Disney Confirms up to 20% Price Increase on Theme Park Passes Effective Now

Prices have risen once again at the Disneyland Resort.

Entrance to Disneyland Resort — Credit: Joel (coconutwireless), Flickr

Disneyland Magic Key prices have increased up to 20% effective Wednesday, October 9. Magic Keys are Disneyland’s version of Annual Passes and come in a variety of tiers, each offering a select number of features and amenities.

While these new prices are in effect today, Disney confirmed that Magic Key Passes are currently unavailable but will resume sales later this year.

The new prices for Disneyland Magic Key Passes are listed below:

Inspire pass: $1,749 (6% increase)
Believe pass: $1,374 (10% increase)
Enchant pass: $974 (14.7% increase)
Imagine pass: $599 (20% increase)

A joyful family of four holds hands walking in front of a castle at Disneyland, accompanied by Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The family and characters are smiling, despite recently being denied a Disney Disability Pass. The bright, sunny weather enhances the vibrant colors of the scene as the castle towers in the background. — Credit: Disney

Disneyland’s original pass holder program ended amid the outbreak of COVID-19, with the resort announcing a new system named Magic Key would take over. Magic Keys operate similarly to Walt Disney World’s Annual Pass program, though Disneyland’s Magic Keys have proven to be somewhat harder to snag, with Magic Key passes selling out on multiple occasions.

Sales of Magic Keys resumed between March and June of this year but have remained offline since. Certain tiers are obviously more popular than others, with Disneyland’s Imagine Key only offered to SoCal residents.

The following message is displayed on the official Disneyland Magic Key website:

Please note that we have paused new sales of Magic Key passes. At this time, current Magic Key holders may have the opportunity during their renewal window (currently up to 30 days prior to the pass expiration date) to renew into a pass made available within the program. The quantity of passes and pass types available for renewal may be limited. Passes or a pass type may be unavailable from time to time or at any given time or available only for renewal.

Credit: Disney

Disney has faced scrutiny over its Magic Key system, with some guests feeling less than satisfied with how hectic it can be to actually purchase the passes. Disneyland also faced legal action over its handling of Magic Key passes, with the company agreeing to pay out nearly $10 million in a class action lawsuit.

Just like Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, Magic Keyholders receive exclusive benefits that can be used inside the theme parks, such as discounts on shopping. Guests can also save on Disney’s new Lightning Lane Multi Pass system, which was introduced earlier this year.

Will you be buying a Disneyland Magic Key this year? How often do you visit Disneyland?