Let’s be honest—Disneyland is not a cheap hobby. But if you’re like us and find yourself back at the Happiest Place on Earth more often than you visit your own dentist, the Magic Key season pass might just be the smartest parenting decision you’ll make all year.
It’s important to note that we do not have a Magic Key, but I figured it I did a little research and could justify it maybe my wife would let me get us one. Yes, we live in Utah. Yes, it’s a 10-hour drive. And yes, we still think the pass pays for itself. Here’s why:
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s break it down:
🧮 Regular ticket pricing for a family of 4:
-
2 trips per year, 3 park days per trip = 6 days x $82/person (multi-day ticket average)
-
$1,968 total in admission
-
Add Genie+ for line-skipping magic: $30/day/person = $360
-
Grand total: $2,328 (and that’s without food, travel, or souvenirs)
🎟️ Believe Magic Key (mid-tier pass):
-
$1,099 per person x 4 = $4,396/year
-
Includes parking, 10% off food/merch, park reservations up to 6 times, and more
Two trips? It’s a toss-up. Three? You’re saving hundreds. Four? You’re Disney royalty now.
But We Don’t Live in California…
Neither do we! But with school breaks, long weekends, and summer road trips, we’re finding the Magic Key opens more doors than it closes.
Here’s how Utah families can make it work:
-
Fall Break in October (cool weather, Halloween decor)
-
Spring Break in March/April (when it’s snowing at home)
-
Summer trip (yes, it’s hot—but churros and Dole Whip help)
-
One random weekend road trip (you know you’ll do it)
With four visits per year, your cost-per-day drops way below that $82 ticket average.
The Perks That Make It Worth It
-
✅ Free or discounted parking (that $30/day adds up)
-
✅ Discounts on food and merchandise
-
✅ Reservation flexibility
-
✅ Access to exclusive events and merch
-
✅ The “we can go anytime” peace of mind (a.k.a. zero stress if a kid gets sick day one)
Our Favorite Travel Tips
-
We book our trips through Get Away Today for deals on both hotels and tickets. Even though we have passes, we’ve still found great hotel discounts.
-
Want a nicer hotel experience? We loved staying at the Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim—close to the park, family-friendly, and with free breakfast!
-
Staying longer? Book a condo or timeshare through RedWeek for a full kitchen and more space. Worth the $17 annual fee.
Final Verdict
Is it an investment? Absolutely. But if Disneyland is part of your family’s yearly tradition—and let’s be honest, you’re going anyway—the Magic Key makes your experience easier, more affordable in the long run, and just more magical overall.
Parent-to-parent tip: You’ll never regret spending money on memories. Especially if those memories include a churro, a lightsaber, and your kids grinning from ear to Mickey ear.
