MagicBands are an iconic part of the Walt Disney World Resort experience, serving as tickets, payment devices, and hotel room keys all rolled into one. But one Disney Park guest recently turned to social media for help after accidentally destroying their family’s MagicBands, sparking a discussion among Disney Parks fans.
The MagicBand Basics
Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort offer two types of MagicBands: the classic MagicBand 2.0 and the rechargeable MagicBand+, which syncs with park experiences and offers interactive features. Guests use MagicBands to scan into the Disney parks, unlock Resort hotel rooms, pay for meals and merchandise, and access Lightning Lane entries.
While they were once complimentary for Disney Resort hotel guests, MagicBands now cost as much as $44.99, making them a pricey addition to any Disney Park vacation. Despite the pricetag, some guests prefer the convenience and immersion MagicBands provide over using smartphones or physical tickets.
A Holiday Mishap
For one family, MagicBands were part of a special Christmas surprise tied to a long-awaited Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.
Redditor u/KnightoftheDadBod shared their unfortunate story, explaining how their family’s MagicBands were accidentally destroyed during the holiday season.
“So Santa did a scavenger hunt for the big present, Magic Bands,” they wrote. “The scavenger hunt ended in the oven. Unfortunately, no one told Dad.”
The hiding spot became a death sentence when the father unknowingly preheated the oven for a holiday treat.
“So when I set the oven to 375 to bake our Christmas croissants, the bands got baked,” they added. “What are our options here?”
Fellow Disney Parks fans were quick to sympathize but noted that Disney was unlikely to replace the MagicBands for user error. Many shared practical advice for salvaging the vacation without the melted wristbands.
“Disney isn’t replacing your bands because you melted them in the oven,” said u/derango. “Sucks but lesson learned for the next scavenger hunt. You can use your phone to tap in [and] you can also get physical cards for room and park entry from guest services or your hotel.”
“Buy new bands,” u/DredZedPrime replied. “Disney isn’t responsible for your carelessness. And going forward, don’t put things in the oven that don’t belong there.”
Disney Parks Without MagicBands
Although Disney is unlikely to compensate for accidents like this, there are alternative ways to enjoy the parks without MagicBands. Disney Park guests can use their smartphones or smartwatches with the My Disney Experience app or request complimentary physical tickets from Guest Services to access theme park entry, Resort hotel rooms, and dining reservations.
Should this guest ask Walt Disney World Resort for new MagicBands or take the loss? Share your opinion with How to Disney in the comments.
