Hi there, friend! Welcome to planDisney!
First of all—what a magical gift from your daughters! A
Magic Key annual pass is truly the gift that keeps on giving, unlocking so many opportunities for Disneyland Resort fun throughout the year. I’d call that the best present ever!
Now, here’s the not-so-great news. Unfortunately, Magic Key passes can’t be used on blockout dates, even with an added fee. Your pass is simply unavailable for use that day, so the only way to enter the parks would be by purchasing a separate
theme park ticket for that day. While I know that’s not what you were hoping to hear, the good news is you’ll still have plenty of opportunities ahead to enjoy all the magic your new pass unlocks.
In the meantime, I recommend keeping a close eye on the
Magic Key calendar, which is your best planning companion. It shows you exactly which dates are available for your pass type. If you’d ever like to enjoy more date flexibility, you do have the option to upgrade to a Magic Key pass with fewer blockout dates—but this can only be done when those passes are available for new sales. At the time I’m writing this, not all pass types are being offered, so availability is always something to watch closely.
Since that date in September will be a blockout day for you, why not turn it into a special “non-park Disney day”? The
Downtown Disney District is a perfect place to meet up with your brother’s family. Together, you can
shop for fun souvenirs, savor a sweet treat at
Disney Wonderful World of Sweets, or even grab a scoop of something adventurous at
Salt & Straw. For an extra sprinkle of magic, you could also step into one of the
Disneyland Resort hotels for a meal—like
Storytellers Cafe, my personal favorite at
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which has such a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, complete with appearances from some beloved Disney pals.
And since your visit falls during
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, you’ll find the season’s spooky spirit all around—even outside the parks! The hotels and the Downtown Disney District get into the fun with festive décor, themed treats, and that special autumn ambiance. It’s a wonderful way to soak in the holiday magic even on a blockout day.
Friend, no matter how you spend your time, I hope your upcoming visit is filled with laughter, memory-making, and plenty of pixie dust to share with your family.
Wishing you many magical park days ahead!
Cody