MagicBand

{{main|MyMagic+#Development}}

MagicBands were developed alongside the MyMagic+ program as a way to tie all of the different elements of the program together. The MagicBand idea came at the start of the Next Generation Experience (the code name for what became MyMagic+), when one of the original five members of the project, business development VP John Padgett, was on a flight between Burbank, the Walt Disney Company's headquarters, and Orlando, the location of Walt Disney World. Padgett saw a magnetic therapy, a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice, wristband in a SkyMall magazine, which claimed to ease sore muscles "while simultaneously improving one's golf swing". He and the project team began considering the design of a wristband encoded with "everything a guest might need—park tickets, photos, coupons, even money". Soon afterward, they created a makeshift xBand (the original code name for the MagicBand) using a velcro strip, a plastic liner, and an RFID tag.{{cite web|title=The Messy Business Of Reinventing Happiness|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3044283/the-messy-business-of-reinventing-happiness#!|website=Fast Company|access-date=November 7, 2016|date=April 15, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123062517/https://www.fastcompany.com/3044283/the-messy-business-of-reinventing-happiness#!|archive-date=November 23, 2016}}

The original MagicBand design was created by Frog Design. The original design consisted of an outer plastic grey bracelet, which can be removed to adjust for a smaller sized wrist, and an inner plastic bracelet. The inner plastic bracelet is one of eight base colors,{{cite web|title=Standard Colors – Disney MagicBand, MyMagic+, and FastPass+ collectables|url=http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/disney-magic-bands/standard-colors/|website=www.magicbandcollectors.com|access-date=November 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108043123/http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/disney-magic-bands/standard-colors/|archive-date=November 8, 2016}} which can then have a series of different designs printed on them for an extra fee. Sealed inside of the middle of the inner band is the circuitry, consisting of high frequency and ultra-high frequency antennas and a coin cell battery,{{cite web|title=OET Exhibits List|url=https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=cOfT1G8ZZugHIYFlaDvW0A%3D%3D&fcc_id=Q3E-MB-R1G1|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=November 10, 2016|quote=The device is battery powered by a non-replaceable coin cell. The device also contains passive UHF and HF RFID tags, verified to FCC Part 15B.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123060904/https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=cOfT1G8ZZugHIYFlaDvW0A%3D%3D&fcc_id=Q3E-MB-R1G1|archive-date=November 23, 2016}} all embedded on a PCB.{{cite web|title=OET Exhibits List|url=https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=cOfT1G8ZZugHIYFlaDvW0A%3D%3D&fcc_id=Q3E-MB-R1G1|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=November 10, 2016|quote=The antenna of the product is embedded in the PCB. The PCB is potted in plastic and overmolded such that the antenna is not accessible, removable or replaceable without permanent damage and disfiguring of the device.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123060904/https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=cOfT1G8ZZugHIYFlaDvW0A%3D%3D&fcc_id=Q3E-MB-R1G1|archive-date=November 23, 2016}}{{cite web|last1=Kraft|first1=Caleb|title=Dissecting Disney's MagicBand {{!}} EE Times|url=http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=69&doc_id=1320977|website=EETimes|access-date=November 7, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123055126/http://www.eetimes.com/author.asp?section_id=69&doc_id=1320977|archive-date=November 23, 2016}}{{cite web|last1=Stern|first1=Becky|title=Inside Magic Band {{!}} Magic Band Teardown {{!}} Adafruit Learning System|url=https://learn.adafruit.com/magic-band-teardown/inside-magic-band|website=learn.adafruit.com|access-date=November 7, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109120147/https://learn.adafruit.com/magic-band-teardown/inside-magic-band|archive-date=November 9, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Making the Band – MagicBand Teardown and More|url=https://atdisneyagain.com/2014/01/27/making-the-band-magicband-teardown-and-more/|website=AtDisneyAgain|access-date=November 7, 2016|date=January 28, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123053946/https://atdisneyagain.com/2014/01/27/making-the-band-magicband-teardown-and-more/|archive-date=November 23, 2016}} Directly outside of the circuitry is an outline of Mickey Mouse's head on the front, while the back includes the Band ID, the FCC ID number, and other information.

On November 19, 2016, Disney unveiled the new MagicBand 2 design. This updated version features a larger Mickey head and an expanded circuitry area. The Icon, which is the removable part of the wristband, can be easily detached using a special screwdriver and transferred to other bands or accessories, such as a keychain.{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Thomas|title=MagicBand 2 Coming to Walt Disney World Resort|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/11/magicband-2-coming-to-walt-disney-world-resort/|website=Disney Parks Blog|access-date=November 22, 2016|language=en-us|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122181255/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/11/magicband-2-coming-to-walt-disney-world-resort/|archive-date=November 22, 2016}}{{cite web|title=PICTURES: Major new redesigned MagicBands available soon! – Disney MagicBand, MyMagic+, and FastPass+ collectables|url=http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/pictures-major-new-redesigned-magicbands-available-soon/|website=www.magicbandcollectors.com|access-date=November 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122013101/http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/pictures-major-new-redesigned-magicbands-available-soon/|archive-date=November 22, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Updated information on the new MagicBand 2, including release date details – Disney MagicBand, MyMagic+, and FastPass+ collectables|url=http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/updated-information-on-the-new-magicband-2-including-release-date-details/|website=www.magicbandcollectors.com|access-date=November 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123055307/http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/updated-information-on-the-new-magicband-2-including-release-date-details/|archive-date=November 23, 2016}}

Disney introduced the new version of the wearable device called MagicBand+ in September of 2021.{{Cite web |last=Alexandra |date=2021-09-30 |title=JUST ANNOUNCED: MagicBand+ Will Debut in 2022 at Walt Disney World Resort as Part of 50th Anniversary Celebration |url=https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/just-announced-magicband-will-debut-in-2022-at-walt-disney-world-resort-as-part-of-50th-anniversary-celebration/ |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=Disney Parks Blog |language=en-US}} Since its debut at Disneyland on October 26, 2022, MagicBand+ has enhanced the park experience by allowing guests to play exclusive games and providing a hands-free way to enter the park. The device is also waterproof and rechargeable. Additionally, a new interactive game in Galaxy's Edge launched alongside MagicBand+, enabling guests to embark on a quest to collect bounties throughout the land.{{Cite web|date=October 12, 2022|title=Disneyland announces Magicband+ release date|url=https://ktla.com/news/california/the-disneyland-resort-announces-magicband-release-date/|access-date=February 15, 2023|website=KTLA|language=en-US}}

Until January 1, 2021, MagicBands were free to all Disney Resort guests. Until August 16, 2021, the bands were free to annual passholders.{{cite web |last1=Libbey |first1=Dirk |title=Walt Disney World Just Put Another Nail In The Coffin Of MagicBands |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2567589/walt-disney-world-another-nail-in-the-coffin-of-magicbands |website=CinemaBlend |date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=September 14, 2021 |ref=13}} While other guests receive an RFID-enabled Key to the World card, they are able to purchase a MagicBand online or at the parks.{{cite web|title=MagicBand Eligibility {{!}} FAQ {{!}} Walt Disney World Resort|url=https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/bands-cards/program-eligibility/|website=disneyworld.disney.go.com|access-date=November 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123054428/https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/bands-cards/program-eligibility/|archive-date=November 23, 2016}} In March of the same year, Disney launched the Magic Mobile Pass on Apple Wallet for iOS and watchOS devices. The pass allows guests to access the parks by tapping their devices at special NFC touchpoints throughout the resort. The service was later extended to Google Wallet on Android devices in April.{{Cite web|title=Disney MagicMobile Option Launches on Apple Devices – How to Get Started for Contactless Walt Disney World Park Entry|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/disney-magicmobile-option-launches-on-apple-devices-how-to-get-started-for-contactless-walt-disney-world-park-entry/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330134516/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/disney-magicmobile-option-launches-on-apple-devices-how-to-get-started-for-contactless-walt-disney-world-park-entry/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 30, 2021|access-date=April 28, 2021|website=Disney Parks Blog|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last1=Francis·April 27|first1=Katie|last2=read|first2=2021·1 Comment·1 min|date=April 27, 2021|title=Disney MagicMobile Now Available on Android Devices|url=https://wdwnt.com/2021/04/disney-magicmobile-rolls-out-to-android/|access-date=April 28, 2021|website=WDW News Today|language=en-US}}

Touchpoints, consisting of a ring with an outline of Mickey Mouse's head, are located at park entry points, Lightning Lane (previously Fastpass+) entry points, PhotoPass locations, and point of sales location. When a guest walks up to one, they place their MagicBand's circuitry location against the center of the ring (known as putting "Mickey to Mickey"), in order to engage the system. The ring and outline on the touchpoint will then light up green if access is granted, while it will turn blue if cast member assistance is required. Some special edition MagicBands with graphics printed on them will cause the touchpoints to light up different colors and make different noises instead of the default green when access is granted.{{cite web|title=FP+ Videos – Disney MagicBand, MyMagic+, and FastPass+ collectables|url=http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/extras/fp-videos/|website=www.magicbandcollectors.com|access-date=November 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104105931/http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/extras/fp-videos/|archive-date=November 4, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Food & Wine Festival – Disney MagicBand, MyMagic+, and FastPass+ collectables|url=http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/disney-magic-bands/food-wine-festival/|website=www.magicbandcollectors.com|access-date=November 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030144228/http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/disney-magic-bands/food-wine-festival/|archive-date=October 30, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Limited Releases – Disney MagicBand, MyMagic+, and FastPass+ collectables|url=http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/disney-magic-bands/limited-releases/|website=www.magicbandcollectors.com|access-date=November 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118082321/http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/disney-magic-bands/limited-releases/|archive-date=November 18, 2016}} An example of this is the red lightsaber Star Wars-themed MagicBand, which changed the default green to red.{{cite web|title=Lights and sounds for all four Limited Edition 2015 Star Wars MagicBands – Disney MagicBand, MyMagic+, and FastPass+ collectables|url=http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/lights-and-sounds-for-all-four-limited-edition-2015-star-wars-magicbands/|website=www.magicbandcollectors.com|access-date=November 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123054705/http://www.magicbandcollectors.com/lights-and-sounds-for-all-four-limited-edition-2015-star-wars-magicbands/|archive-date=November 23, 2016}} In normal settings, the touchpoints will never turn red, due to the negative connotation of the color.{{cite magazine|last1=Kuang|first1=Cliff|title=Disney's $1 Billion Bet on a Magical Wristband|url=https://www.wired.com/2015/03/disney-magicband/|access-date=November 7, 2016|magazine=WIRED|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105085646/https://www.wired.com/2015/03/disney-magicband/|archive-date=November 5, 2016}}

Handheld MagicBand readers are used at sit-down restaurants for point of sales and by PhotoPass photographers to link photos.{{cite web|last1=Santa Domingo|first1=Joel|title=Hands On: Disney MagicBands, MyMagic+ Web Service|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2483861,00.asp|website=PCMAG|access-date=November 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701175054/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0%2C2817%2C2483861%2C00.asp|archive-date=July 1, 2016}} These handheld readers do not have the light up features of the touchpoints.

The MagicBands are also used to connect guests' on-ride photos to their PhotoPass using the long-range ultra-high frequency radio without guests having to use touchpoints to associate the pictures to their account.{{cite web|last1=Glassburn|first1=Kelly|title=Photos, Videos Capture Your Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride at Walt Disney World Resort|url=http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/09/photos-videos-capture-your-seven-dwarfs-mine-train-ride-at-walt-disney-world/|website=disneyparks.disney.go.com|publisher=Disney Parks|access-date=February 7, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207201850/http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/09/photos-videos-capture-your-seven-dwarfs-mine-train-ride-at-walt-disney-world/|archive-date=February 7, 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Glassburn|first1=Kelly|title=MyMagic+: Video Captures Your Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Drop at Walt Disney World Resort|url=http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/08/mymagic-video-captures-your-twilight-zone-tower-of-terror-drop-at-walt-disney-world-resort/|website=disneyparks.disney.go.com|publisher=Disney Parks|access-date=February 7, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207201900/http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/08/mymagic-video-captures-your-twilight-zone-tower-of-terror-drop-at-walt-disney-world-resort/|archive-date=February 7, 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Wallace|first1=Sandi|title=Disney PhotoPass Service Simplifies Access to Walt Disney World Photos, Videos|url=http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/10/disney-photopass-service-simplifies-access-to-walt-disney-world-photos-videos/|website=disneyparks.com|publisher=Disney Parks|access-date=November 2, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102033605/http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/10/disney-photopass-service-simplifies-access-to-walt-disney-world-photos-videos/|archive-date=November 2, 2014}} The MagicBands also allow guests to interact, using a system called Story maker, with screens in rides or queues, such as It's a Small World,{{cite news|last1=Bevil|first1=Dewayne|title=Disney: 'small world' says goodbye to you and your MagicBand|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-disney-small-world-magicband-20160311-story.html|access-date=November 28, 2016|work=OrlandoSentinel.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129023310/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-disney-small-world-magicband-20160311-story.html|archive-date=November 29, 2016}}{{cite web|last1=Kubersky|first1=Seth|title=Personalized goodbye messages added to It's a Small World|url=http://attractionsmagazine.com/personalized-goodbye-messages-added-small-world-walt-disney-worlds-magic-kingdom/|website=Attractions Magazine|access-date=November 28, 2016|date=March 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129082635/http://attractionsmagazine.com/personalized-goodbye-messages-added-small-world-walt-disney-worlds-magic-kingdom/|archive-date=November 29, 2016}} Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith,{{cite web|title=StoryMaker being tested at Rock N' Roller Coaster|url=http://blogmickey.com/2016/04/storymaker-tested-rock-n-roller-coaster/|website=Blog Mickey|access-date=November 28, 2016|date=April 14, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129022038/http://blogmickey.com/2016/04/storymaker-tested-rock-n-roller-coaster/|archive-date=November 29, 2016}}{{cite web|last1=McCabe|first1=Adam|title=VIDEO: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster introduces personalized rock posters at Walt Disney World|url=http://www.insidethemagic.net/2016/04/video-rock-n-roller-coaster-introduces-personalized-rock-posters-at-walt-disney-world/|website=Inside the Magic|access-date=November 28, 2016|date=April 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026043016/http://www.insidethemagic.net/2016/04/video-rock-n-roller-coaster-introduces-personalized-rock-posters-at-walt-disney-world/|archive-date=October 26, 2016}} Haunted Mansion,{{cite web|last1=Storey|first1=Ken|title=Not everyone is a fan of the new interactive Haunted Mansion ghosts|url=http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/04/26/not-everyone-is-a-fan-of-the-new-interative-haunted-mansion-ghosts|website=Orlando Weekly|access-date=November 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129022808/http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/04/26/not-everyone-is-a-fan-of-the-new-interative-haunted-mansion-ghosts|archive-date=November 29, 2016}} and Expedition Everest.{{cite web|title=Expedition Everest and Haunted Mansion join StoryMaker testing|url=http://blogmickey.com/2016/04/expedition-everest-haunted-mansion-join-storymaker-testing/|website=Blog Mickey|access-date=November 28, 2016|date=April 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129023149/http://blogmickey.com/2016/04/expedition-everest-haunted-mansion-join-storymaker-testing/|archive-date=November 29, 2016}}

On February 13, 2017, it was announced that over 29 million MagicBands had been made.{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Thomas|title=New Solid-Color MagicBand 2 & MagicKeepers Allow Guests to Enjoy the Magic at Walt Disney World Resort|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/02/new-solid-color-magicband-2-magickeepers-allow-guests-to-enjoy-the-magic-at-walt-disney-world-resort/|website=Disney Parks Blog|access-date=February 14, 2017|language=en-us|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214030952/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/02/new-solid-color-magicband-2-magickeepers-allow-guests-to-enjoy-the-magic-at-walt-disney-world-resort/|archive-date=February 14, 2017}}

The MagicBand system has also been used to enforce COVID-19 safety protocols inside the NBA Bubble for the resumption of the 2019-20 NBA season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex; access to courts and practice facilities requires scanning a MagicBand in order to verify that the wearer has completed mandatory health monitoring protocols.{{Cite web|date=June 17, 2020|title=Inside the NBA's 100-page safety plan: Big questions and key details|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29320883/inside-nba-100-page-safety-plan-big-questions-key-details|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Shaun|title=Disney World Diary: MagicBand passports reprogrammed to keep campus safe|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2020/07/23/disney-world-diary-day-11|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=NBA.com|language=en}}

MagicBands+ will light up during or react to select attractions and experiences. Known effects have included or currently include:[https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2022/08/21/all-of-the-disney-world-rides-that-interact-with-magicband/] [https://dvcshop.com/which-disney-world-attractions-interact-with-magicband/] [https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/everything-plus-about-magicband-in-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-resort/#statues]

• Disneyland
• Fantasmic!
• Disney California Adventure
• World of Color — One
• Magic Kingdom
• Happily Ever After
• Haunted Mansion
• It's a Small World
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Tiana's Bayou Adventure
• Tron Lightcycle Power Run
• Space Mountain (Blue Tunnel)
• Epcot
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (blue flashing lights + vibrations in exit area)
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Luminous: The Symphony of Us
• Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (red+blue lights in exit area)
• Soarin' (exit area)
• Spaceship Earth at night
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Fantasmic! (multiple throughout, changes with most scenes)
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
• Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (orange+white lights + haptic vibrations)
• Muppet*Vision 3D (rainbow flashing lights + vibrations at exit and possibly longer)
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (blue+aqua+purple+red lights + vibrations in exit and photo room)
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Tower (red lights + vibrations)
• Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Avatar Flight of Passage (jewel-toned lights)

{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category|Magicbands}}

• {{Official website}}

{{Walt Disney World}}

Category:Bracelets

Category:Disney technology

Category:Products introduced in 2013

Category:Radio-frequency identification

Category:Walt Disney Parks and Resorts