Disneyland Resort’s highly coveted Magic Key annual passes are set to go on sale Jan. 22. The announcement gives Disney theme park fans six days to strategize which pass might offer the best value. Magic Keys allow passholders to visit Disneyland multiple times a year for one price, and they can easily pay for themselves in as few as four visits, depending on the pass type.
But securing one requires some finesse, as Magic Keys typically only go on sale twice a year and often sell out the same day. Here’s what to know about the Magic Key annual passes, whether it’s worth it and how to make the most of this opportunity while keeping your budget in check.
Disneyland Magic Key tiers
Magic Keys, Disneyland Resort’s annual pass program, offer various tiers with perks beyond Park Hopper theme park admission, including access to purchase exclusive merchandise and dining discounts.
There are four types of Magic Key Passes available for purchase, with the most expensive ones offering fewer blackout dates and more goodies in terms of bigger discounts. Here are the four tiers, their prices and some key details:
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Imagine Key (only available to SoCal residents) |
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Number of visits per year to be “worth it” based on $169 daily ticket prices |
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Number of theme park reservations that can be held at a time |
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Parking discounts (at select locations) |
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Dining discounts (at select locations) |
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Merchandise discounts (at select locations) |
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Few, aside from weeks around Christmas. |
Most Saturdays during peak seasons like summer and spring break, plus holidays (including the weeks around Christmas). |
Most Saturdays, all of July, plus long periods during peak seasons including spring break and Christmas. |
Weekends, all of June and July, plus long periods during peak seasons including spring break and Christmas. |
To purchase the cheapest version, Imagine Key, you must be a Southern California resident living in ZIP codes 90000 to 93599 and you’ll need to show proof of eligible residency, such as a valid government-issued photo ID.
If you’re someone who visits Disneyland several times a year, the pass can pay for itself quickly in ticket savings alone. Add in the parking, dining and merchandise discounts, and the pass becomes even more valuable.
QuesaBirria at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill and Beef Birria Ramen at Lucky Fortune Cookery. (Photo by Sally French)
Using an Inspire Key for the 20% discount would bring this roughly $30 meal for two — QuesaBirria and Beef Birria Ramen in Disney California Adventure — down to $24. Plus, you’d get just over $1 worth in travel rewards for paying with your Chase Sapphire Reserve® because you can redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards for 1.5 cents each in Chase’s travel portal.
You could also pair your Magic Key discounts with a discounted Disney gift card. The Target Circle™ Credit Card offers 5% off most Target purchases, including Disney gift cards, which are sold online and in most stores. Show your Magic Key and then pay for your food or merchandise with your gift cards purchased through Target for even more savings.
Magic Key holders can save up to 20% on merchandise. (Photo by Sally French)
Still, Magic Key is not for everyone. The blackout dates may make it difficult to visit enough times to make the cost worth it. You’ll also have to budget for the additional costs of going to Disneyland multiple times, like paying for parking. Even with the 25% parking discount, theme park parking at Disneyland will still cost $26 per visit. If you’re not one to buy souvenirs or you’re more likely to bring your own food into the parks, those discounts may not provide significant savings.
Plus, there are other ways to buy Disney tickets at a discount without locking yourself into a full annual pass. For example, there are currently discounts on three-visit passes for Southern California residents and kids’ tickets.
Maximize your odds of actually getting a Magic Key
Magic Keys are typically in far shorter supply than demand. Here’s how to maximize your odds of being able to buy one in the first place.
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Mark your calendar: Magic Key passes go on sale Jan. 22, and the window of availability is usually narrow. Set a reminder and prepare to act fast.
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Log in early: Though passes go on sale at 9 a.m. PT, the online queue opens at 8:45 a.m. And even before 8:45 a.m., have logged in prior to that to ensure you have sufficient time to track down a forgotten password.
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Know which tier you want: Review the benefits and costs of each pass tier to ensure it aligns with your planned visits. Don’t wait until 9 a.m. to start doing research, as the pass you want might quickly sell out. And on that note, have a backup plan. If one pass tier sells out, know if you’d be willing to buy another pass tier instead — and be prepared to make a quick decision.
Why 2025 will be a fun year for the Disneyland Resort in 2025
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. (Photo by Meghan Coyle)
After a long period of construction projects that spanned the last couple years, 2025 is set to be a big year for the Disneyland Resort. The much-anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction opened in November 2024, bringing a significant “The Princess and the Frog”-themed update to the former Splash Mountain attraction.
There’s also a lot to like for repeat visitors. The 2025 Disney events calendar includes a bunch of seasonal festivals and one-off events, giving fans reason to return (and see something new when they do). Highlights for 2025 include:
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Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park (Jan. 17-Feb. 16): This year’s festival celebrates the Year of the Snake with live performances and themed food.
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Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (Feb. 28-April 21): This festival focuses on higher-end food creations and wine pairings.
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Disneyland Resort’s 70th Celebration (begins May 16): Set to honor the park’s 70th birthday, expect new entertainment, decor and limited-edition merchandise.
Top photo by Sally French.
