Mom skipping with Alice; holding hands; Mad Hatter; Mad Teacups
  • On Jul 15, 2025
    Kellie from AZ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I am going to purchase a magic key for our trip in November, when is best time to purchase? Can I purchase now but my 1 year window won’t start until I first use the pass in November right? I just don’t want to wait and the pass sells out.

    Greetings, Kellie, and welcome to planDisney! Golly, it's exciting that you'll be getting a Magic Key annual pass! As an Inspire Key holder, I can tell you first-hand how wonderful it is to visit the park, knowing more visits are just a road trip away. Let's talk about the timing of purchasing your pass.

    Kellie, I would recommend purchasing a Magic Key annual pass sooner rather than later, just in case sales are paused between now and the fall. At the time of writing this, the Inspire Key and Believe Key are on sale (while supplies last). It would be a Bibbidi Bobbidi Bummer if sales of all passes were paused before you had a chance to get one.

    I have good news about the official start date of your pass, though. A Magic Key annual pass activates once you use it to enter a theme park or use the parking benefit for a fully paid first entry into a pay-on-entry lot. That means that, even if you purchase your pass now, the one-year countdown won't start until that first date you use it in November. Just don't forget to make your theme park reservations in advance – they can be made as far as 90 days out, and you can have up to six theme park reservations at a time with the Inspire Key or Believe Key. Remember that, with a Magic Key annual pass, you can visit either park after 11 a.m.

    There are special extras and experiences just for Magic Key holders, too, which you can explore on the Disneyland mobile app or on the website. The Inspire Key and Believe Key both offer unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital downloads. I also really like that standard theme park parking is included with the Inspire Key.

    Once your pass is active, be mindful of your theme park reservations. If you do not enter a theme park on a day you have a reservation for, you will receive a no-show. After three instances in a 90-day period, you will be unable to make new park reservations or modify existing park reservations for 30 days. Make sure to cancel a theme park reservation by 11:59 p.m. the night before if you don't think you'll be able to make it to the parks.

    Kellie, I'm sending you pixie dust and making a wish that your dreams of becoming a Magic Key holder come true! The snow-capped castle, beautifully decorated tree, festive foods, and other holiday magic will be waiting for you during that first November visit. If you have any other questions, please reach out. We're always happy to help here at planDisney!

    Your pal,
    Kriss
thumbnail image for Kriss

Meet the Panelist: Kriss, California

Hi, there! I’m Kriss, a wife, mom of two mini Mouseketeers, and lifelong Orange County local. As a Magic Key holder who visits the Disneyland Resort often, you have a friend in me when it comes to tips and tricks for making the most of your magical visit. Plant-based dining, navigating the parks with kids, transportation, pin trading, itineraries for various preferences – I’ve got you covered! Learn More About Kriss

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