Disneyland Magic Key Passes Return—Sort Of

It starts the same way every time.

The alarm goes off early. Disney fans across California and beyond scramble to their devices, hoping to beat the crowds. The website loads—maybe. A waiting room appears. Then… disappointment. Magic Key passes? Gone.

For some, this has happened once. For others, it’s been a multi-year ordeal—one filled with website crashes, sudden sellouts, and radio silence from Disney.

And just when it seemed like the door was closed for good, Disneyland is cracking it open—barely.

But is this reopening an act of goodwill… or another wave of frustration?

Only Two Disneyland Magic Key Passes Are Returning—Here’s When and How

Disneyland Resort has confirmed that two tiers of its coveted Magic Key annual passes will go back on sale starting Monday, May 20, no earlier than 9 a.m. PT. But before you get your hopes up, here’s what you need to know:

• Only the Inspire Key and Believe Key—Disneyland’s most expensive tiers—will be available.

• The waiting room opens at 8:45 a.m. PT, but passes are first come, first served.

• Sales are extremely limited and could end within minutes, as seen in past releases.

For hopeful fans still waiting to buy an Enchant or Imagine Key? Unfortunately, those more affordable tiers are not included in this release—and no timeline has been given for their return.

Magic Costs More in 2024: Price Hikes Hit Hard

Returning fans may be in for a bit of sticker shock. Prices for both keys have jumped significantly since last year:

• Believe Key: $1,374 (previously $1,249)

• Inspire Key: $1,749 (previously $1,649)

These tiers come with a range of benefits, including fewer blockout dates, park reservations, parking discounts, and special merchandise offers. But with prices nearing $2,000 per person, many are left wondering—is the magic still worth the cost?

A Perk-Filled Celebration—If You Can Afford It

To coincide with Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary celebration, Magic Key holders will receive special perks if they’re able to snag a pass. These include:

• Exclusive anniversary keepsakes

• Limited-time Magic Key merchandise

• Select in-park experiences

• An optional commemorative cooler bag available for purchase

The celebration runs throughout 2025, giving Key holders extra value—but only if they’re lucky enough to get in.

Why It Matters: Fans Are Still Feeling Shut Out About the Disneyland Magic Key Passes

Beyond the price tag and perks, this announcement taps into a deeper issue for Disney fans: accessibility. Since replacing its traditional Annual Pass system with the Magic Key program in 2021, Disneyland has made pass access feel more exclusive than magical. Limited sales windows, steep prices, and uncertainty about when (or if) passes will return have left many loyal guests feeling left behind.

News: Two #Disneyland Magic Key options will be going back on sale soon. Inspire and Believe Keys will be available for purchase on May 20th (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) while supplies last. – @laughing_place on X

News: Two #Disneyland Magic Key options will be going back on sale soon. Inspire and Believe Keys will be available for purchase on May 20th (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) while supplies last. pic.twitter.com/0LZolCnQLS

— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) May 9, 2025

In online forums and comment threads, many fans express concern that Disney is quietly moving toward a model that favors high-spending visitors over long-time passholders and families. If you’re planning to try your luck on May 20, preparation is key—pun intended. Follow these tips:

1. Log in to your Disney account early. Be ready by 8:30 a.m. PT.

2. Join the virtual queue at 8:45 a.m. PT. Don’t refresh once you’re in.

3. Have payment info ready. You may only have minutes to complete checkout.

4. Check blockout calendars ahead of time to make sure the pass works for your schedule.

5. Enable the “Notify Me” option at Disneyland.com for future updates.

While the partial return of Magic Keys may feel like progress, it also signals a shift in how Disney is managing access to its parks. The focus appears to be less on quantity and more on premium experience—and premium price.

This limited release may keep crowds lower and revenue higher, but it risks alienating the exact audience that built Disneyland’s community—its dedicated, everyday fans. So as the countdown to May 20 begins, one thing is clear: the battle for the keys to the magic is still far from over.