Hey there, Michael! I’m glad you stopped by planDisney with your question! How exciting that your little one recently celebrated their third birthday! As a fellow Magic Key holder myself, I believe a
Magic Key pass is the perfect gift that unlocks a whole new level of Disneyland fun—and sharing those spontaneous park moments with your child is simply priceless!
Now, I do need to share some important info regarding the purchase of new Magic Key passes. As of the time I’m writing this, sales for all new Magic Key passes have been temporarily paused by Disneyland Resort. This means that currently, only existing Magic Key holders have the opportunity to renew their passes within their designated renewal windows. Unfortunately, brand new passes are not available for purchase at this moment.
But please don't let this news put a damper on your magical plans! This pause on new sales is something that could change at any moment. The best way to stay informed about when new sales might resume is to keep a close eye on the
Disneyland Magic Key program page. I also strongly recommend following the
Disneyland Magic Key Instagram account, as this is typically the first place you'll see official announcements when sales resume!
Let's pivot to the core of your question, since this info will be very helpful for you once sales do resume and you're ready to purchase that pass for your child! You asked if a newly purchased Magic Key pass can be used on the same day it's bought. Every Magic Key pass requires a valid theme park reservation, linked specifically to that pass, to enter a park on any given day. When you purchase a new Magic Key pass—even if you complete the transaction while you are already at the resort—that brand new pass needs its own, separate theme park reservation booked before it can be used for the first time. You can think of the new Magic Key almost like activating a completely new ticket; it needs that corresponding reservation to grant park entry. The reservation you might have used to enter the park that day would have been tied to your original park ticket, not the new Magic Key pass.
So, can it be used the same day? Technically, yes, it may be possible, but it depends on reservation availability. Here's how it would work: after you successfully purchase the new Magic Key pass, you would need to check the
theme park reservation availability for Magic Key holders for that specific day. If there are still reservations available for the type of Magic Key pass you purchased, you could then proceed to book one for your child through the app. Once that reservation is successfully confirmed, you could then scan your child’s Magic Key pass at the entrance. Availability can be limited, especially on popular days, so same-day use isn't guaranteed, but it is definitely possible if reservations allow!
One more quick tip for that exciting first scan-in! When using a Magic Key pass to enter either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park for the very first time, a friendly Cast Member at the entrance will take your child's photo. This quick process links the pass visually to your child, ensuring it can only be used by them for all their future magical visits.
Michael, I realize the current pause on new sales might adjust your immediate plans, but I truly hope this helps you prepare for when you can purchase that Magic Key for your little one. Keep wishing on that star for sales to resume soon! If any other questions arise as you continue planning, please feel free to come back and ask us here at planDisney.
Wishing you a magical day!
Cody