Disneyland Resort in California has unveiled a new annual pass designed to be a significant advantage for families planning their visits. The Explore Key goes on sale from January 13, 2026, directly replacing the previous Enchant Key option.
What Makes the Explore Key a Game-Changer for Families?
While the new pass comes with a slightly higher price tag of $999, compared to the Enchant Key's $974, it offers a crucial upgrade: enhanced weekday access during the peak months of June and July. This change is pivotal for families, as it allows them to use the pass during the school summer holidays—a perk that was blocked under the old Enchant Key terms.
The pass grants admission for one individual aged three and over (children under two enter free) and includes "park hopper" privileges. This means holders can visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day. Additional benefits encompass variable discounts on parking, merchandise, dining, and Lightning Lane passes for shorter queues.
Value and Cost Analysis
Given that a standard park hopper ticket can exceed $200 on busy days, the Explore Key is projected to pay for itself after approximately five or six visits in a year, depending on the specific dates chosen. Current holders of the Enchant Key can continue to use their passes until the expiration date.
The Explore Key is one of four Magic Key passes available. The other tiers are the top-end Inspire Key at $1,899, the Believe Key at $1,474, and the most restricted Imagine Key at $599. As a rule, the more expensive the pass, the fewer blockout dates apply, the better the discounts, and the more reservations a holder can make simultaneously.
California residents have the option to spread the cost over 12 months with 0% APR financing, requiring a $99 down payment.
Beyond the Pass: Disney's Global Expansion
The announcement coincides with major investments in Disney's international parks. A multi-billion-euro expansion of Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris is set to open on March 29, 2026.
The centrepiece of this expansion is World of Frozen, featuring a life-size recreation of Arendelle. The land is dominated by the 118-foot-tall North Mountain and includes exclusive merchandise, such as the interactive Rúna troll doll, available only at the Paris park's Fjord View Shop for 70 euros (approx. $80).
Back in California, the original Disneyland Park, which opened in 1955 under Walt Disney's direct supervision, and the adjacent Disney California Adventure Park (2001) offer a vast array of included attractions with the pass. From classic rides like Matterhorn Bobsleds to modern epics like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and spectacular shows like Fantasmic! and World of Color, the price of admission unlocks a full realm of entertainment.
