The Big Debate: Will YOU Be Sad To See Free MagicBands Phased Out? June 22, 2020

During the last three months whilst the parks have been closed we have been getting your thoughts and opinions on a range of topics through our Coronavirus Polls.

Now Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and many more theme parks across the World have reopened and Walt Disney World’s reopening is less than a month away, we are now testing out this same poll style article but under the heading ‘The Big Debate’.

We know how important it is for people to be able to have their say on important topics in the theme park world and we really hope you enjoy reading, taking part by voting and leaving us your comments on our site or on our Facebook Page.

Will YOU Be Sad To See Free MagicBands Phased Out?

In the last couple of days Disney has confirmed that it will be phasing out the Free MagicBand Program by 2021.

I remember when we took our youngest son to Walt Disney World in 2013, when he was just 9 months old, MagicBands were very new and it was so exciting on check in to be handed a special box with them in. We so loved wearing them and I guess I thought next time we went, that magical moment would happen for us again. However, with the news that Disney is phasing out Free MagicBands in 2021 I guess that won’t now happen.

Main Street, Walt Disney World — Image: Theme Park Tourist

Currently, everything from gaining admission to the theme parks, to redeeming FastPass+ reservations, unlocking hotel doors, linking PhotoPass photos to a My Disney Experience account, and even paying for food and merchandise can be done with your trusty MagicBand.

Let’s be honest, phones are amazing and anything seems to be possible through apps nowadays so it isn’t surprising that it is the phone that will be the victor against the MagicBand in the future.

Replacing the features of the MagicBand will be smarphone features tied to the My Disney Experience app that build on Disney’s Digital Key Feature.

Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount and although Disney has not yet confirmed anything regarding the complimentary MagicBand that is included with annual pass purchases, it seems likely that those will also be phased out in 2021 as well.

VOTE NOW

So, Will YOU be sad to see Free MagicBands phased out? These are your options:

CLICK HERE to vote and don’t forget to share this with your friends and family. Look out for The Big Debate Results and Discussion article coming soon.

There will inevitably be a lot of questions from Disney fans and I am guessing there will be a mix of happiness and sadness regarding this decision.

For all the latest news from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and all other theme parks in the US and around the World, by checking out our News Page and Facebook Page.

Disney's Magic Kingdom, Castle — Image: Theme Park Tourist

To read two of our top articles this week, click on one of the links in the content box below, and if you click on page 2, you can find out what else Theme Park Tourist has to offer to help you plan for your next theme park trip. We have also listed our recent featured articles for you to check out…

What Else Does Theme Park Tourist Has To Offer?

If you are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or a trip to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Disneyland or any other theme park in the US, UK or across the world, take a look at our Park Guides and Reviews page. We have over 80 parks listed worldwide with ride information, ratings and reviews!

Our Special Offers page gives you a list of special offers for all the top theme parks around the world. These are currently being updated as the parks start to reopen again.

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Even though, due to COVID-19, there have been many projects that have been cancelled, delayed or slimmed down, our New Attraction Watch Page lists when the new attractions are announced to be open and Rehab Watch, which lets you know what rides or attractions will see down-time in the future due to refurbishment.

During a time when your favourite theme park isn’t quite reopen yet or at a time when you feel unable to visit for any number of reasons, if you fancy a chilled few minutes be sure to read one of our many new featured articles below: