Disney Makes New Upgrade That Could Phase Out MagicBands
With an earlier announcement of the discontinuation of MagicBand+, this new upgrade may be the new shift from the use of MagicBands.
MagicBand+ Phased Out
MagicBands serve as a convenient way to enter the parks, make payments, check in for attractions using Lightning Lane services, and link photos taken by PhotoPass Cast Members.
In April, we shared that it appeared Disneyland Resort is now discontinuing sales of the MagicBand+. MagicBand+ first debuted in 2022 and offered special interactions throughout the Disney Parks.
Thankfully, Disney will continue to sell MagicBand+ at Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and DisneyStore.com.
What is MagicMobile?
Back in 2021, Disney World rolled out a new service called MagicMobile to enhance the Guest experience through the use of smartphone technology.
The Disney MagicMobile service was first announced as a convenient, contactless way to access MagicBand features, such as theme park entry, through your smart device.
Now, Disney announces a HUGE upgrade that has us worried that this may be the push to encourage Guests to use MagicMobile and shift from the use of MagicBand and MagicBand+.
MagicMobile iOS 27 Upgrade
iPhone and Apple Watch users starting with iOS27 will receive a great new upgrade to the Apple Wallet in September 2026. Apple promises that at participating hotels and resorts, users can view full details about their trips. Disney confirmed that it will add support for this new feature.
New MagicMobile upgrade will debut in September 2026.
No longer will your MagicMobile pass simply scan you into a Disney Park. According to reports, "with the new enhanced key experience, they will also be able to view even more details about their trips, receive timely updates about booked activities, access services available during their stay, and more - all in one place in Apple Wallet."
This new enhanced pass is dynamic, meaning that your tickets, Lightning Lane selections, and dining reservations will continue to update throughout the day on MagicMobile.
While Disney will not change the MagicBand interactions currently offered at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, this new upgrade makes the MagicBand feel a little obsolete.
Do you think MagicBand+ is worth the additional cost, or do you prefer MagicMobile? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family. She always brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!
Using the phone would be a pain. I like having the band right on my wrist, no digging in my purse or in a pocket, and don’t want to wear a lanyard with it either. Stop trying to improve things that don’t need to be changed!
I agree with Jack. No phones. I liked when we use to lock our phones in the safe. Also, what would you do with kids?
I don't want to have to take my phone with me all over Disney. I go.there to get away from phones, not to be married to one!