If you’ve been to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort in the last few years, you’re probably familiar with the MagicBand+ wristband, a wearable device you can purchase to add convenience and immersive elements to your Disney Parks visit.
DisneyBand+ is Disney Cruise Line’s version of MagicBand+. An optional add-on that is not included in Disney cruise fares, DisneyBand+ is a collectible, waterproof wristband that connects to a passenger’s onboard account. The wearable device is designed to enhance the Disney cruise experience with hands-free convenience and extra onboard magic.
Disney Cruise Line passengers who purchase DisneyBand+ for eligible sailings can use it to access their staterooms and kids’ clubs, tap to pay for onboard items, link cruise photos to their stateroom, and activate magical, interactive features throughout Disney cruise ships. DisneyBand+ uses haptic vibrations and light pulses during interactive moments around Disney cruise ships and during fireworks shows.
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If you already have a MagicBand+ from a Disney Parks visit, you can use it on your Disney cruise as a DisneyBand+ for select ships and itineraries. Currently, DisneyBand+ is available for select sailings on the Disney Wish, the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Magic, the Disney Dream, and select voyages on board the Disney Wonder.
If you don’t already have a MagicBand+, you can purchase DisneyBand+ onboard or online with the cruise line in advance of your sailing. Prices for DisneyBand+ start at $34.99 for solid bands. Themed designs cost $44.99, plus tax.
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Image source: Walt Disney
Using DisneyBand+ had a major port day drawback – until now
Many Disney cruisers like the hands-free convenience of using DisneyBand+ in place of a cruise keycard and find it especially helpful for kids who are likely to lose their keycards. Families love the extra touch of magic it adds to the Disney cruise experience too.
But until recently, there was a major port day drawback to using DisneyBand+. All passengers still needed to make sure to have their keycards on hand to present them to leave and board the ship in ports of call.
As of September 2024, Disney Cruise Line has enhanced DisneyBand+’s appeal. Passengers who purchase a DisneyBand+ for their cruise can now use it for easier debarkation and embarkation at all ports of call. Passengers can simply tap their DisneyBand+ wristband to leave and board the ship.
Previously, passengers using DisneyBand+ still needed to present their Disney Cruise Line Key to the World cards when getting on and off the ship in ports of call.
Keep in mind that whether you use DisneyBand+ or a Key to the World card, a photo ID is still required to debark and embark at ports of call.
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Things to know about purchasing and using DisneyBand+
Most passengers choose to purchase DisneyBand+ online prior to their cruise to save time onboard and to be able to choose from more band design options. If you’re planning to purchase one, keep in mind that prices for the bands can be higher onboard too.
When ordering DisneyBand+ online, you won’t be charged for shipping and you can also choose to have your DisneyBand+ personalized with your name and an available color. Orders must be placed at least 11 days prior to your sail date. Shipping is only available to U.S. residents.
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If you purchase DisneyBand+ prior to your cruise, wear it on embarkation day. At check-in, a terminal agent will activate it for onboard use.
Don’t forget to pack the charging cable. DisneyBand+ has a rechargeable battery and comes with a USB charging cable. Disney Cruise Line recommends charging it once before embarkation and nightly during your cruise. The charging light is bright so some cruisers choose to charge them in their stateroom bathroom.
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If you forget to charge your DisneyBand+ and the battery runs out, you’ll still be able to use it for stateroom entry and to charge purchases to your onboard account. But without battery life, DisneyBand+ won’t work for any of the interactive moments of magic onboard.
After your cruise, you can keep DisneyBand+ as a Disney cruise souvenir or use it again on a future Disney cruise. And just like MagicBand+ can be used as DisneyBand+ on a Disney cruise, a DisneyBand+ can be used as a MagicBand+ at Disney Parks.
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