Are they the same thing?
Magic Bands. Disney Bands. Disney Cruise Line. Disney World. Disneyland.
With so many similar names, I know it can be hard to keep track of what’s what. So let’s break it down, friends.
- Magic Bands are the wristbands you can buy at Disney theme parks in Florida and California. They are primarily used to grant you access to the parks and to the express lanes after booking a Disney Lightning Pass. These wristbands cost around $35-$50.
- Disney Bands, on the other hand, are the ones you purchase on Disney Cruise ships. They work similarly to Magic Bands: you can use them to unlock your stateroom, make purchases on board as if they were a credit card, and much more. These wristbands also cost around $35-$50.
Also, did you know that Disney Bands can be used in theme parks like Disney World? And that Magic Bands can be used on select Disney Cruise sailings? Wait a minute… are they more than just similar? Are they basically the same product!?
The answer is... sort of, but yes
"Magic Band" is mostly used for guests in the U.S. and refers to the wristbands sold at theme parks, while "Disney Band" is the term used for guests outside the U.S. and for wristbands purchased aboard cruises. There are about three designs that are exclusive to Disney Band, including a brand new design unveiled for the Disney Treasure just a few days ago.
So, if you ask me whether Disney Bands and Magic Bands are the same thing, I’d say yes. After all, they serve the same functions, even if the names differ slightly. I know I used to get confused as well, since some websites started calling the wristbands “Disney Bands” aboard the Disney Treasure. I also visited the Disney Store recently and saw Disney Bands on sale, instead of the Magic Bands that I’m more used to. Relax, it’s all the same in the end. If you have a Magic Band you use at for Disney World, make sure to bring it with you for your next Disney cruise.
So there you have it, folks! Another Disney mystery solved, just for you.
