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This Disney World Technology Is Finally Making Its Way to Disney Cruise Line

Disney Parks and Resorts are always on the cutting edge of new technology. Whether it is tech used to create immersive experiences in theme park attractions, or work behind the scenes to create seamless Guest experiences, the latest advances are always part of what makes “The Most Magical Place on Earth” so special.

With several technological features working wonders at Walt Disney World, and at Disneyland too, for that matter, Guests have been wondering for years whether we could see more of these experiences make their way to Disney Cruise Line. We’re certainly getting there with experiences like the AquaMouse, an attraction at sea, and the Muppets Midship Detective Agency, an interactive game available to Guests on the Disney Wish, but there is one other piece of tech that has been noticeably missing from Disney vacations at sea until now….

Mickey and Minnie outside the Disney Wish

Credit: Disney

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As Disney Cruise Line embarks on its 25th anniversary this summer, Guests will be thrilled to learn that some of Disney’s most unique vacation offerings will begin to include a brand new version of the MagicBand+ technology used at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

The Disney Parks Blog shared that the new bands, known officially as DisneyBand+ will be made available in limited preview opportunities for Guests sailing aboard the Disney Wish before the wearable tech arrives on the other ships (including the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy.)

Much like the way MagicBand+ operates in the theme parks and Resorts on land, DisneyBand+ will be an optional accessory for Guests looking to enhance their Disney vacation at sea.

Guests unlocking stateroom door with DisneyBand+ on Disney Cruise Line

Credit: Disney

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Just like at Disney Resorts, Guests cruising the high seas can use DisneyBand+ to unlock stateroom doors without having to dig for a keycard, and to charge purchases including food and beverage items not already included in the cost of the cruise and shopping to their rooms. Little ones on Disney Cruise Line ships (children ages 3 and up) will also be able to replace the Oceaneer Club Band with the DisneyBand+ to access Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Scuttle’s Cove on Castaway Cay.

Memory Maker is a staple of Disney Parks that is exclusive to vacations on land, but there are similar setups in place on Disney Cruise Line with Cast Member photographers. The new DisneyBand+ will make it easier for Guests to collect their photos after they’re taken and to view which ones they would like to purchase before the end of their cruise.

DisneyBand+ (and MagicBand+) are also waterproof, so Disney Cruise Line Guests who may be spending more time at the pool or at the beach can rest assured knowing that the band will not get damaged during their travels.

Guests posing for a photographer with DisneyBand+ on Disney Cruise Line

Credit: Disney

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Just like MagicBand+, DisneyBand+ will also include special magical touches throughout your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Disney has not yet revealed what exactly these touches will be, but we expect them to be similar to what is available with MagicBand+ in the theme parks.

At Walt Disney World, MagicBand+ interacts with nighttime fireworks spectaculars, and the character statues that were installed across all four Parks during the 50th anniversary of the Resort. Additionally, MagicBand+ can be used for special interactive experiences in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With these features a part of DisneyBand+, the bands will need to be recharged just like MagicBand+.

Disney shared additional information on the new bands in the video below:

DisneyBand+ is not included in cruise fares, but is an option all add-on for Guests who are interested in purchasing. And similarly to MagicBand+ at Walt Disney World, stateroom access, photos, and other experiences will remain available to Guests without DisneyBand+ while some smaller features (like the character statue interactions in the Parks) will need a DisneyBand+ to use. And as a final note, DisneyBand+ will work in the theme parks and MagicBand+ will work on the cruise ships.

We will continue to monitor updates to DisneyBand+ as DCL prepares for its arrival this summer on the Disney Wish, here on Disney Tips.

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."