Hi there, Nancy!
Welcome to planDisney and the Magic Key Program! It's always neat to greet a fellow Magic Key Holder. I've had my Magic Key ever since the program's inception and I've been very happy with it. I love the specials that are offered to us and some of my favorite souvenirs have been Magic Key Holder merchandise.
Regardless of what method you choose to pay for your
Magic Key Pass, the purchase date will be the date that the transaction took place in which you made the initial down payment and first monthly payment for the Magic Key. You will then have one year to activate your Magic Key before it expires and monthly payments will continue to be charged to the card on file. Once activated, your Magic Key Pass will then be good for one year from that new date and the expiration date will change to reflect its activation. So the purchase date will no longer matter once you activate the Pass. Your renewal window will begin 30 days prior to the expiration date and that is the date that becomes most important because late renewals are not allowed.
As a Magic Key Holder, I would recommend checking the Magic Key Portal in the
Disneyland Mobile App whenever you visit the Disneyland Resort. They often post special offers and Magic Shots just for us! And be sure to make a reservation for the
Magic Key Terrace to enjoy a meal in a beautifully decorated hacienda located above the crowds in Disney California Adventure.
Fun Fact: According to Imagineer Kim Irvine, the Magic Key Terrace has a backstory where it was recently purchased by a young couple who wanted to keep its existing charm while adding some contemporary touches.
Nancy, I hope that you found this helpful. Please do not hesitate to come back if you need anything else. You're always welcome at planDisney and we'd love to hear from you again! We'll see ya real soon!
Wishing You a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow!
-Al