You know, we love bringing you the latest Disney World news so you can make sure you’re as prepared as possible for your upcoming trips, but there’s some news we just hate to give.
Price increases, for one, and we just told you about the MASSIVE number of those that just hit the parks, but it seems the bad news doesn’t stop there. Recently, Disney quietly took away ANOTHER hotel perk from Disney World guests, and we, along with almost every other Disney fan, are not happy about it — here’s why.
During the drama around price increases, Disney also revealed that Disney World hotel guests and Annual Passholders would no longer receive discounts on MagicBands ahead of their park visits. This was something that had been in place since Disney stopped providing complimentary MagicBands for hotel guests (which was ANOTHER former perk we were angry to see go). Now, this means we basically have nothing to make up for a perk that was once there.
Now, hotel guests will have to pay full price if they want to add a MagicBand+ to their trip ahead of arriving at the resort. While MagicBands aren’t a necessity for your trip, they do make things a lot easier — your ticket is stored on there, so you can use it to tap into the parking lots, Disney World parks, and you can even use it to tap into your hotel room. You can also connect your debit or credit card to it so you can avoid needing to take your wallet out in the park. MagicBands are also very convenient for kids who are too young for phones, but still want to have a bit of independence. It also takes some pressure off parents, so they don’t need to tap everyone’s ticket to get into the park.
Disney World hotels are NOT. CHEAP. Even the Value Resorts, which are supposed to be the most affordable option, often cost hundreds per night, especially if you’re traveling during a busier time of year. For some families, they’re ONLY able to travel during this time of year, because it’s the only time they have off work and school. So to have yet ANOTHER perk taken away, and hotel prices are as high as ever? Yeah, Disney fans aren’t thrilled.
While we do understand that this could be a sign that MagicBands aren’t as popular as they used to be, we have a feeling THAT could be because the regular MagicBands are being phased out of being sold, so MagicBand+ are usually the only options available, and guess what? They’re MORE expensive. So yes, we could see lots of people foregoing a MagicBand so they can have extra funds for snacks around the parks, or a souvenir that they’ll be able to use at home.
I know for me personally, I have two basic MagicBands that I got on my first trip ever, and I won’t buy a MagicBand+, because I don’t need the extra features! I will continue to use them these until they’re no longer active in the parks (and I certainly hope that day will never come, I’ll be even more upset), because I spent money on them, I don’t want to discontinue them before they’ve gotten their full use (yes, even though one of them is literally cracking and beginning to fall apart).
We’ll be sure to continue to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news to help you prepare for your upcoming vacation, so stay tuned to AllEars.
FULL LIST of Disney World Hotel Perks for 2026
How do you feel about this change? Tell us in the comments!
After being loyal pass holders for 27 years, this is it for us. This is just one of the many “takeaways” they have done over the years, yet increasing all prices exponentially. Disney World has gotten extremely “money hungry”. The bottom line is that everything is so way over-priced, that makes Disney World is no longer fun. They are obviously looking for those; “once in a lifetime” guests who splurge on everything. This is due to its reputation, which, someday, I suspect will not be enough to keep up the current worldwide excitement of going to Disney World.
Didn’t trust the old MagicBands we had and didn’t want to pay for new, so we switched to lanyards and key cards two trips ago. Just as easy, works as ticket, room key, and room charge. Started with a cheap 4 pack of lanyards from Amazon and let the kids pick Disney options to upgrade on the trip. Used the same ones the following trip. No regrets, no plans to change.
With so much construction and so many price increases, WDW is truly behaving oddly.
As a DVC member (with all my points used until April 1,2027) I have no reason to renew my Annual pass when it expires May 1, 2026.
I figure by the time I have my 310 points, the new ‘lands’ should be built and I may have a reason to come back.
If the annual passes go up another 25-30% I guess I’ll be enjoying the resorts and restaurants there.
Honestly what perk is there for staying at a Disney resort these days besides being “in the bubble”?
They’ve taken free/discounted bands, evening extended hours for all levels–1/2 hr less in the morning, no luggage pickup on arrival or luggage check-in on departure, Magical Express, free Fastpass, pkg delivery from park to room, less mousekeeping…..I’m sure there is more.
I’m glad I got to enjoy WDW back when it was truly magical.
Wonder how long until Disney begins to charge for transportation from resort to parks?
Not happy. It’s one of our souvenirs for each trip. Received our new ones today. Last we’ll be buying. Any future trips we’ll go with key cards because we don’t use the phones much on vacation. Sometimes you just need to unplug from the world.
Magic Bands are one of the magical pre-trip goodies I look forward to! Thank goodness I bought mine a few weeks ago for my up-coming trip. I’ll hold onto this one more closely at the end of my trip. Sigh 🙁
I’m disappointed to hear that. Magic bands are so convenient and should be discounted for resort guests.