Ahoy there, Andrew, and welcome to planDisney!
Unlike the
pirates who will forever be reaching for the keys to their prison cell from the "mangy mutt," it sounds like you'll soon be able to renew your
Magic Key! I hope it's been a magical year for you and that you've enjoyed your Magic Key as much as I have mine. It's afforded me the luxury of visiting the Disneyland Resort many times this year and I've loved experiencing its many
benefits and bonuses.
Like you, I am a California resident and have opted to pay for my Magic Key in monthly installments as well, so I was able to recently learn the answer to your question by direct experience. I also called to confirm this information with a Cast Member too, in order to verify that the information is still current.
You are eligible to renew your Magic Key within 30 days before its expiration date. Be careful not to let that date pass, because late renewals are not allowed! When you renew your Magic Key, you are essentially entering another monthly payment contract with Disney and you will be charged for the new Magic Key soon after. In my confirmation email, it states in small print that the "first payment will be charged later today or shortly thereafter." Your old Magic Key will remain valid until its expiration date and the new one will take over after that, so you will not be losing any time from your Magic Key.
Are you currently following the official
Magic Key Instagram account? Between them and the Magic Key Portal in the
Disneyland Mobile App, I'll often learn about specials only for Magic Key Holders and have gotten some pretty neat souvenirs that way! It's become my pattern to check both every time before I visit the Parks now.
I hope I was able to answer your question, Andrew. If there is anything else we can do for you, please reach out to us again! You're always welcome at planDisney! Until next time!
Have a Magical Day!
-Al