Disneyland Replaces Annual Passes with Magic Key Program

For those wondering when Disneyland would be reinstating its annual passes, it appears they’re changing the system to something they’re calling the Magic Key Program.

This new system has four tiers, each with its own list of benefits, which increase as you go up tiers.

The Imagine Key is the first tier at $399 per person annually, and is only available for Southern California residents. It allows up to 2 park reservation holds at a time, valid for select dates per year. It also offers 10% off select merchandise and select food & beverage. There is no free parking.

Next is the Enchant Key tier at $649 per person annually. It allows up to 4 park reservation holds at a time, valid for select dates per year. It also offers 10% off select merchandise and select food & beverage. There is no free parking.

The third tier is the Believe Key at $949 per person annually. It allows up to 6 park reservation holds at a time, valid for “most” dates per year. It also offers 10% off select merchandise and select food & beverage, plus 50% off parking.

The final tier is the Dream Key at $1399 per person annually. It allows up to 6 park reservation holds at a time, valid for all dates per year. It also offers 20% off select merchandise and 15% off select food & beverage. Theme park parking is included.

There will also be a monthly payment plan available on all tiers exclusively for California residents.

Disneyland says it surveyed passholders in January to determine the most popular option combinations and price points for this new Magic Key program.

After the last Disneyland ticket price hike in February 2020, the annual cost ranged from $419 to $1,449 for passes, depending on which option the user picked. So these new Magic Keys are in line price-wise.

Currently, the cost of an adult ticket ranges from $104 to $154 for a single day at a Disneyland Resort theme park. For an additional $55, guests can purchase a park hopper ticket that gives them access to both parks in a single day, which brings the total single day ticket price to as much as $204.

One question that hasn’t been answered is with the current reservation system, what percentage of the daily reservations have been allotted to Magic Key holders? Another is exactly what are the block out dates per Magic Key tier? Both will help determine the value of a Magic Key purchase.

I also find it interesting that parking is only fully included in the top Dream Key tier. Without it, those costs can add up on multiple visits.

Magic Keys will go on sale starting August 25, 2021 (no earlier than 10 a.m. PT) at Disneyland.com and the Disneyland app, where they will be able to access an interactive admission calendar for their pass type to view reservation availability and book their theme park reservations.

According to the Disney Parks blog, Magic Key holders who purchase within the first 66 days (celebrating 66 years of Disneyland Resort) will be known as “Charter Members.” They will also receive a special welcome package that will include unique items such as a premium branded pin, celebratory button, magnet, and more.

Plus, Magic Key holders who enter Disneyland park will also be celebrated with access to a limited-time experience at Starcade in Tomorrowland (which begins on Sept. 1), where they can enjoy charging stations, a special photo opportunity, and other fun surprises.

You can find more information, including the fine print, at disneyland.disney.go.com/magic-key/.

As for those wondering about Walt Disney World annual passes, Disney Parks says that new pass sales will become available in time for the start of the 50th anniversary celebration (which is October 1). No word if there will be a Magic Key system at WDW, too, but my guess is there’s a good chance it will be changed to that.

If you were a Disneyland pass holder, how do you feel about the Magic Key program replacing it? Let me know in comments.