This month saw the announcement of Disneyland Resort’s new Magic Key pass program and Walt Disney World Resort’s new Annual Pass program. Initially, these two programs could seem quite different with two very different names. However, there are also some similarities. Below, let’s take a rough look at the similarities and differences between these two programs.
Magic Key versus Annual Pass
As can be seen in the images above, there are now four levels of passes at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. The prices are similar for both as well. Here is a breakdown of some of the similarities:
Disneyland Magic Key
Imagine Key – $399 + Tax
- $19 a month for California residents with $179 down payment
- 2 reservations at a time
- 10% discount on food and merchandise
- Available to Southern California residents only
Enchant Key – $649 + Tax
- $40 a month for California residents with $179 down payment
- 4 reservations at a time
- 10% discount on food and merchandise
Believe Key – $949 + Tax
- $65 a month for California residents with $179 down payment
- 6 reservations at a time
- 10% discount on food and merchandise
- 50% discount on parking
Dream Key -$1,399 + Tax
- $102 a month for California residents with $179 down payment
- 6 reservations at a time
- 20% merchandise discount
- 15% food discount
- Parking included
Additional Perks
- Magic Key Lounge
- Charter Member Gift
- Magic Key Month
- Unique Photo Opportunities
- Unique Merchandise
Walt Disney World Annual Pass
Disney Pixie Dust Pass – $399 + Tax
- $19 a month for Florida residents with $205 down payment
- 3 reservations at a time
- Available to Florida residents only
Disney Pirate Pass – $699 + Tax
- $45 a month for Florida residents with $205 down payment
- 4 reservations at a time
- Available to Florida Residents only
Disney Sorcerer Pass – $899 + Tax
- $63 a month for Florida residents with $205 down payment
- 5 reservations at a time
- Available to Florida Residents and Disney Vacation Club Members only
Disney Incredi-Pass – $1,299 + Tax
- $99 a month for Florida residents with $205 down payment
- 5 reservations at a time
Add-Ons
- Disney PhotoPass – $99 + Tax
- Water Parks and Sports – $99 + Tax
Additional Perks
- Parking included
- Standard discounts of up to 20% on food and merchandise
Overall, there are a lot of similarities between the Magic Key and Annual Pass at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts respectively. There are definitely some differences as well. The biggest differences include the parking being included in all Walt Disney World Annual Passes and now with the Disneyland Resort’s Magic Key. The Add-Ons for Walt Disney World are also not offered at Disneyland. From a big picture standpoint, the similarities are the four different levels of passes at similar prices and payment plans. They also have a similar amount of reservations comparatively.
The domestic Disney Parks have entered a new era of passes. What remains to be seen is how these updated passes will impact the Disney passholder experience. These are uncharted waters and it will be interesting to see what stays the same and what changes. It does seem like some effort was made though to create systems for both resorts that have quite a few similarities. It will be interesting to see if they become more alike in the coming years.
On GEEKS CORNER this week, Mr. DAPs and Caitie Bear talked about these similarities and differences. Watch this segment below and then share what you think of the Magic Key, the Annual Pass, and the things that make them similar and different? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
