EVERYTHING You Need to Know about Disneyland Magic Keys | Ultimate Buying Guide

[@leighfreneau]

Yes, I’d like to see magic key terrace foods

[@Ryandepauls]

Do it! Do it!

[@LizPenney-m1f]

Me too!

[@MBFF-if7yu]

Wow! Amazing video. This is the best guide to Magic Key! So well researched and presented! You’re extremely clear and knowledgeable. The spreadsheet looks perfect, love a good spreadsheet 😅 Amazing work, so much research, you deserve so much recognition for such good work. Thank you for the video 😊

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@MBFF-if7yu I love my spreadsheets!

[@valeriaa8890]

My mom and I had our annual passes for 13 years pre lockdown and this is our first year buying them again 🙏🏽 hopefully goes well 😭

[@mpjsac8951]

Wow! I made it ‘til the end. Thank you so much for making this video. Just commenting to say that you have viewers turned subscribers who appreciate all that you do. 👏👏👏

[@derekllewellyn6663]

Are you ready since for us please send it please let me know let my step mom Jennifer to she was got Disneyland tickets tour guide Legends of before I just found out she was forgot

[@jessicadirecto7080]

I was so nervous to purchase. Got in right at 9 was able to purchase within 1 min. Haha I think was scarred from the past magic key releases. I had friends trying with multiple computers and phones going. This time was easy and we are excited to gift our kids imagine keys for Xmas. We are local to riverside county and like to go on Tuesdays. So this pass works for us.

[@derekllewellyn6663]

Just let me and or my step mom Jennifer know please she leaves at Disneyland before she gets home but she forgot all about it before

[@veronicareitherreese6671]

Thank you for the information. Fun video despite what could have been a "dry" subject. Thanks!

[@Ryandepauls]

Dude! The spread sheet break down was so insightful. Ty! Now it got me thinking about getting some for me and the family

[@Ryandepauls]

Well dang it! I'm not socal😂

[@DonnyG02]

Great video as always! Can’t wait to see your future content! Have a great week!

[@triciaward1606]

This was an incredible video. Packed full of information, things to consider, and fun. No one else has anything like this. Thank you!

[@derekllewellyn6663]

What way didn't tall Jennifer My step mom before

[@alexandralb23]

You're awesome! this is my favorite video :) thank you!

[@darleneboice2855]

Just watched your Very Informative Video. The last time I had an annual pass was years ago when they were $99.00 and included Parking. I got into que last year to buy Magic Key but Paniced and Left without purchasing. This was because I was unsure of most of the Details you have so generously shared. Your help is Very Much Appreciated!!!❤

[@carolg3201]

Great video. Loved your enthusiasm! My daughter and I went to Magic Key Terrace last week. We each ordered a yummy cocktail. She had the Flatbread and LOVED it! I had the Jolly Tomato Basil Soup. It is the same soup, but it had croutons & some kind of cream in it. I enjoyed it, but there’s something about the one at Jolly Holiday (I also had during this trip) that I really liked better.

[@sophiasdreamquinnblue8977]

Thank you! I love that soup.

[@cindy_00]

This video was so well explained. Thank you! 😊 & also YES to the magic key Terrance video.

[@derekllewellyn6663]

Tall me more information on Disney map and other than that data has 3 My Dad Toney and Jennifer and me Derek Llewellyn let us know let's Jennifer My step mom you need to ask her ok

[@cristeencosme348]

Wonderful video! Would love to see what good is offered at Magic Key Terrace!!

[@derekllewellyn6663]

Do you know we are coming back to Disneyland again this 2025 of April 9th my step mom Jennifer birthday that time before

[@lisabostrack24]

What a great video. Traver, you did awesome. And yes, I watched the whole thing. So informative. All my questions asked. If I would be purchasing a Magic Key. If I lived there, I would have the highest key. I learned a lot. I have purchased a annual pass holder back before 2020. Was going for 3 weeks total in a span of a year. Its was perfect. I'm with you. I can do without the reservations. Its a pain. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. 😊

[@NicoleLawson-93]

What a great video!!!! Thank you for all the great info.

[@derekllewellyn6663]

Magic key was New 🆕 for real at Disneyland Disney company class starts in Disney magic MGM sounds like story life look back

[@kristenhoskin5822]

Yes it is the Jolly Holliday soup! We had it there last April. And I always love a food video so if you do a Magic Key terrace video I’ll watch

[@Michimarie91]

Thank you so much for answering my question !! So funny you referenced 3-day ticket for 12/11-12/13 which is when I am going and magic key reservation is unavailable on the 13th! Appreciate the tip about waiting until the end of the night, also gives me time to decide lol appreciate you !! Great video !!🎉

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

That was a completely random set of dates! How funny that’s exactly what you had. 🤣

[@ari3lz3pp]

Comprehensive video, thank you! We have been local passholders since before COVId. We REALLY are hit with the reservation system plus blockouts. The idea of mixing passes can be GENIUS! I'm not sure would be worth it for us but ...I am someone that typically dislikes long videos but I'm taking way longer to finish this because of rewinding, pausing, making my own excel sheet...LOL 🙈 Hopefully will be worth it. 😅 The video is great! Thanks

[@audreyurbano6675]

great video!! you cleared up a lot of questions about the magic key. im glad that you share your frustrations with disney as a loyal magic key holder! your honesty and transparency is what i enjoy about your content.❤❤❤

[@vickiecook5087]

Wow! That was one of your longest videos! But so informative!!! Good job!

[@caderager2800]

yes go to magic key terrace

[@sophiasdreamquinnblue8977]

Yes, that Jolly tomato basil soup, yum.

[@susanc1760]

Best video ever with immense important details explaining Magic Keys Traver, you answered so many of our questions and gave us details we did not even know, such as park hopper perk for every Magic Keys tier. Plus you showed us that even when just one park is available for Magic Keys reservations, we can book that one park reservation, then, park hop to the other park after 11AM. I had no idea, I thought since only one park is available for Magic Keys reservations, we are stuck with that one park and no park hopping permitted. Your long videos are awesome and help demystify our confusion and tons of questions. Traver, I have been talking about your excellent and very helpful videos to everyone I know. I am actively working and talking to my friends and acquaintances so you reach your 50K Subscribers before the end of 2024. Hope you shall do a live stream to celebrate your 50K Subscriber Milestone. 🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊🥂🥂🥂🍾🍾😀😀😀

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@susanc1760 Thank you!

[@XxDaLolliPopxX]

Thanks for all your tips. I appreciate your honesty and real life experience. It is very helpful. Thank you for answering my questions too. - Heather M.

[@mandy900812]

Thanks for the info! I hope I get to be a magic key holder soon, but right now isn't the right time. Thank you for taking the time to make this very informative video!

[@resikat]

Yess on magic key terrace! I cant go but I'm curious! And i love your rants about dumb rules at disney! The whole reservation system and blockout dates are a bigger factor in why we never got passes again. For us its still better to do four 2-day trips a year with the discounts we can get. And we dont have the hassle of all the rules. But I do miss those days when you could literally upgrade your ticket to an AP anytime right then and there. It was how my now-husband and I first got our APs "back in the day." The good ol days 😅

[@TorianasaurusRex]

Hey thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question about the AP! Love the vids!

[@blue___2919]

Needed this

[@robertspanjers7888]

Thanks a lot for the thorough information! I would love to see you go to magic key terrace.

[@tannaschelske5225]

Yes go to magic key terrace if you can!

[@resikat]

One more comment.. i didnt know about the 2yo turning 3 thing at the end! I'm not planning on purchasing magic keys but thats info is good to know!

[@MichelleHolley-y4j]

Thank you for this video!!!!

[@letysilisibarreche6686]

I love your videos, long or short :)

[@AmbiguousGxrlzCluster]

I'd love a Magic Key Terrace video!

[@toshibavoodoo]

Very cool.

[@nickjames3169]

I would very much love to see the magic key terrace and some of the food there. Didn’t even know it existed!

[@londacorcoran5214]

I LOVE the long videos. NO apologies!!😅

[@jessicadirecto7080]

Do you have videos on being a magic key holder and premier credit card holder. Which discounts are better for certain purchases? I’m trying to find all this information on my own and it’s a lot 🤪

[@Kj234rs]

A Disney dad movie sign me up for my popcorn ready to go! Oh yeah and also reminder trave will beat provost in an arm wrestling contest 🎉

[@katieapriltran]

40:12 While I understand the reservation system is a pain, I couldn't imagine how the parks would operate smoothly without it. Imagine how much more overcrowded the parks would be if there wasn't the reservation system. It would be a disaster and simply unsafe :'(

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@katieapriltran The parks operated without it just fine for decades.

[@AmbiguousGxrlzCluster]

​@@SoCalDisneyDadbut the overall amount of traffic has increased, right?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@AmbiguousGxrlzCluster I think the parks are busier now than they were before Covid, yes. Because reservations force people to be more intentional about going. Reservations help Disney make more money by helping them understand how many employees to have on a given day, plus helps them eliminate waste from over preparing food on slower days. But it also tends to make the parks busier as I mentioned because now a passholder has a reservation. They’re thinking about going months ahead of time. Where before they wouldn’t even bother making plans. They’d just go when they felt like it. And this could lead to them not really thinking about going at all. Now, it must be planned. And you MUST go or risk the no-show penalty. It’s much more intentional. And with more people, Disney makes more money. So Disney won’t get rid of reservations. Something that was meant to limit capacity to help with social distancing has turned into a money maker for Disney, and even though almost universally guests despise the reservations system, Disney won’t get rid of it. Every other theme park. I mean every single one of them, has gotten rid of reservations. Except Disney.

[@stephaniethoms9991]

Thank you for this! I was just doing the math the other day to see if it would be worth purchasing with my 4 trips coming up. I’m in Kern County and my zip code is included in the socal one.

[@ginsuza]

Absolutely! please check out the Magic Key terrace.

[@letysilisibarreche6686]

I live in San Diego too. I'm so bad with math. I have the Believe. I go twice a month. Most of the time by myself, so I buy food for 1. Sometimes I buy merch, not always. Should I go for the Inspire?? I appreciate it your opinion. Thanks :)

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@letysilisibarreche6686 You’ll save $420 in parking alone upgrading to Inspire. Food for 1, assuming two meals a day, plus a snack, is what maybe $40? So the extra 5% is $2/visit, x24, is $48 in extra food savings. So about $468 saved upgrading to Inspire. Cost difference is $375. So total savings is $93 by upgrading. That doesn’t include any merch if you buy merch. So the savings would be larger. But you’d need to visit at least 24 times to get that. So it’s not a super large amount of savings. But it does save.

[@kristenhoskin5822]

The 2 weeks in December you’re blocked out would be a great time for a live

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Great idea! Might do it in the lull between Christmas and New Years.

[@mrsmarik]

Thank you!!!

[@marissa4143]

hi! thanks for the video! quick question, i’m planning on buying myself an inspire key and my sister a believe key, is it possible to do so within the same transaction? or should i do 2 separate browser windows instead

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@marissa4143 You can do it in the same transaction.

[@lauramessenger1217]

Thank you

[@CaptainSprinkles1985]

Would you recommend for March 2025, going on a Monday when all keys are available or a Saturday when only inspire and believe can go? As much as I would like to get magic keys for the family, the 12 hour drive is too much for regular trips 😢

[@SaraC91]

Still watching so not sure if you mentioned but since these are no longer on sale/sold out does that mean that we wont have the opportunity to purchase a key for 2025? We just thought of the idea lol

[@jessicasievers3213]

Heimlichs chew chew juice is a fun non-alcoholic drink option at magic key terrace! My son still brings it up a year later 😂

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@jessicasievers3213 I’ll have to check it out!

[@audjusushi]

Yaaaaaaaaahhhhh

[@ChickenNuggSwag]

How long do you think it will take for these passes to sell out?? I work tommorow morning and don’t have the opportunity to get the ticket right when it releases in the morning and am pretty nervous I’m not getting one…

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@ChickenNuggSwag If you’re going for Imagine Keys, it could be fast. It sold out in less than 9 hours in March. For the Inspire Key, it was on sale for 3 months. The other keys will sell out eventually but I don’t know how long it will take.

[@faithdarkness9079]

When I was younger we lived in Ca. Mom would buy the passes every year. And I believe at that point (back in like the 90s lol) they was only 100-300?. I recall black out days and such then. And mom taking me out of school on random days to go. We never went in the summer due to how busy it was. Now if I lived in Ca still I would love to buy the passes. But seeing we only get to visit for one week a year now. The cost wouldn't be worth it, even for the discounts on stuff.

[@anthonyparklife]

When purchasing a magic key can i use the same account on different devices just to try and up my chance of getting a key?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@anthonyparklife In my experience, yes, because the IP of the device is different. But once you figure out which device or browser is further along in the queue (there’s an estimated time window until it’s your turn) then there’s no point in keeping multiples open. Just keep the one that’s further along.

[@astrodude7306]

Hey man! Long time no see. What’s the Facebook group called?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@astrodude7306 Here’s a link to it: facebook.com/groups/disneylandtipsplanning/

[@meaganramos25]

Do I have a magic key? nope. Do I plan on buying a magic key? nope. But I do kinda want to know what's going on at the Magic Key Terrace! I want to see what I'm missing 😂

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@meaganramos25 I’ll have to plan a visit there soon!

[@Nthamix88]

First time buyer pays a down payment plus first month payment, correct? Then when it’s time to renew in one year are you required to do the down payment again with the monthly payment or do they just automatically raise the monthly payment? Thanks in advance.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

When you renew they consider it a new purchase. They’ll give you a whole new set of reservations and everything, allowing you to hold double what you’d normally get for the 30 day renewal window if you renew on the first day. Instead of just extending your existing pass. You’ll keep the same number, but it’s basically a whole new transaction.

[@Nthamix88]

Thanks

[@sanada331]

Can you purchase a new Magic Key in person at ticket booths?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@sanada331 If they are still for sale, yes.

[@monagallegos4007]

If I wanted to go for five days, but can only reserve four days at a time what is your recommendation to do in this situation? That is wanting to be in the park Monday- Friday

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@monagallegos4007 It will be very difficult for you to go on a 5-day trip with any amount of confidence prior to Day 1. You’ll constantly be worrying about getting that fifth day. Your best bet is a higher tier pass. But if you can only do Enchant, then I’d recommend making sure you snag the first couple and last couple days first. Leaving Wednesday open, as middle of the week is more likely to be available last minute.

[@leighfreneau]

What is the definition of a reservation for magic key? One day? Consecutive days?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@leighfreneau A single day. If you want three consecutive days, it takes 3 reservations.

[@amforever66]

Where do Magic Key Holders look for holder specials? I NEVER hear about these!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@amforever66 I usually hear about them on Instagram. I feel like Code Word Disney is the account I see almost anything news related on. I wish Disney made it easier to find this sort of stuff through official means, like their website, blog posts, or an email. Rather than just on Instagram.

[@toshibavoodoo]

I'm an hour if I use 91 toll road. You spend $ on toll roads?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

There aren’t any tolls for me between my home and Disneyland. But I probably wouldn’t, unless it added like an hour.

[@toshibavoodoo]

@@SoCalDisneyDad COOL, I ad $100 a day per visit for GAS, Tolls, and PARKING from Temecula, CA to Disneyland!

[@kristenhoskin5822]

Ohh just thought of a renewal question. If I renew 30 days a head of my renew date does it change my date? Essentially losing a month of my pass?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@kristenhoskin5822 No, your expiration date stays the same. You’re essentially buying a new pass. It comes with its own set of reservations and everything.

[@opsonization2]

Do you pay the higher prices when renewing the keys?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yes, you have to pay the new prices. You don't get to keep the original pricing you paid the first time, unfortunately.

[@jwood2124]

If I have a ticket for November 14 but want to get a pass November 6 when they come out, can I use the price of that ticket towards the pass? I got the ticket before knowing that passes were going to become available again.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I’m not sure. Ticket upgrades are one of those things that I can’t talk about because there’s so many situations and scenarios. I tried asking even the most simple questions generically on Disney Chat and they said you have to call to talk about your specific scenario. They refused to give me even a yes or no answer over chat. If I had to guess, it can only be upgraded at the ticket booth in the esplanade. Or you can upgrade it day of before the end of the day after you’ve used it. That I do know you can do.

[@kristenhoskin5822]

So did that mean PhotoPass is included?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@kristenhoskin5822 Photo Pass is included for Believe and Inspire keys. You get unlimited downloads all the time.

[@DennisLasVegas]

Hello, I don't want to cheat the system. I live in Nevada, I just want to do the payment plan. For the Inspire or Believe Key. My family lives in SoCal. Is there anyway to use there address? To get the payment plan. Or am I S.O.L?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@DennisLasVegas The biggest hurdle is going to be that you need California billing address on your credit card. So you’d need your family to pay for it. Which would require you paying them in turn. Unless you opened a new card with their address, it’s the only way to get around it. Then you’d also have to set your Disney account up with that same address.

[@johngiannikas3645]

Can you upgarde your Magic Key when you renew?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yes! You can upgrade or downgrade at the point of renewal. Even if magic keys aren’t available to the general public.

[@johngiannikas3645]

@@SoCalDisneyDad Thank you

[@troystaiger6154]

Maybe someday

[@darleneboice2855]

Should I worry about magic Keys selling out?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@darleneboice2855 Certain levels of pass could sell out fast, usually the cheaper ones. The Inspire will be available for several months if last time is any evidence.

[@johngiannikas3645]

Can you have two different Magic Keys at the same time?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@johngiannikas3645 No. You can only have one magic key per person.

[@johngiannikas3645]

How do you get a discount on parking?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@johngiannikas3645 You show them your pass at the parking booth and they give you the discount.

[@darleneboice2855]

Can CA Residents put more than $189.00 down pmt?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I don't believe so. I'm not 100% certain, but I don't remember any options for changing the downpayment. I'm pretty sure it's just a choice between monthly or annual and you pay the amount listed.

[@jadeblue86]

👍

[@catherineblair1221]

I am confused. After all the instructions and people setting alarms and being nervous about getting in line, they were all still available 2 days later!!! I got one on the 8th. Have they lost popularity or is there just more passes?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@catherineblair1221 You never really know with Disney. So there’s always panic. The only one in any danger of selling out on the first day was the Imagine Key. I wouldn’t have expected the other three to sell out quickly. But eventually only Inspire will be left until they pause sales again. So the others will sell out eventually.

[@catherineblair1221]

@@SoCalDisneyDad That's what is so confusing. It was the Imagine Key I got on the 8th. And they haven't yet sold out. You can see if you go there now. Weird huh?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@ It’s not that they were going to sell out, more of an “if” one was going to sell out, it would have been that one. I wasn’t really worried or concerned. It’s not Oogie Boogie Bash tickets. But some people will fret, and that’s what creates the demand where a waiting room is even necessary.

[@catherineblair1221]

@@SoCalDisneyDad Well something happened because the Imagine Key is still available. I wonder what's up.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@catherineblair1221 That’s what I’m trying to say. Nothing is up. This is just fine. When a key does sell out, Imagine will be the first to go. But it’s not at all surprising it’s still available.

[@buzz864]

Thanks for this video!!