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In May of 2022, Disneyland officials suspended the sales of ALL FOUR Magic Key passes without any reason given. Most assumed it had something to do with the ongoing lawsuit pending against them.

Recently, though, Disneyland announced the return of Magic Keys, but with a catch; you can only get one if you’re renewing the one you already have. New sales, as of this writing, are still suspended.

Since much has changed regarding the names, benefits, and other aspects of the Magic Keys, we decided to write an entirely new post about it rather than update the older one (if you want to read that one, you can do so here).

So if you’re a current Magic Key holder (or yours has just recently lapsed) and you’re considering renewing, be sure to go through this guide in its entirety. Let’s get into it!

*NOTE: In January 2023, Disney announced that Magic Key sales would resume off and on based on availability.

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Magic Key Program & Background

If you’re not familiar with Disneyland’s Magic Key program, it’s the replacement of the former Annual Pass (AP) program. AP’s were discontinued not long after the covid-19 closure with Magic Keys debuting in the later half of 2021.

Almost as soon as the keys were launched, the controversy began. Most of it had to do with the Dream Key, the highest tiered pass. Dream Key holders took issue with Disney advertising, “no blockout dates” for this pass.

They took issue with it because despite having what is seemingly an “all-access” pass, you still need to make a reservation to enter. So when these key holders were unable to make a reservation, effectively, they perceived that to be a blockout date.

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.

Eventually, a group of these key holders would file a lawsuit against Disney, alleging they falsely advertised the availability of eligible dates. Soon after, Disney would suspend all new sales of this key, followed by the remaining three keys by late May 2021.

Despite many key holders’ renewal dates approaching, Disney still hadn’t revealed the future of Magic Keys. Rumors about Disney doing away with it all together began to run wild. Then, in August 2022, it was finally announced.

Magic Keys would be returning, though with a few alterations. Aspects such as the name of one pass, benefits, inclusions and blockout dates would now be different. The biggest change? Not a single pass advertises “no blockout dates”.

Another fact you should know that unless you’re a current key holder, you cannot purchase one. That’s right. At the time of this writing, new sales are still suspended (though many predict it won’t be long before that’s lifted).

Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure.

Magic Key Tiers & Benefits

Much like the first iteration of the program, there are four tiers of keys for you to choose from. Each one has its own price, benefits and amount of blockout dates. Below, we’ll cover the information of each pass and what they include.

Inspire Key: $1599 (was $1399 and formally, ‘Dream Key’)

This is the Rolls-Royce of the Magic Key program. If you visit the parks a lot, want the highest benefits available and the lowest amount of blockout dates, then this is the pass for you.

Currently, the only blockout dates with this pass are the two weeks around Christmas and New Years. Every other day is fair game (based on reservation availability). Other benefits include:

Reservation-based entry on the majority of dates throughout the year
Hold up to 6 park reservations at a time
20% off Disney Genie+ (subject to availability)
Unlimited PhotoPass photo digital downloads
Up to 20% off merchandise
Up to 15% off dining
Free standard parking at Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, and Toy Story

Believe Key: $1099 (was $949)

If the price of the Inspire Key gives you sticker shock, you can save $500 by going with the Dream Key, though you will step down on the benefits a bit and gain more blockout dates.

Despite having more blockout dates, you’ll still get the majority of the year as it’s mostly during the two weeks around Christmas and New Years, spring break week, and a few weekends.

Reservation-based entry on most dates throughout the year
Hold up to 6 park reservations at a time
20% off Disney Genie+ (subject to availability)
Unlimited PhotoPass photo digital downloads
Up to 10% off merchandise
Up to 10% off dining
50% off standard parking at Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, and Toy Story

Information on Disneyland Enchant Magic Key.

Enchant Key: $699 (was $649)

If you’re not a SoCal resident, this is the lowest you can go and is your most affordable option. Its price may be great, but you’ll receive less benefits and have significantly more blockout dates.

Blockout dates for this key include all holidays and the days surrounding them, spring break week, most weekends, and the entirety of summer.

Reservation-based entry on select dates throughout the year
Hold up to 4 park reservations at a time
20% off Disney Genie+ (subject to availability)
Up to 10% off merchandise
Up to 10% off dining
25% off standard parking at Toy Story ONLY

Information on Disneyland Imagine Magic Key.

Imagine Key: $449 (was $399)

This key is only available to SoCal residents living in zip codes 90000 - 93599. Due to it being the lowest priced key for the four, it also comes with the least amount of benefits and the greatest amount of blockout dates.

Reservation-based entry on select days throughout the year
Hold up to 2 park reservations at a time
20% off Disney Genie+ (subject to availability)
Up to 10% off merchandise
Up to 10% off dining
25% off standard parking at Toy Story ONLY

To see the full blockout date calendar for all four Magic Keys, go here.

Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure.

As you can see, along with the increase in price, there are quite a few benefits attached to these keys than there were a year or even six months ago. But there is one exclusion we’re a bit surprised about.

During the original AP program, Disney offered the option to upgrade your pass by paying a separate annual charge for MaxPass (the digital version of FastPass and what is now Genie+).

Instead of offering the same for Genie+, Disney simply threw in the benefit of receiving $4 off (20% x $20 = $4) the service for all Magic Keys instead of including it or offering it as an add-on.

Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure.

This is understandable though, as with Disneyland being a “locals park” and having A LOT of key holders, including Genie+ (even as a paid add-on) could cause the overcrowding of Lightning Lane lines to get worse.

One added benefit we particularly like is the inclusion of unlimited PhotoPass digital downlaods (be sure to check out our article on this service) for Inspire and Believe Key holders. In our opinions, this one benefit alone increases the value of these Magic Keys.

Mickey Mouse on Main Street at Disneyland.

Magic Key Reservations & No-Show Policy

As you can see above, each Magic Key includes a certain amount of reservations you’re permitted to hold at any given time. The Enchant Key, for example, permits four reservations to be held at a time.

This means that as soon as you receive your Magic Key, you could either max out your reservations right away or make one here and there. It’s up to you.

However, once you’ve reached four pending reservations, you cannot make any more until at least one has been used, expired or canceled.

Minnie Mouse bronze statue at Disneyland.

Speaking of canceling, if you’re sure you’re not going to be able to make it on the day of your reservation, be sure to follow the no-show policy or you’ll be suspended from making additional reservations for 30-days.

Here’s what you need to know about the Magic Key no-show policy:

Any key holder who no-shows on three reservations in a 90-day window will be suspended from making additional reservations for 30-days
This suspension will continue even if the current key is upgraded or renewed during the suspension
A cancellation must take place by 11:59pm the day before the reserved date
As long as you arrive prior to closing time on the reserved date, it will not count as a no-show

In short, do everything you can to avoid racking up no-shows. If you’re suspended and you’re on the payment plan, you’ll still be charged for that month and Disney will not extend you another month on your term.

Park Hopping Privileges

Another added benefit to Magic Keys is being able to park hop without any added cost. The way you park hop is the same as a regular park ticket holder:

From opening to 1pm, you must start your day at the park in which you made a reservation for
After 1pm, you will then be able to hop over to the other park
If you arrive on property after 1pm, you will be able to enter either park no matter which one you made a reservation for

Let’s say you wanted to make a reservation for Disneyland Park but the only available reservations for that day are at Disney California Adventure (DCA). You can use the above rule to “hack” your way in, so-to-speak.

You’ll go ahead with making the reservation for DCA, arrive on property at or shortly after 1pm, and simply head over to Disneyland Park. Or simply begin your day at DCA and hop over to Disneyland after 1pm.

Floral Mickey at the entrance of Disneyland Park.

Important Reminders

At this time, Magic Keys are renewals ONLY. New sales of Magic Keys are still suspended as of the time of this writing. However, many expect this to not last very long. When/if it changes, we will update.
Park admission isn’t guaranteed. This isn’t the days of old anymore. For the foreseeable future, you’re at the mercy of the reservation system. Thankfully, it has become MUCH easier to snag reservations, even at the last minute.
Payment plans are still a thing and are still for Californian residents only. If you live outside the state, you will not be able to finance a Magic Key through Disney’s payment plan. If you do reside in the state, you’re still able to make payments.
Blockout dates are now in included in EVERY key. Even the highest tiered key now includes blockout dates.
Imagine Keys are for SoCal residents only. Unless you’re account is registered with a Southern Californian zip code, the Imagine Key won’t even be presented to you as an option. They Enchant Key will be the lowest you could go.
Special events are NOT included. You cannot use your Magic Key to get into events such as Oogie Boogie Bash, Disney Merriest Nights and Disneyland After Dark. Nor will you receive discounts on those tickets. You will, however, often get a jump on purchasing those tickets ahead of the general public.