Hands-free fun: Disney Cruise Line introducing wearable DisneyBand+ this summer
It's been 10 years since Disney changed the game in its theme parks by introducing MagicBands, which are roughly the size of an Apple Watch and allow you to tap into the park using your ticket, access a Lightning Lane, open your Disney resort room door and even charge a Mickey ice cream bar instead of digging out your credit card.
And just last year, the MagicBand got some new tricks with the introduction of a more interactive MagicBand+. However, while MagicBands have been at Disney World for a decade, they haven't been used on board the Disney Cruise Line ships.
On Disney's ships, the way to pay for purchases and open your cabin door has been with a "Key to the World" card that many keep worn around their necks in a not-so-attractive plastic lanyard.
But things are about to get more magical at sea.
Wearable technology coming to Disney Cruise Line
Disney has shared that for the first time, DisneyBand+ is coming to Disney Cruise Line, as first announced on the Disney Parks Blog.
From what we can tell, these are MagicBands by another name and will debut first as a preview on Disney Wish this summer and later make their way on additional ships and sailings. This wearable DisneyBand+ can be used when getting on the ship, unlocking your cabin door, charging purchases, tapping to get your photos synced to your account by the ship photographers and more.
These DisneyBands+ will also work for the kiddos while they are in the kids clubs, which had previously utilized a special band that looked like a MagicBand but only tracked the location of the kids while they were within the Oceaneer Club and Lab and served as a way for them to scan in and out.
Related: 26 tips for sailing with Disney Cruise Line
How much will DisneyBands+ cost?
Once they go on sale, DisneyBands+ will be available for $34.99 for solid-color designs and $44.99 for themed designs, with a $10 discount if you order at least 11 days before embarkation if you are a U.S. resident. There will be exclusive designs available only to Disney Cruise Line guests.
Can you use a MagicBand+ on a Disney cruise instead of a DisneyBand+?
What we are potentially most excited about with this announcement is that you don't have to spend more to buy a cruise-specific DisneyBand+.
The MagicBand+ you already use at Disney World or Disneyland will work on the ship, too. And conversely, if you want some of the cruise-specific looks, then your DisneyBand+ will work in the parks. This is great news, given that the cost of the bands does add up when you start buying for the whole family.
Related: How to save money on a Disney Cruise
Bottom line
There's no question that MagicBand+ (and now, DisneyBand+) makes vacation easier, with virtually everything you need available with the tap of a wrist. Having them make their debut this summer on select Disney ships is welcome news -- and we certainly won't miss the omnipresent plastic lanyards that have appeared in countless family cruise photos.
This is just one small piece of the announcements from Disney Cruise Line this year, including:
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Rewards Rate
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Intro Offer
Earn 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200K miles when you spend $150K in the first 6 monthsLIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus milesAnnual Fee
$395Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.740-850Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)Pros
- The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month