Disneyland's New Explore Key Debuts Tomorrow: Everything You Need to Know About the Magic Key Changes

After months of anticipation, Disneyland Resort will resume sales of select Magic Key annual passes tomorrow, January 13, 2026, including the debut of an all-new tier: the Explore Key.

The new pass replaces the Enchant Key, which will no longer be available for purchase or renewal after today, January 12. If you're considering a Magic Key purchase—or currently hold an Enchant Key approaching renewal—here's everything you need to know about the changes.

Explore Key: The New Mid-Tier Option

The Explore Key arrives at a price point of $999, representing a modest $25 increase from the $974 Enchant Key it replaces. Despite the slightly higher cost, Disney is positioning the new pass as an upgrade thanks to one key improvement: summer availability.

While the Enchant Key was blocked out from early June through early August, the Explore Key promises access "on select dates during each season, including summer." Disneyland has released the full blockout calendar on their website, allowing potential purchasers to see exactly which dates are available before committing.

Explore Key Benefits

• Reservation-based Park Hopper admission with the ability to hold up to 4 theme park reservations at a time

• Up to 10% off select merchandise and dining

• 25% off parking at the Toy Story Parking Area

• 25% off the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass

What's Available Tomorrow

When sales open no earlier than 9:00 AM Pacific Time on January 13, four Magic Key tiers will be available:

Pass TypePriceBest ForInspire Key$1,899Ultimate access with fewest blockoutsBelieve Key$1,474Frequent visitors wanting most dates availableExplore Key$999Those seeking value with some summer accessImagine KeyPrice TBASoCal residents with flexible schedules

The Inspire and Believe Keys have been available for purchase since November 4, 2025, following a price increase in October. The Imagine Key—exclusive to Southern California residents—will also return to sale tomorrow with no price increase expected.

How to Purchase

Disney has warned that demand for Magic Keys tends to be high, so they've implemented a virtual queue system for the sale:

1. Visit Disneyland.com/MagicKey starting no earlier than 8:45 AM PT

2. Join the online queue, which opens before sales begin

3. Wait for your turn—the system will provide an estimated wait time

4. Keep the window open until you're able to complete your purchase

Disney notes that all Magic Keys are available "while supplies last," suggesting they may pause sales once a certain number have been sold—a pattern they've followed throughout 2025.

Enchant Key Holders: Your Options

If you currently hold an Enchant Key, your options depend on when it expires:

• Expires before January 12, 2026: You can still renew your Enchant Key today (January 12) for one more year

• Expires on or after January 13, 2026: When it's time to renew, you'll need to choose a different pass type, including the new Explore Key

Your current Enchant Key remains valid through its original expiration date regardless of these changes.

Payment Options

California residents can take advantage of a monthly payment plan for any Magic Key tier. After a $99 down payment, the remaining balance can be spread across 12 months with 0% APR—making even the top-tier Inspire Key more accessible at roughly $150 per month after the initial payment.

Is the Explore Key Worth It?

The value calculation for any Magic Key depends heavily on how often you visit and when you prefer to go. At $999, the Explore Key can pay for itself in as few as 6 visits, depending on how you would otherwise purchase tickets.

The key question for former Enchant Key holders is whether the expanded summer availability justifies the $25 price increase. For families looking to visit during school breaks or anyone who found the complete summer blockout frustrating, the answer is likely yes.

However, it's worth examining the specific blockout calendar before purchasing. "Select dates during summer" doesn't mean unlimited summer access—expect weekends and peak periods to remain blocked.

Mark Your Calendar

• Today, January 12: Final day to renew an existing Enchant Key

• Tomorrow, January 13: Online queue opens at 8:45 AM PT; sales begin at 9:00 AM PT

• Available passes: Inspire Key, Believe Key, Explore Key (new), and Imagine Key (SoCal residents only)

For the complete blockout calendar and additional details, visit Disneyland.com/MagicKey.

Until next time, keep believing in magic. — Behind the Wish