Disneyland Magic Key Pass Overview
- Pros and Cons: Weigh the benefits and limitations of the Magic Key pass system.
- Discounts: Explore the exclusive offers available to Magic Key holders.
- Pass Types: Understand the different tiers of Magic Key passes.
- Pricing: Learn about the price differences among various pass levels.
- Blockout Dates: Find out the restrictions based on pass tiers.
- Renewal Information: Get the latest updates on renewing your Magic Key.
Thinking about investing in a Disneyland annual pass? Here’s everything you need to know about Magic Keys.
Ready to create never-ending memories at the “Happiest Place on Earth?” With two theme parks and three resorts, a one-time annual fee in exchange for visiting Disneyland whenever you’d like sounds too good to be true. From the recently opened Avengers Campus to their award-winning food festivals and seasonal events, there’s always something new to discover at Disneyland.
Moreover, the Southern California theme park resort has experienced significant changes, retiring its long-running FastPass program in exchange for the Genie+ and Lightning Lanes. The popular Disneyland annual pass program has also been updated to accommodate the new Magic Key system, which is currently available for renewals (new sales are paused). Below, we detail everything you need to know about this revamped system including pass levels, blockout dates, discounts, and more.
Pros and Cons of Having a Disneyland Magic Key Pass
The program’s four different tiers of passes bring a welcomed level of spontaneity and savings to the frequent Disneyland visitor. Craving a Dole Whip? Local passholders can pop in on a whim. For the out-of-town visitor, passes rival the price of standard admission, making them a great option with added resort and dining benefits.
Disney enhances the Magic Key experience with exclusive merchandise, discounts, secret menu items, and even a private lounge, The Magic Key Terrace. Holders also receive early access to seasonal event tickets, such as Oogie Boogie Bash, with benefits updated via the Magic Key Portal in the Disneyland mobile app.
However, there are a few caveats to consider. Blockout dates vary by price level, ranging from wide-open calendars to significant restrictions during summer and holidays.
An important consideration is that Disneyland enforces a reservation system. Visits must be booked prior to park arrival, and limited availability may occur even if the date is included on your calendar. When making a reservation, a starting park—Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park—must be chosen, and the reservation holder cannot visit the other park until 1 p.m.
The limit on how many reservations guests can hold simultaneously is dependent on tier level, and passes can be penalized for missed reservations. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance based on availability, with additional reservations often released on a rolling basis.
Disneyland Annual Pass Discounts
Magic Key holders can enjoy discounted merchandise and food at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, as well as throughout the restaurants and shops at Downtown Disney and the three on-site resorts, with the discount level varying by pass. They can also enjoy 20% off Disney Genie+ Service.
Imagine, Enchant, and Believe Key holders receive 10% off dining and merchandise, while the highest level, Inspire Key, offers 20% off merchandise and 15% off dining.
Standard parking is included with the Inspire Key, while Believe Key holders receive 50% off standard parking fees (not applicable on blockout dates). Imagine and Enchant Key holders can benefit from 25% off at the Toy Story Parking Area, also excluding blockout dates.
Seasonal hotel discounts are available to Magic Key holders at Disneyland’s three resorts—Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Resort stays come with the added perk of extra park hours and a dedicated park entrance.
Types of Disneyland Magic Key Passes
There are four levels of the Disneyland Magic Key—Imagine, Enchant, Believe, and Inspire—which vary by blockout dates and price, ranging from $449 to $1,599.
The most restrictive tier, Imagine Key, is exclusively available for Southern California residents living in specific zip codes. Holders can retain up to two theme park reservations at a time, but the majority of the calendar year is blocked out. The Enchant Key is available to all guests, allowing holders to retain up to four theme park reservations at a time with fewer calendar restrictions compared to the Imagine Key.
The second-highest tier, Believe Key, offers varied admission dates throughout the year, allowing holders to retain up to six theme park reservations at a time. The Inspire Key enables guests to hold the same number of reservations yet has the fewest blockout dates, making it ideal for those anticipating visits during peak times.
Magic Key passes may be unavailable for purchase at times, so check the Disney website for the most up-to-date information.
Magic Key Prices
The dramatic price difference between the Inspire Key ($1,599) and Imagine Key ($449) is due to the latter’s restriction to weekdays with summer and major holidays blocked out. The $699 Enchant Key provides a bit more flexibility but comes with numerous blockout dates.
While the Believe and Inspire Keys allow for the same number of reservations, the $1,099 Believe Key excludes the free parking included with the Inspire Key and has blockout dates around major holidays. The $1,599 Inspire Key offers the highest discounts and fewest blockout dates.
Magic Key Blockout Dates
Blockout dates are crucial when determining the best Magic Key level for you. Whether seeing the festive Christmas lights or enjoying a sunny summer day in the park is important, it’s essential to consider the blockout limitations. The Disneyland website and the Magic Key Portal in the Disneyland app offer an up-to-date blockout calendar with access availability for each pass level.
The Imagine Key has the most blockout dates, with many weekends, summer days, and major holidays restricted. This pass is best for those who can visit on weekdays during off-peak seasons. The Enchant Key has fewer restrictions but remains blocked on select weekends, major holidays, and portions of summer and spring break.
The Believe Key is blocked throughout significant holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s, with some weekends restricted during peak season. It may be more suitable for locals who prefer to visit during quieter times. Although there is no longer an annual pass without blockout dates, the Inspire Key has the least restrictions, with limited dates blocked out around Christmas and New Year’s.
Magic Key Renewal
Guests can renew their Magic Key via the Disneyland website or by phone through the Magic Key Membership Services at (714) 781-7277, with further details expected to be announced soon.
