Disneyland Annual Passes Go on Sale Next Week: How to Strategize

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.

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:

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.

Some of these discounts are stackable, too. Flash your annual pass at checkout when buying food, then pay for it with one of the best credit cards for Disney to rack up spending rewards. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns 3x points on dining.

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.

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.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

Nearby, Disney has expanded the grounds around the iconic Haunted Mansion ride, including a new seating area called Magnolia Park plus a themed shop called Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond.

The resort has also given a ton of adventure to Downtown Disney, its free-to-visit outdoor shopping and dining area. New, themed shops include Avengers Reserve (for Marvel fans) and the D-Lander Shop. The resort is also bringing in beloved chain restaurants, including Porto’s Bakery and Café (set to open in 2025) and the recently-opened Din Tai Fung, famous for its soup dumplings.

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:

• 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.

• Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (Feb. 28-April 21): This festival focuses on higher-end food creations and wine pairings.

• 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.