In March 2020, The Walt Disney Company was forced to shut down all of its theme parks because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. In January 2021, Disney emailed thousands of Annual Passholders, letting them know the program they loved so much was ending. Disney did say that a new Annual Pass Program was coming, but they did not say when. Disneyland Resort finally reopened in April 2021. Four months later, Disney announced a new Magic Key program that would replace its Annual Pass Program.
In the past, Disneyland Annual Passes were on sale year-round. Before the COVID closure, it was estimated that Disneyland had more than 1 million Annual Passholders. With the announcement of Magic Keys, it seemed that Disney wanted to cut down on that number. Magic Keys went on sale in August 2021, but then, in November, Disney paused the sale.
Since then, Magic Keys have only gone on sale a couple of times. The sales tend to only last a few days before Disney pauses them once again, since so many people end up purchasing the in-demand Keys.
Most recently, Disney’s Magic Keys went on sale in January. The three lower-tier keys — the Enchant Key, the Believe Key, and the Imagine Key — quickly sold out. The only key left for purchase was the top-tier Inspire Key — formerly called the Dream Key. However, we can now share that magic Keys will be on sale once again, beginning April 11!
News of the return of Magic Key sales was shared by theme park reporter Scott Gustin.
NEW: All four Disneyland Resort Magic Key pass types will be available for purchase starting tomorrow, April 11, no earlier than 9 a.m. PT.
New sales and upgrades for all four pass types as long as that specific pass type is available. Pass to pass upgrades can only be done at ticket booths.
New sales and upgrades for all four pass types as long as that specific pass type is available. Pass to pass upgrades can only be done at ticket booths.
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 10, 2023
More on Disneyland’s Magic Keys
Disney first introduced Magic Keys in 2021. Disneyland Resort was closed for more than a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and, during that time, Disney announced that it would be ending its popular Annual Pass Program. The Magic Key program was introduced in early August, and the Magic Keys officially went on sale later that month.
Here’s more information on Magic Keys, courtesy of the Disneyland Resort website:
When you’re a Magic Key holder, the Disneyland Resort is your land—you’re a townsperson on Main Street, U.S.A., a galactic citizen of Batuu, a hero at Avengers Campus, a local at Pixar Pier and beyond. You belong to the community of core Disneyland fans who all share a passion and love for the parks.
The Magic Key program provides reservation-based admission to one or both Disneyland Resort theme parks where you’ll make memories visit after visit. Magic Key passes feature a variety of admission opportunities, pricing options, experiences, and savings on food, beverages and merchandise.
Magic Key holders enjoy admission opportunities, value and convenience at the Disneyland Resort. Whether you consider yourself a Mouseketeer, Space Ranger, or superhero, there is something for everyone as a Magic Key holder.
Disney has not said how long its Magic Keys will be on sale. Each time Magic Keys have gone on sale, Guests wait for hours in the virtual queue on the Disneyland Resort website. So, if you are planning on getting a Magic Key, it is best to do so early. It appears that Disney only sells a certain amount of Magic Keys and then stops. At this time, waiting to purchase your Key could mean that they sell out before you have the chance.
You can read more about Disneyland Magic Keys by clicking here.