Disneyland Resort Reveals New Magic Key Program To Replace Annual Pass System
A few months back, the Disneyland Resort shared that they would be retiring their Disneyland Annual Pass program. They stated that in the future, they would let Guests know about the new program that they would be introducing. That new program, which is an evolution of the Disneyland Resort Annual Pass program, has been announced today and it’s called Magic Key!
The Magic Key program will deliver choice, flexibility and value for park admission, special access to unique experiences, valuable saving opportunities and so much more. Guests will be able to choose from one of four options of Magic Key passes. This will allow Guests to choose which pass fits their various needs and preferences for how they wish to visit the Disneyland Resort.
Here’s a brief overview about the different Magic Key passes:
First, yes, the theme park reservation system will still remain and it’s a huge component to the Magic Key program. Magic Key holders will need to make advanced reservations to be able to visit either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure on available dates. In addition, they will only be able to hold a certain number of upcoming reservations. The number of reservations you can hold will depend on the type of pass you purchase.
So…..I know you want to know the big questions….how much will this cost and when can I purchase my Magic Key pass?
Well, let’s start with cost and the details of the different keys.
Dream Key
The most expensive tier is the Dream Key. The Dream Key will cost $1,399 and Guests will have access to reservation-based admission to one or both theme parks every day of the year.
These Guests can hold up to 6 theme park reservations at a time for different dates. They will be able to receive up to 20% off select merchandise and up to 15% off select dining. In addition, standard theme park parking will be included (excluding blockout days). You can take a look at the Dream Key blockout calendar here.
Believe Key
The next tier down is the Believe Key. The Believe Key will cost $949 and Guests will have access to reservation-based admission to one or both theme parks most days of the year. (Dates not included in this Key are things like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break, and some Saturdays.) These Guests can hold up to 6 theme park reservations at a time. They will also receive up to 10% off select merchandise and 10% off select dining. Plus they will receive 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). You can take a look at the Believe Key blockout calendar here.
Enchant Key
The next tier down is the Enchant Key. The Enchant Key will cost $649 and Guests will have access to reservation-based admission to one or both theme parks select days of the year. (Dates not included in this Key are things like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break, and some Saturdays, as well as summer months.) These Guests can hold up to 4 theme park reservations at a time. They will also receive up to 10% off select merchandise and 10% off select dining. You can take a look at the Enchant Key blockout calendar here.
Imagine Key
The final tier is the Imagine Key. The Imagine Key will be just for Southern California Residents living in zip codes 90000 to 93599 and will cost $399. Guests will have access to reservation-based admission to one or both theme parks select days of the year. (This Key really only offers availability on select weekdays.) These Guests can hold up to 2 theme park reservations at a time. They will also receive up to 10% off select merchandise and 10% off select dining. You can take a look at the Imagine Key blockout calendar here.
When Can I Become a Magic Key Holder?
When can Guests begin purchasing any of these four Keys passes? They can do so beginning August 25, no earlier than 10:00 a.m. PT. (Guests will also be able to unlock their visit to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure with a reservation beginning that day, as well.
A monthly payment plan exclusively for California residents will still be offered. Guests will be able to purchase and manage their Magic Key pass through 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.
To make a reservation, Guests will need to select the date and theme park that they wish to visit from the available theme park reservations. Guests will be able to make reservations for one park only or both parks, dependent on availability. Magic Key holders, choosing both parks, can select which theme park to start their day at and they may cross over and switch between parks on the same day beginning at 1:00 PM.
Perks
In addition, throughout the year, those who have purchased one of the Keys may also be able to enjoy special benefits such as a dedicated dining experience and custom menu items at the Magic Key terrace, special offerings at festivals just for Magic Key holders, a Magic Key holder celebration month, plus other unique surprises! In addition, Disney will be introducing an all-new Magic Key portal on the Disneyland app to share information.
To start with, for a limited time, charter members that become Magic Key holders within the first 66 days will receive a special welcome package that will include a premium branded pin, celebratory button, magnet, and more! Plus, Magic Key holders who enter Disneyland will have access to a limited-time experience at Starcade in Tomorrowland beginning on September 1, where they can enjoy charging stations, a special photo opportunity, and other fun surprises.
So, who will become a Magic Key holder and which tier are you going to choose?
Locals will only be happy with this if reservations are available within a day or two of day-of-visit. As of this moment on August 3, both parks are shown available tomorrow, the day after, and the upcoming weekend. If that hold true once this new AP program begins, then it’s a good deal. But if the AP allotment of reservations are gone for several days in advance, then there will be issues.