We have been to Paradise Beach (and many of the other surrounding resorts) many times and love it. The wristbands are going up to $9 on November 1st. These wristbands are not required. They are just one of the many options that Paradise Beach offers.
Our family of four will be there again in December. The 2 boys will get the wristbands...because they are into that kinds stuff..however, Dad and I will not.
We are the chill in the shade kinda folks!
At Playa Del Carmen....if you are lucky enough to tender in (yes this is actually a port that you DO want to tender into if you want to go downtown because it will save you taxi fare from the dock if the ship docks) there is a Senor Frogs as you exit the tendering pier to the left.
Lots of fun. There is beach on either side of the tendering pier. Of course Senor Frogs does not charge for there chairs and tables if you want to stay on the beach. We prefer to sit in the open bar above the beach.