BREAKING: MagicBand+ and “Hey Disney” Coming to Walt Disney World
Stop what you’re doing because THESE are the MagicBands we’ve all been waiting for!
Disney JUST announced the exciting first looking of the latest additions to the Magicband line and we’re living for them! These bands have a sleek and slim design and may resemble a watch more than the pucks we’ve seen in previous magicband versions.
But here’s something these new guys do that the previous ones don’t: They’ll allow you to INTERACT with the park! Imagine passing by those gorgeous 50th statues around the parks only have your magicband light up and come to life! Or seeing your favorite nighttime show and having your band allow you to be a part of the action?! That’s exactly what these new designs are aiming to do. Magicband+ is set to enhance the guest experience not just for the resort keys and attractions but help you become part of the magic itself!
“After a guest enters a theme park, MagicBand+ will come alive at various times with colorchanging lights, haptic vibrations and gesture recognition, enhancing the environment’s immersive storytelling. The wearable will allow guests to engage with favorite Disney moments in new ways and discover new interactive experiences, including:
• Play like a bounty hunter in a galaxy far, far away and find virtual bounties throughout Black Spire Outpost in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Interact with the “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection,” the golden sculptures spread throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks.
• Experience nighttime spectaculars in a new way as they see their bands light up and complement the magic in the skies, including the new “Harmonious” at EPCOT and “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park.
More details about MagicBand+ and its capabilities will be revealed in the future. The wearable
will be available for purchase beginning next year. MagicBand+ will be available at a
discounted, pre-arrival price for Disney Resort hotel guests, as well as new and renewing Walt
Disney World Annual Passholders. Current MagicBands will continue to be available, as well,
along with the complimentary Disney MagicMobile service that extends MagicBand features,
such as park entry, to smart devices.” (Disney Parks Blog)
While these are set to debut with the new 50th celebration, there has been no official release date on these beauties just yet, but we’ll be certain to keep you updated here at STM!
Disney has always been well known for its partnerships with successful companies and their collaborations when these companies come together have been a winning combination historically. Disney has announced a special partnership with Amazon to premiere their latest innovation in “Hey Disney!”
This immersive service will begin as a complimentary option within Walt Disney World resort guest rooms where guests can get Alexa-type updates from their favorite Disney characters. Guests will be able to interact by voice commands of “Hey Disney…” and wait for the character to respond to get weather updates, set timers and alarms, hear jokes, learn Disney trivia, and even hear special greetings.
These devices will also compliment guest resort stays through technology that will allow to tell when the next bus to the parks are set to arrive, and even be able to request more towels to be brought to the room! These devices will be equipped to handling over a thousand magical interactions.
When you’re ready to bring the magic home with you, the “Hey Disney” service will be available to purchase later in the coming year through the Amazon Alexa Skills store. Otterbox will also have stand options available for the Echo Show 5 models in various Disney designs including classic Mickey red shorts and one in the dashing 50th celebration outfit (which will also be used in the WDW resort guest rooms).
