Disneyland to roll out wearable technology
MagicBand+ aims to streamline resort visits while it tracks customers
Wearable tech bracelets, which have become an essential part of any Disney World trip, are coming soon to Disneyland as a way to track and collect data on visitors and create “magical moments” as they move around the Anaheim theme park and nearby Disney hotels.
The next-generation MagicBands were unveiled last week at Walt Disney World, but when will they come to Disneyland?
The MagicBand+ will roll out this year at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three Disneyland Resort hotels. MagicBand features and experiences will vary at each Disney theme park resort around the globe.
MagicBands have been an essential part of any visit to Disney's Florida theme parks since 2013, but wearable tech devices haven't made the trip west — until now.
The MagicBands — similar in size to a FitBit — are plastic bracelets that use radio-frequency identification electromagnetic fields to identify and track Disney World visitors and collect user data during their stays at the Florida theme park resort.
Disney World visitors use MagicBands in place of theme park tickets and hotel room keys as well as to make payments and participate in some in-park experiences. The MagicBands are also used as part of Disney's PhotoPass program and as a way to interact with some theme park attractions.
The hands-free convenience of the MagicBands is designed to “enhance the guest experience” and “unlock unique moments of magic,” Disney Parks Chairperson Josh D'Amaro said when announcing the next-gen updates.
More than 29 million MagicBands have been produced since their introduction.
The MagicBands+ coming to Disneyland won't have identical functionality of the Disney World MagicBands. Magic Bands from Walt Disney World will work at the Disneyland Resort.
Disney World gave away generic MagicBands to hotel guests and annual passholders for years before ending the freebies.
MagicBands can be upgraded to dozens of styles in a variety of colors and designs featuring Disney, Pixar, “Star Wars” and Marvel characters. Base models in solid colors start at $20, with designer models going for more than $50, according to the ShopDisney website.