip into the magic keeper instead of losing part of my Disney magic to the trapped wrist feeling.
I have magic bands from 2015. I’m sadly staying off site and only making a day trip to MK. Do I need to buy new bands or can I reuse my old ones?
You can reuse the old ones!
I used the new bands this week, and so far I prefer the old ones just because these are bulkier and don’t fit on the same arm as my fitbit as well. But I guess I have to get used to them or figure something out to attach it to my fitbit band. These are the ones I got, in case you wanna see more videos of them 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DToWdcGOZtM
I do love the purple color, I am glad they added that, I know it has been a while, but this was my first time getting it.
I really prefer the old, narrower band. I like less obvious. Sad tO see the BIG wide design of the new ones
I want the new lighter new design with softener colors. 🙂
When will the solid color magic band 2s be available for purchase online?
But wait! Will you still be able to personalize them?! (Asking for a friend..)
We are staying off site, where can you get this new magic bands? Online it only shows the old ones.
I’m here at Disney as I write and have used the new band. I love it!!!!!!! The new design makes it easier to open the resort room door and to make purchases with, I even liked the new mailing packaging. I was wondering when Disney would find a more cost effective way of mailing the bands and also ease of opening.