Puck style MagicBand 2 is official

[No Name]

While the functionality took a step up, I do think the form took a step in the other direction. Hence why I'm not 100% "woohoo awesome" about this.

I liked the old ones becuase they looked like wristbands. Pretty uniform width throughout. There was also no real obvious computer component, which made the scanning feel extra Magical. Overall, these new ones could be perceived as a bit dorky-looking, like a watch with no face.

I wish the new bands could've kept the original shape with the inclusion of a puck. The puck would been longer and less wide, and would basically fit into the thicker part of the original band. If they could get it thin enough, the puck doesn't even need to be visible from the outside. It would've basically be like a battery, although it could be removed and used with other accessories.

If they ever move onto a Magicband 3, there's my general idea, as far as shape goes.

 

[flynnibus]

I think the move to a circular disk is to make it more obvious for people to align the contact point. It could also make a larger antenna design. Both sacrifices vs the low profile v1 design.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

While the functionality took a step up, I do think the form took a step in the other direction. Hence why I'm not 100% "woohoo awesome" about this.

I liked the old ones becuase they looked like wristbands. Pretty uniform width throughout. There was also no real obvious computer component, which made the scanning feel extra Magical. Overall, these new ones could be perceived as a bit dorky-looking, like a watch with no face.

I wish the new bands could've kept the original shape with the inclusion of a puck. The puck would been longer and less wide, and would basically fit into the thicker part of the original band. If they could get it thin enough, the puck doesn't even need to be visible from the outside. It would've basically be like a battery, although it could be removed and used with other accessories.

If they ever move onto a Magicband 3, there's my general idea, as far as shape goes.

I think the move to a circular disk is to make it more obvious for people to align the contact point. It could also make a larger antenna design. Both sacrifices vs the low profile v1 design.

My MB 3.0 would be more like a toll booth gadget - where you don't have to touch it to anything, just pass by it. You'd still have to do the finger scan, but not the awkward line the flat part up just right thing.

 

[RSoxNo1]

I can see some people attaching them to a retractable belt clip so it doesn't need to be dug out of a pocket, but still accessible.

I loop my magic band around my camera bag. I suspect I'd do something similar with the keychain if given the option.

 

[Coaster Lover]

How bout a fingerless glove option with the puck in the palm of your hand so you can "Jedi hand wave" your magic band to make all the "magic happen?

 

[MikeyK72]

When was the last time you received a band? I found that the ones we received for all of our trips in 2016 were much more flexible and comfortable than those we received throughout 2015. In fact we deactivated all of our older bands and restarted collecting the colors after we noticed the change.


I would love it if it had a watch feature. A Fitbit type tie-in would be great also. I'd be willing to pay for the option to have everything in one!


Not yet. I received bands yesterday and they are the same type as those received for our last trip (September).


My only complaint is that a screwdriver seems to be needed to move the puck from band to band. That's kind of inconvenient for those of us who like to change colors/designs over the course of a trip.

Why not allow Apple Watch to be an alternative to the magic band?

 

[MisterPenguin]

How bout a fingerless glove option with the puck in the palm of your hand so you can "Jedi hand wave" your magic band to make all the "magic happen?

How do I start an Etsy account?... Just asking...

 

[donsullivan]

Why not allow Apple Watch to be an alternative to the magic band?

At this time Apple does not allow access to the RFID chip in the Apple Watch or iPhone, except for ApplePay so while it might be theoretically possible, Apple doesn't allow it yet.

I actually use my Apple Watch with Apple Pay throughout the parks which is super convenient.

 

[MikeyK72]

At this time Apple does not allow access to the RFID chip in the Apple Watch or iPhone, except for ApplePay so while it might be theoretically possible, Apple doesn't allow it yet.

I actually use my Apple Watch with Apple Pay throughout the parks which is super convenient.

I agree. I use my Apple Watch with Apply Pay on the last day when we've already checked-out and can't bill back to the room anymore with the Magic Bands.

Like you mentioned, I think the Apple Watch has all of the technology needed to function as a Magic Band (NFC and WiFi radio) and I wouldn't be surprised given the Disney/Apple affiliation if we see it happen soon. Could be as simple as an Apple Watch component to the My Disney Experience app.

 

[Otterhead]

I can see some people attaching them to a retractable belt clip so it doesn't need to be dug out of a pocket, but still accessible.

That was my first thought when I saw these -- that they'd actually work better as a retractable clip than as a wristband.

 

[RSoxNo1]

At this time Apple does not allow access to the RFID chip in the Apple Watch or iPhone, except for ApplePay so while it might be theoretically possible, Apple doesn't allow it yet.

I actually use my Apple Watch with Apple Pay throughout the parks which is super convenient.

This is part of the Apple Watch is somewhat short sighted. The tech is there but requires infrastructure elsewhere. For most people the need for such a device isn't realized until it's made into a true convenience.

 

[ford91exploder]

I love the Magicbands.
One thing on my wrist, and my family's wrists.
No room key.
No digging in my pants for my wallet, pulling out a card in the crowd etc.
Wear them in the pool or water park.
My kids can go get whatever I allow them to get, food, drink, souvenir etc. on there own...

Not to mention your Annual Pass Parking Card, Drivers License and DVC card (If member) and Credit/Debit card so if the goal was ONE token to carry Disney FAILED MISERABLY.

 

[Otterhead]

Not to mention your Annual Pass Parking Card, Drivers License and DVC card (If member) and Credit/Debit card so if the goal was ONE token to carry Disney FAILED MISERABLY.

Your MagicBand can absolutely act as a credit/debit card; you don't need to carry one.
If you were expecting your MagicBand to act as your drivers' license, that's an odd request. Were you expecting to store your photo ID on it, and show it to cops when pulled over?

 

[lazyboy97o]

Your MagicBand can absolutely act as a credit/debit card; you don't need to carry one.

Only during a stay at a Walt Disney World hotel.

 

[donsullivan]

Your MagicBand can absolutely act as a credit/debit card; you don't need to carry one.
If you were expecting your MagicBand to act as your drivers' license, that's an odd request. Were you expecting to store your photo ID on it, and show it to cops when pulled over?

Actually it cannot act as a credit or debit card. If you are staying at a Disney resort, it can support room charge using whatever card that you left for incidentals when you checked into the resort. If you are not staying at a Disney resort you cannot use the MagicBand as a method of payment at all.

Also, keep in mind that the MagicBand doesn't actual store any data about you at all. It is just a reference that is matched to your MyDisneyExperience profile. The MDE profile is where everything is stored so the RFID and Bluetooth capabilities of the band are useless at any location other than WDW.

 

[Jon81uk]

Your MagicBand can absolutely act as a credit/debit card; you don't need to carry one.
If you were expecting your MagicBand to act as your drivers' license, that's an odd request. Were you expecting to store your photo ID on it, and show it to cops when pulled over?

No but it would be nice is Disney could link age verification to your MDE.
They could take a photo at check in and check your ID. Then when paying for alcohol your photo appears on the register screen and the CM can see your over 21 that way you can visit the pool bar when only with a Magic band. Similar system could work for AP discount

 

[LukeS7]

No but it would be nice is Disney could link age verification to your MDE.
They could take a photo at check in and check your ID. Then when paying for alcohol your photo appears on the register screen and the CM can see your over 21 that way you can visit the pool bar when only with a Magic band. Similar system could work for AP discount

I've been a server before, that wouldn't work actually. According to liquor law, you have to present a government issued ID each and every time you purchase (my company's policy was to do that as long as the person looked under 40). Even if you checked at the entrance and attached photo/age to the band, that would be illegal to sell it to them. Also, we do NOT need even more stuff having to be done at the front gate, especially at MK

 

[Jon81uk]

I've been a server before, that wouldn't work actually. According to liquor law, you have to present a government issued ID each and every time you purchase (my company's policy was to do that as long as the person looked under 40). Even if you checked at the entrance and attached photo/age to the band, that would be illegal to sell it to them. Also, we do NOT need even more stuff having to be done at the front gate, especially at MK

I'm assuming that it works at Discovery Cove then as you are "paying" at the entrance, so when you show the Discovery Cove ID to get a beer, it isn't illegal as you aren't paying for the drinks at that moment.

Also I wasn't suggesting that it should be done at the park gate, but at resort check in. It wouldn't be feasible to offer it to day guests (they pay for magic bands anyway) just to resort guests who have magic bands in the package.

 

[LukeS7]

I'm assuming that it works at Discovery Cove then as you are "paying" at the entrance, so when you show the Discovery Cove ID to get a beer, it isn't illegal as you aren't paying for the drinks at that moment.

Also I wasn't suggesting that it should be done at the park gate, but at resort check in. It wouldn't be feasible to offer it to day guests (they pay for magic bands anyway) just to resort guests who have magic bands in the package.

Ah, okay. Resort check-in would definitely make more sense. But yea, I'm pretty sure with how liquor laws work, they wouldn't be able to. Plus, if someone finds a way around it, Disney is really not going to want headlines that they served alcohol to a minor, so I'd doubt that they'd risk it

 

[Otterhead]

Actually it cannot act as a credit or debit card. If you are staying at a Disney resort, it can support room charge using whatever card that you left for incidentals when you checked into the resort. If you are not staying at a Disney resort you cannot use the MagicBand as a method of payment at all.

That's very true. The upshot of this is that if you're a Disney resort guest, you can use your MagicBand to pay for things without carrying a credit card, which is what ford was complaining about. That's what I mean by it acting as a credit/debit card.

Also, keep in mind that the MagicBand doesn't actual store any data about you at all. It is just a reference that is matched to your MyDisneyExperience profile.

Exactly, which is why I was eye-rolling about the idea of it acting as your driver's license.