Love it or hate it, MagicBand+ is about to get a whole lot more useful in Disney World.
MagicBand+
Over the years Disney has been steadily adding more interactive features to MagicBand+, and in 2025, it looks like that trend is only going to continue, which means that this handy little device is becoming an even bigger part of the Disney experience. Let’s take a closer look at why MagicBand+ is about to become your best park buddy in 2025.
More Special Effects in Attractions and Shows
Undoubtedly, one of the coolest features of MagicBand+ is its ability to interact with the parks in new and immersive ways. When it first launched, it would light up and vibrate during nighttime spectaculars, but Disney has been expanding those interactions across the parks. In 2025, you can be sure to expect even more attractions and entertainment offerings to get the MagicBand+ treatment.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
We’ve already seen it happen with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where bounty hunting missions in Batuu are integrated with MagicBand+, and with Happily Ever After, where MagicBand+ syncs up with the fireworks. But Disney isn’t stopping there. As new attractions open, we can basically expect them to have MagicBand+ integration right from the start.
Playing Batuu Bounty Hunters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Whether it’s subtle vibrations to match the action in a ride or lighting effects that change with the story, your MagicBand+ could soon be making your experience even more immersive.
Longer Lines Mean More MagicBand+ Scanning
With major park areas like DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom closing for big overhauls and other attractions going down for extended refurbishments, wait times across the parks are expected to grow. That means more guests will be looking for ways to skip the standby lines, and that’s where MagicBand+ comes in.
Disney World Lightning Lane
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (LLMP) is becoming a key tool for tackling Disney’s increasingly long lines, and MagicBand+ makes using it even easier. Instead of digging through the app or fumbling with your phone, you can just tap your MagicBand+ at the Lightning Lane entrance and go. Plus, with automatic PhotoPass moments built into some rides, your MagicBand+ ensures those photos get linked to your account without any extra hassle. If you’re planning a trip in 2025, getting comfortable with using MagicBand+ for ride access and photo collection is going to be more important than ever.
Lockers Are Becoming More Common
If you’ve ridden TRON Lightcycle / Run, you know Disney has introduced a new locker system that requires guests to store their belongings before riding. And while TRON is currently the only ride using this system, that may not be the case for long. As Disney continues to add new attractions with high-speed thrills and unique ride vehicles, we wouldn’t be surprised to see more locker systems appearing in the parks.
Lockers at TRON: Lightcycle / Run
The good news? Your MagicBand+ makes accessing these lockers a breeze. At TRON, all you have to do is tap your MagicBand+ to open your assigned locker. No need to remember a code or carry a key card. If this system expands to other thrill rides, having a MagicBand+ will make your day much smoother. No one wants to waste time dealing with locker confusion when they could be riding, and MagicBand+ helps streamline the process.
Lockers at TRON
In 2025, MagicBand+ is shaping up to be a must-have accessory in Disney World. If you weren’t convinced before, now might be the time to give it another look because Disney is only making it more essential as time goes on.
In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more.
I’ve Tried Every Transportation Hack in Disney World and I’m Sharing 8 of My Favorites
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Will you be using MagicBand+ on your next trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
The Magic Band+ is super helpful for checking into rides, automatic photo links, and room access. It’s nice to have a break from my phone.
I just got a Magic Band Plus after years of using the Regular Magic bands. I enjoy how it lights up with entertainment like fantasmic, when you tap in for a lightening lane, and even on certain rides. But your article is misleading. You don’t need a Magic Band Plus to access lockers or get photos on rides. The older versions work for that as well. Frankly the Magic Band plus did not work as well for photo pass. On the Haunted Mansion it gave me someone else’s photo. I’ve never had that problem before with my older series Magic Band. In fact there are many benefits you listed like line skipping, that a non-magic band plus will work fine for. I’m a little disappointed at the positioning of this article, it seems like you’re trying to drive sales for the Magic Band Plus. It’s important to add the caveats that those who have an older series Magic Band will still be able to do 90% of what you include here. The only thing that won’t happen is lighting up with attractions and entertainment.
MagicBand+ is pointless. Just give us back the regular MagicBands!
The only way I would purchase a magic band+ would be if Disney discontinued the functionality of the original magic band. All the other aforementioned functionality of the + band I get on my phone. I won’t be buying a + band because Disney gets enough of my money.
I saw on someone’s video that a MagicBand+ triggers a fun Easter egg in the mirror outside of the Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure cruise ship.
The bands are fabulous and work with out failing.
My magic band+ never worked. Neither did it work for 3 other members of my family. The older ones always worked!