We have updates for you on Disneyland’s new annual pass replacement program. Below please find everything you need to know, including some new info on commonly asked questions. The new Magic Key program launches on August 25, 2021.
Disneyland Annual Passes Are Back, Folks (or something very much like them)!
Disneyland announced their new Annual Pass-like “Magic Key” program today, and we’ve got all the details for you right here! Learn more about the changes, what’s new, and of course the all-important pricing options. There’s a lot for you to see and compare. It’s much better than we feared, new program levels start at just $399…
Magic Key is an homage to Disneyland’s early ticket books. A clever touch.
Disney’s 4 main considerations when creating the new program were: Access & Flexibility, Choice & Value, Appreciation & Recognition, and Community & Belonging. Let us know how you think they did with their goals.
The big question we know you’ve been waiting to hear: Magic Key launches August 25 (no earlier than 10am) and comes with many of the most popular pieces of the old Annual Pass program – with new twists, rules and options that reflect the new reality of park reservations. As mentioned earlier this year, with this new program Disneyland will be sunsetting the Legacy Passholder program. So, to keep those discounts coming, you’ll need to buy one of the 4 new Magic Key options.
All Magic Comes At A Price – Magic Key Levels
We hope you liked the old Flex Annual Pass, because Magic Key is built on the groundwork laid by that ticket. At launch on August 25, there will be 4 tiers of Magic Key available. Each comes with different benefits and reservation availability, and monthly payments will be an option for California residents as before.
Here are the 4 new keys you can choose from:
- Disneyland Imagine Key – $399
- 2 Reservations available at a time
- Parking NOT included
- Available for Southern California residents only
- Disneyland Enchant Key – $649
- 4 Reservations available at a time
- Parking NOT included
- Disneyland Believe Key – $949
- 6 Reservations available at a time
- Provides a 50% Parking discount
- Disneyland Dream Key – $1,399
- No Blockouts
- 6 Reservations available at a time
- Parking Included
Disneyland Magic Key Notes
- Parking will only be available with the top tier Dream Key, but the Believe Key will get a 50% parking discount each visit.
- As with the old Flex pass, there is a penalty applied if you no-show on a reservation 3 times in a 90 day period. Your pass will be blocked from making another reservation for 30 days (but you’d still be able to use any reservations you still have booked).
- The former passholder terrace at DCA’s Golden Vine Winery will be changed to the “Magic Key Terrace.”
- Special merchandise, food & beverage will be available to Magic Key holders.
- Special PhotoPass opportunities will be available.
- And special experiences, such as a Magic Keyholder month will be created.
- A special Magic Key Portal will provide latest news, special content, and benefits information. It will be available from the Disneyland app.
- Those who purchase a Magic Key pass within the first two months will receive a special charter member gift package (with a pen, magnet, map, lanyard and more) delivered to their home.
- Special discounts will be available for D23 Gold membership, and additional partnerships and rewards may be available with Disney Movie Insiders and Disney Music Group.
- FastPass/MaxPass are not currently offered at Disneyland so are not mentioned in the new pass perks. Stay tuned.
- You may be able to apply existing unused (and partially used but still valid) park tickets toward the purchase price of a Magic Key pass.
- Other park ticket rules are all still valid, such as park-hopping after 1pm.
Magic Key passes will be available for purchase in the Disneyland app and on Disneyland.com on August 25, no earlier than 10am. Expect the site to be very busy, purchasing slow, and possible long waits. Since these tickets aren’t limited, there’s no reason for you to be first. We recommend waiting until at least the next day to avoid wasting a lot of time in queue.
Common Magic Key Questions and Answers
When Does Magic Key Go On Sale? Magic Key passes will officially go on sale beginning August 25 (no earlier than 10 a.m. PT). Before we officially launch our four new Magic Key options in just a few days, we wanted to help answer some of the top questions to best help you plan and prepare ahead of time!
Where can I purchase a Magic Key pass? You will need to buy your Magic Key pass online at either Disneyland.com or on the Disneyland app. Magic Key passes cannot be purchased at Disneyland Resort ticket booths at this time.
Do I need to purchase my Magic Key pass on August 25? It is not necessary to purchase your Magic Key on the first day of sale.
Is there a monthly payment option available for purchasing my Magic Key pass Yes! Monthly payment options are available for eligible California residents purchasing a Magic Key pass.
TIP: CA guests choosing the monthly payment option should be logged into their Disney account with their California address in order to see the monthly payment plan option.
Can I upgrade my existing theme park ticket to a Magic Key pass? Yes, most theme park tickets are upgradeable to a Magic Key pass. Fully used, or partially used and expired, theme park admission media, complimentary ticket media, special event ticket media and ticket media stating its ineligibility for an upgrade (such as the California Resident promotional ticket) may not be upgraded to a Magic Key pass.
How will I upgrade my eligible theme park ticket to a Magic Key pass? If you have a partially used, unexpired ticket that is upgradable, you can do so directly on the Disneyland app! Visit Disneyland.com to learn more.
What happens to existing reservations if I upgrade my park ticket to a Magic Key? Your existing reservations will disappear because they are linked to a ticket that no longer exists. However, you’ll be able to make new reservations right away using your new Magic Key pass.
How exactly will my Magic Key holder theme park reservations work? Depending on what Magic Key type you choose to purchase, you may hold a specific number of theme park reservations at a time, within a 90-day booking window, subject to applicable blockout dates (you can check the number of holds per pass type at Disneyland.com/MagicKey). For example, if you purchase an Imagine Key pass, you can hold up to 2 theme park reservations at a time. Once you enter a park on one of your two booked reservation days (or timely cancel a reservation), then you can make another, new reservation within that 90-day window! Park reservations may be made for one or both parks, subject to availability, and park reservations are limited and are not guaranteed for any specific dates or park.
Do I need to make two separate reservations to visit both Disneyland and DCA in the same day? No. If your Magic Key theme park reservation is for both parks, it will count as one reservation toward your available reservation holds. Reservations for both parks are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
If I purchase my Magic Key pass within the first 66 days, what additional benefits will I receive? In addition to all the benefits that come with being a Magic Key holder, you will also receive a special charter member welcome package sent to the address on file, which will include a limited-edition Magic Key pin, celebratory button, magnet and more! Additionally, the Magic Key holders who enter Disneyland park from Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2021 may enjoy access to a limited-time experience at Starcade in Tomorrowland. Here, Magic Key holders can enjoy a fun photo opportunity, charging stations, and other fun Magic Key surprises!
Once you purchase your Magic Key pass, here are the steps to book a theme park reservation, beginning Aug. 25:
1. Visit the theme park reservations page on Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app to start the reservation process.
2. Select the date that you wish to visit from the available theme park reservation dates. You can make reservations for one park, or both, depending on park availability for that selected date.
3. If you will be visiting both parks, you must select a starting park in which to begin your day. You may cross over and switch between parks beginning at 1 p.m. that day, subject to capacity. If you arrive after 1 p.m., you may start your visit at either park.
4. After making your selection, review and confirm your reservations details.
5. Tip: If you’re planning to visit with friends and family, you can add their theme par admission to your account to make theme park reservations as a group!
Disneyland Tickets and Hotel Discounts!
Not sure if you need a Magic Key Pass? Our partners at Get Away Today have have discount theme park tickets for you (that are good through 2022!) HERE and, if you decide you want to upgrade to Magic Key, your tickets are upgradable!
Plus, there are all sorts of new theme park tickets and travel deals, including up to 25% off at the Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotels, a 2 free days offer at Walt Disney World, ticket deals to various theme parks, and DISCOUNT TICKETS TO DISNEYLAND: More details and to get a quote (HERE)
Which Key Are You?
Are you happy with the new program levels? Is there anything that concerns you? We can tell you that this program is MUCH better than some of the more aggressive options that Disneyland was eying earlier in this process. The new system feels very familiar both in price and benefits. We’d love to hear your thoughts, and choose an option in our poll below.
Will you miss the old Disneyland Passholder Program or happy to be a new Magic Keyholder?
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