Hiya, Patrick! Welcome to planDisney, and what an incredible anniversary gift you’re planning!
Since you mentioned wanting to buy a “pass,” I’m guessing you’re referring to a
Magic Key annual pass. The good news is that Magic Keys don’t activate when you purchase them—they activate on the date of first use, either when you scan into a Disneyland Resort theme park or, for passes with full parking benefits (like the Inspire Key), when you use the pass for a fully paid entry into a pay-on-entry parking lot. So if you purchase a Magic Key now but don’t plan to visit until January, your pass would begin its year-long validity in January, not November. Just keep in mind that a Magic Key must be activated within one year of purchase or it expires unused, meaning it can no longer be activated or hold
park reservations. And because Magic Key availability can change at any time, it’s a great idea to purchase as soon as you’re ready—as of the time I'm writing this, both the Inspire Key and Believe Key are available, though that can shift quickly.
If you were instead thinking of
theme park tickets, there’s great flexibility there, too. One-day tickets purchased through the Disneyland website or mobile app as of today are currently valid through December 30, 2027, and multi-day tickets must be used within 13 days of first use or by January 12, 2028 (whichever comes first). That means you can absolutely purchase now and enjoy your first visit in January, as long as you use the remaining days within that 13-day window after your first entry.
Since it looks like you’re a California resident, Patrick, I also wanted to mention a special offer that may be of interest. The
California Resident 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket Offer is returning in 2026—and this time, it’s available to all California residents residing within ZIP codes 90000-96199, not just those in Southern California! These special-offer tickets will be valid from January through May 21, 2026, and they don’t need to be used on consecutive days, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your visits. If this offer ends up matching your travel dates in the future, it could be a fantastic way to enjoy multiple days of Disney magic at a great value.
And lastly, Patrick, since you're planning a January celebration, you’ve picked an especially magical time to visit! The Disneyland Resort traditionally kicks off the year with
Lunar New Year festivities at Disney California Adventure Park. Shortly after that, the resort usually welcomes one of my favorite events of the year: the
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. This seasonal event typically runs in the early months of the year and features delicious culinary experiences, unique marketplaces, live entertainment, and workshops that celebrate California flavors. If you’re visiting in January or soon after, you might be able to enjoy both of these seasonal celebrations, making your anniversary trip even more memorable.
Whichever option you choose, Patrick—a Magic Key annual pass or regular theme park tickets—it sounds like a truly unforgettable anniversary is on the horizon. And if you have any questions while you’re planning the big visit, we’re always here at planDisney and happy to help!
Have a magical day!
Cody