Last updated on December 30th, 2024 at 10:30 am
Take a quick look at the Disneyland Magic Key Calendars for planning which Annual Pass to buy or how to best plan your Disneyland visit.
Imagine/SoCal Calendar
The Imagine Magic Key is the Southern California Disneyland pass for residents living in zip codes 90000 to 93599.
You will need a valid California ID and billing address to purchase and use this Magic Key, subject to sales and availability. To see future blockout dates on the Disneyland website, tap here. To check for sales and pass availability, tap here.
Enchant Magic Key
The Enchant Magic 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.
Disneyland Magic Keys are subject to sales and availability. To see future blockout dates on the Disneyland website, tap here. To check for sales and pass availability, tap here.
Believe 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.
Disneyland Magic Keys are subject to sales and availability. To see future blockout dates on the Disneyland website, tap here. To check for sales and pass availability, tap here.
Inspire Magic Key
The Inspire Key is the highest and best Disneyland pass available. It has the fewest blockout dates of any of the passes which offers the most flexibility of all the passes.
Magic Key Discounts
See what discounts you get with your Magic Key here.
- Each level includes access to the theme parks with certain days available for reservations.
- Reservations are available to all levels up to 90 days in advance (select days).
- Lightning Lane discounts for day of purchase.
- PhotoPass is complimentary.
- Dining discounts range from 15%-20% off. See the entire list of dining discounts here.
- Shopping discounts range from 15%-20% off. See the entire list of shopping discounts here.
- Parking discounts from included to 25% off on select days at select parking locations. See each parking discount here.
Some neighboring hotels and restaurants like The Pizza Press on Harbor Blvd also offer Magic Key discounts, don’t hesitate to ask when you’re shopping nearby.
Magic Key Costs
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 $1749
- Believe Key Disneyland Pass $1374
- Enchant Key Disneyland Pass $974
- Imagine Key Pass SoCal only $599 (payment options available)
If you have are visiting with a theme park ticket during Magic Key sales, you can upgrade your discount ticket to a Magic Key pass during your visit. Your ticket will be used toward your Magic Key payment.
Reservation Info
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.
Here’s how to make reservations with Magic Key Pass:
- Go to “My Disneyland” on Disneyland.com OR “Make a Park Reservation” on the Disneyland App
- Select your ticket/pass.
- Select your starting park, but remember to play around with it because you might be able to go to California Adventure and not Disneyland.
- View results in blue or grey. And continue through to secure your reservation.
Your starting park is only until 11:00 am, if you go after that you can choose to start at either.
Magic Key Q&A
If you have more questions about the Magic Key program, chances are I have an answer for you here. 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 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 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.
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.
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 180 days in advance rather than 90, much 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?
Yes, but you will need to choose a starting park. If you arrive before 11:00 am, you will have to scan in at your starting park first—before hopping over to the other park.
What discounts do I get with Magic Key?
Just like the old Disney Annual Passes, you’ll get some great discounts and benefits.
- Discounts on select dining
- Discounts on select purchases of merchandise
- Discounts on select tickets for special events at the Disneyland Resort, like Oogie Boogie Bash may be added throughout the year
- More discounts to be added throughout the year
- Magic Key Terrace lounge in Disney California Adventure, exclusively for Magic Key holders and their guests
I love that discounts often off-set the cost of a tip or tax when making a purchase.
Can I add Lightning Lane to my Magic Key?
You can add Lightning Lane to your Magic Key membership on a daily basis.
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.
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:
- July 4th.
- October as many schools take fall breaks in October.
- The opening weekend for Holidays at Disneyland filled up quickly.
- The opening days of Rise of the Resistance filled quickly and other new offerings at the theme park.
Have reservations filled up and been unavailable?
Typically no, if you plan in advance you should be able to get the reservations you’re looking for. Even last minute spots open up if you keep a watchful eye on them.
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 11:59 pm 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.
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?
Yes, you can now modify a reservation. Log into your Disney account and select the date and Magic Key to modify.
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.
- Select “My tickets”
- Under your pass you will see your current reservations and select “View or Cancel”
- Now select “Cancel Reservation”
- Last select “Confirm Cancellation”
What happens if I don’t cancel a reservation on time?
If you have not cancelled your reservation by 11:59 pm 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
- By upgrading your discount Disneyland ticket
- On the Disneyland website
- At a Disneyland Resort ticket booth (at a later date, not initially)
- Through the Disneyland App
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 as long as Magic Keys are currently being sold.
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.
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.
What else do you want to know about the Disneyland Magic Key Annual Pass program?