Topline
Disney unveiled its new “magic key” pass program Tuesday, which will require pass holders to make reservations before visiting Disneyland Resorts, which the company hopes will help it better manage crowding and spread out business through the year.
Key Facts
There will be three pass options available for purchase on Aug. 25 for Disneyland and California Adventure Park ranging from $649 to $1,399, and there will be an additional pass option for California residents for $399.
There will be blockout dates when the theme parks are expected to have the most visitors, though those with the most expensive passes will have fewer restrictions, the LA Times reports.
The passes also will have a limit to how many reservations people can make for a certain amount of days.
Key Background
Disney shut down its theme parks for much of the past year due to the coronavirus pandemic. In January it said it would cancel its original annual pass program. Under that program, which cost between $399 and $1,949, pass holders were able to enter Disneyland and California Adventure Park freely, without having to make reservations in most cases. However, that led to large crowds, with engineering firm AECOM reporting over 28 million visitors throughout 2019. When Disneyland reopened in June, there were long lines to get into the park and many areas were packed with visitors, fueling concerns that the coronavirus could spread among visitors to the parks.
Crucial Quote
Disney spokesperson Liz Jaeger told the LA Times this new change allows Disney’s California themed parks to “smooth demand throughout the year.”
Tangent
Orlando’s Disney World will celebrate its 50th anniversary in October, which is expected to be one of the busiest times for the theme park. Disney said it would roll out annual passes timed for the celebration.
Further Reading
Disney World And Disneyland Reimpose Mask Mandates Amid Covid-19 Delta Variant Spread (Forbes)
Disneyland killed its annual pass program. Why, and what comes next? (LA Times)