Walt Disney World just announced that Annual Passholders will no longer receive complimentary MagicBands for passes renewed or purchased after August 16th, 2021.
(Disney World)
What’s Happening:
- Since MagicBands were first launched in 2013, Annual Passholders at the Walt Disney World Resort have received a complimentary MagicBand each year they purchased or renewed their pass.
- Disney will stop providing complimentary MagicBands for Annual Passholders later this year, with passes that are renewed or purchased after August 16th no longer eligible to receive them.
- Walt Disney World also stopped including MagicBands with Disney Resort stays at the start of 2021.
- With this new update, the only way to receive a Disney MagicBand will be to purchase them and Annual Passholders will continue to receive a discount.
- Disney is not planning to discontinue MagicBands, with the letter to Annual Passholders promising “Even more designs to choose from in the future.”
- The letter to Annual Passholders encourages them to try Disney MagicMobile, which allows Guests to use their smartphone or smartwatch as their ticket at touch points.
The Full Letter to Annual Passholders:
“Dear Valued Passholder,
In March, we introduced Disney MagicMobile service, an easy, more contactless new way to enter the Walt Disney World® theme parks through the power of eligible iPhones, Apple Watch or Google Pay enabled Android phones!
As part of this new service, guests can choose from several Disney-themed MagicMobile Pass designs in the My Disney Experience app—and coming soon be on the lookout for new exclusive designs featuring Orange Bird and Figment just for Annual Passholders. As a reminder, valid park admission and a park reservation are required for park entry.
As more Passholders continue to discover this new option, we will no longer be offering complimentary MagicBands with Annual Pass purchases and renewals made August 16, 2021 and beyond. Annual Passholders will continue to receive a special discount on MagicBands purchased, with even more designs to choose from in the future.
Annual Passholders can continue to use current or newly purchased MagicBands, their Annual Pass Card or Disney MagicMobile pass during their visits. As a reminder, your Annual Pass Card and valid photo ID are required to receive your Annual Passholder discount at participating locations, whether using a MagicBand or Disney MagicMobile service.
As always, we thank you for being part of the Passholder family!
Sincerely,
Disney Destinations, LLC”