Disneyland Magic Key Calendars

Disneyland Magic Key is the current Annual Pass program offered at Disneyland Resort.  This article discusses Disneyland’s Magic Key pass which replaced the old Annual Pass program in 2021, shares blackout dates, Disneyland pass calendar availability and more.

Magic Key is the new Annual Pass program available in 4 different levels: InspireDream (discontinued in 2022), Believe, Enchant and Imagine. It has similar elements to the AP program. But just as Disneyland Resort noted in 2021, the old AP program has “sunsetted.”Disneyland Magic Key Calendar Pass Blackout dates

Here we’ll dig int how you can join the Magic Key holders exclusive “club”, flaunt your Magic Key status, get perks during your Disneyland vacations and learn all about the new AP status. 

Disneyland Magic Key Quick Details

If you want to be a  Magic Key holder at Disneyland this section is for you.

Most importantly after considering price and availability is the Disneyland pass calendar, which we’ll discuss more below.

How much is a Disneyland Magic Key Annual Pass?

Disneyland Magic Key Annual Passes range from $449 to $1599. Imagine is the lowest price Magic Key available Southern California residents only. All other Magic Keys are available to the general public for ages 3 and up. 

  • Inspire Key Disneyland Pass $1599
  • Dream Key Disneyland Pass $1399 (no longer being sold)
  • Believe Key Disneyland Pass $1099
  • Enchant Key Disneyland Pass $699
  • Imagine Key Pass SoCal only $449

Disneyland Magic Key Calendars

It is importance to know and understand the Magic Key calendar. Each type of Magic Key has different blackout dates and availability. Look over this calendar and see if the available dates work with the general times you plan to visit Disneyland Resort. 

Inspire Key Disneyland Annual Pass and Calendar

The Inspire Key is the highest and best Disneyland pass available. You can see the blackout calendar a year in advance, making it perfect to view before you make a purchase or renewal. 

 

Inspire Disneyland Pass Blackout Calendar
Inspire Blackout Calendar March-August 2023.

Tips for understanding the Inspire blackout and availability calendar:

  1. Icons of Disneyland (Pink Castle) and/or California Adventure (Blue Circled Mickey) show for dates that are OPEN for reservations and available to Inspire Key Holders.
  2. Gray “No” symbol shows for dates that at one time were open, but are no longer available for Magic Key reservations.
  3. Blue calendar dates show future dates that will open soon for Magic Key Holder reservations.
  4. Gray calendar dates with a slash through them means these dates are blacked out for this Magic Key type. If you want to go on these dates, you must purchase a separate Disneyland ticket

 

Inspire Disneyland calendar
Inspire Blackout Calendar September 2023-February 2024.

Price and Discounts for Inspire Magic Key:

  • Price: $1599, with monthly payment option for CA res after downpayment 
  • Blackout dates: See current Inspire Key Calendar here
  • Discounts: 20% off merchandise, 15% off food
  • Reservations: 6 at one time (rolling), 1-90 days in advance
  • Parking: included on valid dates
  • Disney Genie+: 20% off
  • Disney PhotoPass: included

 

Minnie Mouse Disney100 outfit

Believe Key Disneyland Annual Pass and Calendar

The Believe Key is the second highest and second best Disneyland pass available. You can see the blackout calendar a year in advance, making it perfect to view before you make a purchase or renewal. 

 

Believe Disneyland Pass Blackout Calendar
Believe Blackout Calendar March-August 2023.

 

Tips for understanding the Believe blackout and availability calendar:

  1. Icons of Disneyland (Pink Castle) and/or California Adventure (Blue Circled Mickey) show for dates that are OPEN for reservations and available to Believe Key Holders.
  2. Gray “No” symbol shows for dates that at one time were open, but are no longer available for Magic Key reservations.
  3. Blue calendar dates show future dates that will open soon for Magic Key Holder reservations.
  4. Gray calendar dates with a slash through them means these dates are blacked out for this Magic Key type. If you want to go on these dates, you must purchase a separate Disneyland ticket

 

Believe Disneyland calendar
Believe Blackout Calendar September 2023 – February 2024.

Price and Discounts for Believe Magic Key:

  • Price: $1099, with monthly payment option for CA res after downpayment 
  • Blackout dates: Believe Key Calendar here
  • Discounts: 10% off merchandise, 10% off food
  • Reservations: 6 at one time (rolling), 1-90 days in advance
  • Parking: 50% off on valid dates
  • Disney Genie+: 20% off
  • Disney PhotoPass: included

 

Mickey Mouse Disney100 outfit

Enchant Key Disneyland Pass and Calendar

The Enchant Key is the cheapest Disneyland pass available for non-SoCal residents. You can see the blackout calendar a year in advance, making it perfect to view before you make a purchase or renewal. 

 

Enchant Disneyland Pass Blackout Calendar
Enchant Blackout Calendar March-August 2023.

 

Tips for understanding the Enchant blackout and availability calendar:

  1. Icons of Disneyland (Pink Castle) and/or California Adventure (Blue Circled Mickey) show for dates that are OPEN for reservations and available to Enchant Key Holders.
  2. Gray “No” symbol shows for dates that at one time were open, but are no longer available for Magic Key reservations.
  3. Blue calendar dates show future dates that will open soon for Magic Key Holder reservations.
  4. Gray calendar dates with a slash through them means these dates are blacked out for this Magic Key type. If you want to go on these dates, you must purchase a separate Disneyland ticket

 

Enchant Disneyland Calendar
Enchant Blackout Calendar September 2023 – February 2024.

Price and Discounts for Enchant Magic Key:

 

Disney100 castle side

 

Imagine Key Disneyland Pass (SoCal Only) and Calendar

The Imagine Key is the cheapest Disneyland pass available and is ONLY available for SoCal residents. You can see the blackout calendar a year in advance, making it perfect to view before you make a purchase or renewal. 

 

Imagine Pass Disneyland Blackout Calendar
Imagine Blackout Calendar March-August 2023.

Tips for understanding the Imagine blackout and availability calendar:

  1. Icons of Disneyland (Pink Castle) and/or California Adventure (Blue Circled Mickey) show for dates that are OPEN for reservations and available to Enchant Key Holders.
  2. Gray “No” symbol shows for dates that at one time were open, but are no longer available for Magic Key reservations.
  3. Blue calendar dates show future dates that will open soon for Magic Key Holder reservations.
  4. Gray calendar dates with a slash through them means these dates are blacked out for this Magic Key type. If you want to go on these dates, you must purchase a separate Disneyland ticket
Imagine Disneyland Calendar
Imagine Blackout Calendar September 2023 – February 2024.

Price and Discounts for Imagine Magic Key:

Don’t forget! You can upgrade your discount Disneyland ticket (just not SoCal tickets) to a Magic Key pass! More details in the Q&A section. 

How to Make Magic Key Reservations 

Disneyland theme park reservations were introduced with Disney FlexPass, one of the lower-priced Annual Passes in May 2019.

When the parks reopened in April 2021, an entirely new theme park reservation system was introduced, leaning on the FlexPass for a bit of familiarity.

 

Jessica Disney gates

 

Here’s how to make reservations with Magic Key Pass (as adapted from Disney FlexPass):

  1. Go to “My Disneyland” on Disneyland.com OR “Make a Park Reservation” on the Disneyland App
  2. Select your ticket/pass.
  3. Select your starting park, but remember to play around with it because you might be able to go to California Adventure and not Disneyland.  
  4. View results in blue or grey. And continue through to secure your reservation.

 

Magic Key Annual Pass Q&A

There’s so much to learn about the new annual pass program, dubbed Magic Key. If you have a question I haven’t addressed, please leave a comment below.

What is a Magic Key?

The Disney Magic Key is an Annual Pass option introduced at Disneyland Resort in August 2021. It’s a twist on the classic Annual Pass while incorporating new perks and add-ons that work seamlessly with Disneyland’s new reservation system.

What is the new Disneyland Annual Pass?

The Disneyland Magic Key Annual Pass membership is a new option introduced at Disneyland Resort in August 2021. It’s a twist on the classic Annual Pass while incorporating Disneyland’s new reservation system.

Most importantly, the new Magic Key gives Disney an opportunity to control how many guest can enter the parks on a given day, and gives you a more consistent Disneyland experience. 

How does the Magic Key Pass work? 

The new Annual Pass program, Magic Key, gives you more chances to enjoy Disneyland with the flexibility of park reservations and payment plans that works for your lifestyle. 

It gives you theme park access and discounts on food and merchandise, plus parking perks for select passes.

How long is the Disneyland Magic Key valid? 

Your Annual Pass is good for 365 days, which starts on the first day you walk through the gates and scan your ticket associated with Magic Key.

You can buy your Magic Key online and you will still be able to make reservations without your membership being activated. Once your membership is scanned into the park, your membership will be active.

 

Disneyland 4th July

 

Can I get discounts on a new Magic Key Membership?

Yes, you can use your discounted Disneyland Park tickets once it’s been activated and upgrade to a Magic Key. This remains true for Disneyland day tickets, not special tickets or SoCal tickets. 

 

Disneyland Ticket Castle

 

Is it worth upgrading to a Magic Key Membership?

If you had the old Annual Pass, this is so similar but with reservations. My opinion is yes, it is worth it.

You’ll especially want to upgrade your discounted Disneyland Park tickets to the Magic Key membership because:

  • you’ll get the full value of your ticket applied to your Magic Key membership while still enjoying a discount ticket price
  • you can make your initial reservation 120 days in advance rather than 90, 30 days earlier than existing Magic Key passholders
  • no blackout dates with your initial ticket
  • easy upgrades from within the Disneyland App, subject to availability

Will my Magic Key get me into both parks?

Here’s how it worked for the most similar AP option, the FlexPass for reference until we get details soon:

Yes! On blue “good to go days” you will still need a reservation and can enter either, or both parks. On reservation days you will need to either reserve one park only, or reserve both parks together. Reserving both parks still only counts as one reservation. 

What discounts do I get with Magic Key?

Just like the old Disney Annual Passes, you’ll get some great discounts and benefits. 

I love that discounts often off-set the cost of a tip or tax when making a purchase. 

Can I add Disney MaxPass to my Magic Key?

Disney MaxPass has been retired. You can however add the new Disney Genie+ to your Magic Key membership on a daily basis. 

Can I add Disney Genie+ to my my Magic Key?

Yes, you can add the new Disney Genie+ to your Magic Key membership on a daily basis and at a discount

Is parking included in the Magic Key Pass?

Some parking discounts are included. See this Disneyland parking guide before you go. 

Do I get PhotoPass with my Magic Key Pass?

Yes, PhotoPass is inlcluded with your  Magic Key.  Here’s many of the places to get your photo taken at Disneyland Resort.

 

Disneyland App PhotoPass

 

Do I get Magic Morning with a Magic Key ?

No, Magic Morning has been retired. If you are staying at one of the Disney owned hotels, you can utilize Extra Magic Hour each stay of your trip with your membership and room key. 

Does the Disneyland Magic Key Pass have Blackout days? 

Yes, all passes have blackouts. To enter during those days you will need to purchase a regular park ticket and make reservations.

Do I always need a reservation to use my Magic Key Pass?

Yes. First check the Magic Key Pass calendar (see calendar here) before you plan to visit Disneyland Resort, then make your reservation based on the following:

  • Blue “Requires Reservation”
  • Grey “Blocked Out” 

On blue “requires reservation” days, you can make reservations to the parks without any other prep work. Scan in using your Magic Key Pass or via the Disneyland app. 

On grey blackout days, you cannot enter either park. If you would like to enter the park those days you will need a regular park ticket or upgrade to a higher level Magic Key pass. See the full Disney Magic Key pass calendar here.

How hard is it to get Magic Key Pass reservations?

If you have open reservations and keep up on the calendar, it’s easy to get Magic Key reservations. Here is  a list of popular dates that fill quicker than others:

 

Have reservations filled up and been unavailable?

Referring to the Disney FlexPass, there had only been one occasion that a date has filled up. July 4, 2019 filled up and was no longer allowing reservations. This happened just a few days before the holiday. 

How soon can I make a new reservation? 

Reservations are available on a rolling basis depending on your pass type.

Once you have scanned into either park, you will still have to wait until that day is over to make a new reservation. This means you have to wait until 12:00 am the next day to make a new reservation.

Your reservation will still show on your Magic Key pass after you have scanned into the parks. Until that is no longer linked, showing only existing reservations, you will not be able to make a new reservation.  

Can I cancel my Magic Key Disneyland reservation? 

Yes, you will have to cancel your reservation by 11:59pm PT the day before.

There will be penalties for frequent no-shows. If you do not cancel in time you will be counted as a “no show.” You are allowed up to 2 “no show” times in a 90 day period. On the 3rd “no show” in a 90 period, you will no longer be able to reserve new dates for 30 days. 

 

Disneyland Partners Statue

 

To avoid no show you only have to enter one park before closing on the date of your reservation. This might mean walking into the park and walking back out if you schedule allows it. 

Can I modify a reservation?

No, reservations can not be modified. You will have to cancel the reservation and book the new date, if available. 


 

How do I cancel a reservation? 

A reservation can be canceled within your Disney Account. To cancel your Magic Key reservation on the Disneyland App.

Cancel Flex Pass

  1. Select “My tickets” 
  2. Under your pass you will see your current reservations and select “View or Cancel” 
  3. Now select “Cancel Reservation”
  4. Last select “Confirm Cancellation” 

What happens if I don’t cancel a reservation on time? 

If you have not cancelled your reservation by 11:59pm PT the day before, you will be counted as a “no show” if you do not enter at least one park by park closing on the day of your reservation.

You are allowed up to 2 “no show” times in a 90 day period. On the 3rd “no show” in a 90 period, you will no longer be able to reserve new dates for 30 days. You will still be able to enter the park(s) on “Good to Go!” days.

Does the Magic Key Pass have blackout days? 

Yes. Each pass has various blackout dates, except for the Dream pass. See Magic Key blackout calendar here.

How do I purchase a Disney Magic Key Pass?

You can purchase the Disneyland Magic Key Pass

Depending on the method you can pay using a credit card or Disney Gift Card

Can I upgrade my current park ticket to the Disney Magic Key? 

Yes! You can upgrade your ticket anytime before the end of day on your last day of entrance.

You can do so in the Disneyland App, under tickets it will have the option to “apply the value of your ticket to a Magic Key Pass.” Do NOT upgrade until you have entered the FINAL park on your FINAL day. It’s best to do the upgrade AFTER you’re done at the parks but before midnight. 

 

Upgrade to Annual Pass

 

You can also upgrade at the ticket booth, this method allows you to use card, and cash or gift cards as payment. 

I suggest upgrading this way and using a discounted ticket from my partners at Get Away Today. Doing so, you will get the full retail value of your ticket and save money. 

I’m a California Resident, can I do a payment plan like the old Annual Passes? 

Yes! You can set up the monthly payment plan for select Magic Key passes, just like the old Annual Passports. You will have to make a downpayment to start the payment plan. 

Disneyland Monorail

 

 What do you want to know about the Disneyland Magic Key Annual Pass  program?

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By Jessica Sanders

Recognized authority on all things Disneyland Resort. Offering dynamic planning strategies and the latest theme park information since 2013. Jessica's insights have been featured on Yahoo! News, InStyle, The Washington Post, and many others.

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