We finally have information about Disneyland’s new loyalty program! Disneyland is calling it the “Magic Key” and it will be taking the place of the former Annual Pass program. I’ve missed my annual pass over the last year and I’m so excited about this announcement! I think it will be great. We may even grow to love it just as much as the former annual pass program! It is very similar.
You can actually save money on your Magic Key! Don’t pay full price! Read all the way to the bottom to find out how!
Disneyland’s Magic Key Program provides a reservation based program for frequent Disneyland visitors. There are 4 magic key tiers featuring a variety of admission days, pricing options, experiences, and savings on food & beverages, parking and merchandise. Each tier has different block out dates. Here’s the break down of each tier.
Dream Key- $1399
- Reservation-based admission to one or both theme parks every day of the year.
- Hold up to 6 theme park reservations at a time for different dates
- Up to 20% off select merchandise
- Up to 15% off select dining
- Standard theme park parking included (excluding blockout days)
- Dream Key Blockout Calendar
Believe Key- $949
- Reservation-based admission to one or both theme parks most days of the year.
- Hold up to 6 theme park reservations at a time
- 10% off select merchandise
- 10% off select dining
- 50% off standard theme park parking( excluding blockout days, and available for purchase at Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, Pixar Pals Parking Structure and the Toy Story Parking Area)
- Believe Key Blockout Calendar
Enchant Key- $649
- Reservation-based admission to one or both theme parks select days of the year.
- Hold up to 4 theme park reservations at a time
- 10% off select merchandise
- 10% off select dining
- Enchanted Key Blockout Calendar
Imagine Key- $399
(Only available for Southern California Residents living in zip codes 90000 to 93599)
- Reservation-based admission to one or both theme parks select days of the year.
- Hold up to 2 theme park reservations at a time
- 10% off select merchandise
- 10% off select dining
- Imagine Key Blockout Calendar
Magic Key Theme Park Reservation System
Magic Key holders will need to make advanced theme park reservations for the park they would like to visit. They are allowed to hold a certain number of reservations at a time. This is based on the tier of key they hold. Park reservations can be made on the Disneyland website or by using the Disneyland app.
Additional Magic Key Benfits
Access a variety of Magic Key holder benefits to enjoy throughout the year – including:
- Magic Key terrace: a re-imagined reservation-based lounge just for Magic Key holders and their friends and family
- Magic Key Holder Month: a month-long celebration of Magic Key holders
- Special Experiences & Collectibles: access exciting, unique experiences and collectible keepsakes designed with you in mind—including special offerings during festivals!
- First Access Opportunities: be among the first to have the opportunity to access exciting new offerings at the Disneyland Resort throughout the year, including select new merchandise collections
- Downtown Disney District: discounts at participating locations
- Magic Key Merchandise, Novelties, Menu Items and More: Show your Magic Key pride! Opportunity to purchase Magic Key holder-themed popcorn buckets, sippers and menu items throughout the year.
- Magic Key Disney PhotoPass Opportunities: enjoy special photo spots and other opportunities sprinkled in throughout the year.
- Magic Key embroidery: special options available for Magic Key holders at select locations in the parks
Plus, enjoy periodic offers available throughout the year that only Disney can provide.
Purchasing A Magic Key Pass
Magic Key can be purchased starting August 25th(10am PT). A monthly payment plan is available exclusively for California residents. Magic Keys can be purchased on the Disneyland website and on the app. Or, keep reading to find out how to save money by purchasing through my favorite discount ticket seller.
First Ones To Purchase
The first guests to purchase their pass for Disneyland’s Magic Key Program will be celebrated! So, If you purchase within the first 66 days(Because Disneyland is 66 this year) you will receive a welcome package. The welcome packages includes 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). Here, they can enjoy charging stations, a special photo opportunity, and other fun surprises.
Saving Money On Your Magic Key
Disneyland is allowing you to upgrade current park tickets to the new Magic Key. This is how you save money! Here’s how it works. You can purchase a discounted park ticket through my friends at Get Away Today. On the last day of your park visit you can go to the Disneyland ticket booth and upgrade your park ticket to the Magic Key. Disneyland will apply the value of your ticket towards the cost of you Magic Key. Because you’ve purchased your park tickets at a discount, but Disneyland applies the full value of the ticket to the Magic Key, you save money! You will save the most money if you buy a 5 day pass through Get Away Today and use it to upgrade during your vacation. Who doesn’t want to save money? I’ll be going this route on my visit in August.
Why I’m Not Buying A Magic Key
This might come as a surprise, but I’m not going to be buying a Magic Key right away. I’m concerned about how difficult it may be to get a reservation. I don’t like the idea of not being able to make reservations whenever I want. So, I’m going to wait and see and continue buying my tickets at a discount through Get Away Today. This way, I can make my park reservations 120 days in advance instead of being limited to 60 days and only 4 -6 reservations at a time. Down the road I may change my mind, but I want to see how the reservation system is working before I commit.
Planning Your Disneyland Visit
If you need help planning your visit, let me know! I love helping out fellow Disney fans. I have a complete Disneyland planning guide here that will be helpful. Check out my free Disneyland in a day park itinerary here(updated monthly), custom Disneyland itineraries here and tons of helpful planning tips here.
