Disneyland ended their annual pass program and existing members became Legacy Passholders. They announced a new program called Magic Key. You’ll be able to choose between four different keys. They will be available for purchase on August 21, 2021 here.

As you can see, they are sticking with the reservation system to limit capacity. I just wish they’d set capacity and let people in based on park attendance again. If you get in, you get in. And if it’s full, you wait until people leave. As a passholder at WDW, I only have three days I can make passes for in advance. Two of those are tied up for the 50th Anniversary on October 1 and 2. And they have been for months. You can’t always get the park you want, either. Resort and day ticket guests have a much better chance than passholders do. The Keys offer 2, 4, or 6 reservation holds. At least you can get something done with six.

Notice that Dream, Believe, and Enchant Keys are for California residents. The Imagine Key is for Southern California residents only.

I pulled this straight from Disney. This explains the Key passes. You will be able to make reservations the day the Keys go on sale.

Magic Key Theme Park Reservation System

Our theme park reservation system is a cornerstone component of the Magic Key program as part of our efforts to help provide a great experience for all of our guests. Magic Key holders will make advanced reservations to enjoy Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park on available dates, and be able to hold a certain number of upcoming reservations (depending on the pass type).

Additional Offerings and Benefits

Magic Key holders will have access to an array of special offerings and many features that we know our guests will love, such as valuable saving opportunities for merchandise and food & beverage. Throughout the year, they may also be able to enjoy special benefits such as a dedicated dining experience and custom menu items at the Magic Key terrace, special offerings at our festivals just for Magic Key holders, a Magic Key holder celebration month, plus other unique surprises!

What’s more, we will be introducing an all-new Magic Key portal on the Disneyland app to more deeply engage directly with our community of Magic Key holders in the future.

Be Among the First

For a limited time, we will celebrate the charter members that become Magic Key holders within the first 66 days (as we celebrate 66 years of Disneyland Resort). These guests will receive a special welcome package that will include unique items such as a premium branded pin, celebratory button, magnet, and more! Plus, Magic Key holders who enter Disneyland park will also be celebrated with access to a limited-time experience at Starcade in Tomorrowland (which begins on Sept. 1), where they can enjoy charging stations, a special photo opportunity, and other fun surprises.

Walt Disney World put annual passes on hold at the beginning of the pandemic. They’ve announced that they will once again be selling them before the 50th Anniversary begins. They don’t have a date to begin purchases yet.

I’m a little scared to see the pricing. They increased my Platinum Pass by $150 before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in anticipation of it being ridiculously busy. That didn’t happen. Now they’re trying to limit capacity so people can have a better experience. But it looks a lot more like they are trying to price folks out so that the wealthy can spend all their big money. And they’ll keep the passholders low because we don’t spend as much. Well, we don’t spend as much per day, but we keep our money flowing in year-round and not just on one trip a year or five.

Will you be getting a new Disney Key or Annual Pass when they become available?