Magic Key Program

[ComeToSocialize]

Seems pretty cut and dry to me. Taken from the magic key website:

“At this time, a park reservation is not required after visiting the first park; however, reservation requirements are subject to change.”

It also says this on that page though:

"Magic Key holders who have a park reservation for both theme parks may cross over and switch between parks on the same day beginning at 1:00 PM."

Obviously these two quotes conflict, as you would never need a reservation for both theme parks if the first statement applies. I think they are just saying: for now, you don't need a park reservation for both parks, you just book one, but that could change. However it's definitely unclear. I've read it 3 times to try to reconcile these two statements.

 

[ComeToSocialize]

To me, all of this, whether I want a pass and which type of pass, depends entirely on how many reservations they make available. If it's easy to get week-of reservations, I could totally see myself getting one of the top two tiers. If getting it requires 30+ day planning, then I'd likely get the "enchant" tier and then just plan in advance to go on the few weekends that aren't blacked out (which will presumably be crowded and hard to get reservations). If it's difficult to ever get reservations for non-blacked out weekends (which it might be) then it's worthless to me as a Norcal resident.

When you add in the language Disney has where they say they can just reduce or fully eliminate reservation availability whenever they want, then it becomes even worse. Obviously they'd never do it, but in theory Disney could just say "surprise! we're only making 100 reservations available each day, so no one can ever go! Thanks for buying!" On the other end, reservations could be super available and basically only exist to deter last minute or same day trips, which would be great. As of now, we have no idea where this will fall on that spectrum, so I don't know how I can decide whether to buy this or not.

Count me in the "wait and see" camp (I don't care about the early adopter swag).

 

[dieumeye]

It also says this on that page though:

"Magic Key holders who have a park reservation for both theme parks may cross over and switch between parks on the same day beginning at 1:00 PM."

Obviously these two quotes conflict, as you would never need a reservation for both theme parks if the first statement applies. I think they are just saying: for now, you don't need a park reservation for both parks, you just book one, but that could change. However it's definitely unclear. I've read it 3 times to try to reconcile these two statements.

Exactly. In the current system, a reservation is either for (1) DL only, or (2) DCA only, or (3) a park hopper that starts at DL, or (4) a park hopper that starts at DCA.

The language seems to indicate that the new pass will allow you to make any of those 4 reservation options (subject to availability) - which makes sense because that's how the system is set up. So that means that the new pass will not automatically be assumed to be a park hopper, which would make the language they are using make sense.

 

[Drewmama]

Is there a time limit to enter a park before you're considered a no-show? Or as long as I enter before closing time, I'm good?

 

[dieumeye]

Is there a time limit to enter a park before you're considered a no-show? Or as long as I enter before closing time, I'm good?

From the fine print:

“A Magic Key holder who enters the designated park any time before closing on the day of the reservation is not considered a “no-show.” If the reservation is for both parks, only one park needs to be entered to avoid being a “no-show.””

 

[Angel141925]

Anyone know if you you put more of a down payment down if it’ll bring the monthly payment down? Or are down payments set?

 

[DLgal]

Anyone know if you you put more of a down payment down if it’ll bring the monthly payment down? Or are down payments set?

Yes it does. You have to put at least $179 down but you can put any amount you want. And it lowers the payments accordingly. With our last passes, I told them I wanted a $200 monthly payment total for our passes and they calculated the down payment that would make that happen.

 

[ComeToSocialize]

Yes it does. You have to put at least $179 down but you can put any amount you want. And it lowers the payments accordingly. With our last passes, I told them I wanted a $200 monthly payment total for our passes and they calculated the down payment that would make that happen.

Not to be mean as everyone has unique financial circumstances, but from a pure finance perspective, because the payment plan is interest free, there is no reason to make anything less than the minimum down payment. You're same dollars out in total, just a matter of whether they go out now or later. This is not like a mortgage where more down payment can save tons of money on interest.

You could actually take that argument to an extreme and say that everyone should do the payment plan and invest the money in the meantime, which is generally true. However, it can be a bit of a headache to have to worry about having this liability on your credit, making sure the card you use won't get deactivated such that you forget to make a payment, etc. Those issues still exist though with smaller monthly payments.

 

[e_yerger]

Not to be mean as everyone has unique financial circumstances, but from a pure finance perspective, because the payment plan is interest free, there is no reason to make anything less than the minimum down payment. You're same dollars out in total, just a matter of whether they go out now or later. This is not like a mortgage where more down payment can save tons of money on interest.

You could actually take that argument to an extreme and say that everyone should do the payment plan and invest the money in the meantime, which is generally true. However, it can be a bit of a headache to have to worry about having this liability on your credit, making sure the card you use won't get deactivated such that you forget to make a payment, etc. With a larger down payment, you still have to worry about all of that stuff too.

Some people can't afford a higher monthly payment added to their finances, but they have the ability to save up to have a lump sum to put down ahead.

 

[Angel141925]

Not to be mean as everyone has unique financial circumstances, but from a pure finance perspective, because the payment plan is interest free, there is no reason to make anything less than the minimum down payment. You're same dollars out in total, just a matter of whether they go out now or later. This is not like a mortgage where more down payment can save tons of money on interest.

You could actually take that argument to an extreme and say that everyone should do the payment plan and invest the money in the meantime, which is generally true. However, it can be a bit of a headache to have to worry about having this liability on your credit, making sure the card you use won't get deactivated such that you forget to make a payment, etc. Those issues still exist though with smaller monthly payments.

My thought of it is I’m already paying over 700 for my 4 day park hopper so if I put that towards a pass instead of just the minimum since I’m already planning on spending it anyway then it would lower the payment or I could pay them off sooner.

 

[DisSurfer878]

Not to be mean as everyone has unique financial circumstances, but from a pure finance perspective, because the payment plan is interest free, there is no reason to make anything less than the minimum down payment. You're same dollars out in total, just a matter of whether they go out now or later. This is not like a mortgage where more down payment can save tons of money on interest.

You could actually take that argument to an extreme and say that everyone should do the payment plan and invest the money in the meantime, which is generally true. However, it can be a bit of a headache to have to worry about having this liability on your credit, making sure the card you use won't get deactivated such that you forget to make a payment, etc. Those issues still exist though with smaller monthly payments.

I really don't think you "get" this.

some people cannot afford $200 a month. BUT they may be able to order, $75 or so, and can save up for a few months beforehand to get enough of a "down payment" to lower their monthly cost. Or maybe they get a bonus every September that would allow them a little more cash flow. Or they've been saving their stimulus money for something.

people's funds are not static 100% of the time.

 

[LilyJC]

Not to be mean as everyone has unique financial circumstances, but from a pure finance perspective, because the payment plan is interest free, there is no reason to make anything less than the minimum down payment. You're same dollars out in total, just a matter of whether they go out now or later. This is not like a mortgage where more down payment can save tons of money on interest.

You could actually take that argument to an extreme and say that everyone should do the payment plan and invest the money in the meantime, which is generally true. However, it can be a bit of a headache to have to worry about having this liability on your credit, making sure the card you use won't get deactivated such that you forget to make a payment, etc. Those issues still exist though with smaller monthly payments.

For our family of four, I am constantly purchasing Disney e-gift cards at Target at a 5% discount. I mostly use them towards DVC dues, but I also used to make a fatty deposit in person when we’d renew our DLR APs. That way I feel happy with my 5% discount AND zero interest on our monthly payments. It’s nice to have the option to do what works best for individuals/families financial situations. We’ll definitely do the same with this new program.

 

[TheTinyTiger]

I didn't see this question answered - I apologize if it has been...

If we already have full-price tickets, does anyone know if we'll be able to upgrade the tickets to passes like we could in the old system? If so, do we know if we'd be able to do that if our last day was a block-out day?

 

[DLgal]

Not to be mean as everyone has unique financial circumstances, but from a pure finance perspective, because the payment plan is interest free, there is no reason to make anything less than the minimum down payment. You're same dollars out in total, just a matter of whether they go out now or later. This is not like a mortgage where more down payment can save tons of money on interest.

You could actually take that argument to an extreme and say that everyone should do the payment plan and invest the money in the meantime, which is generally true. However, it can be a bit of a headache to have to worry about having this liability on your credit, making sure the card you use won't get deactivated such that you forget to make a payment, etc. Those issues still exist though with smaller monthly payments.

You can't make less than the minimum required down payment. I was buying 3 passes.

I had room in my monthly budget for a $200 payment. So that's what I wanted. I have plenty of money in savings and investment accounts. I didn't want a $500 monthly payment and I didn't want to use my cash savings because it was earning interest.

 

[DLgal]

I didn't see this question answered - I apologize if it has been...

If we already have full-price tickets, does anyone know if we'll be able to upgrade the tickets to passes like we could in the old system? If so, do we know if we'd be able to do that if our last day was a block-out day?

Yes, you'd be able to do it. You have until park closing (or ticket booth closing) the last day you use a ticket to upgrade it.

 

[Rich M]

Yes, you'd be able to do it. You have until park closing (or ticket booth closing) the last day you use a ticket to upgrade it.

Maybe I misread this but I thought it said it had to be done on your first visit? Anybody else see that some where

 

[DLgal]

Maybe I misread this but I thought it said it had to be done on your first visit? Anybody else see that some where

No, it doesn't. But the pass will be backdated to the first day you used the ticket.

 

[TheTinyTiger]

Maybe I misread this but I thought it said it had to be done on your first visit? Anybody else see that some where

In the past, it was by closing on your last day. I'd love to see what it is now.

 

[dieumeye]

Magic Key Holder Month: a month-long celebration of Magic Key holders.

Any speculation on what lucky month gets designated Magic Key Holder month? (I guess January).

Or what kind of thing will be offered during this month? (I guess probably just some exclusive items for sale, and photo ops. But it would be awesome if it was more substantial, like an early entry park hour for pass holders all month long, or some bonus fast passes).

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Magic Key Holder Month: a month-long celebration of Magic Key holders.

Any speculation on what lucky month gets designated Magic Key Holder month? (I guess January).

Or what kind of thing will be offered during this month? (I guess probably just some exclusive items for sale, and photo ops. But it would be awesome if it was more substantial, like an early entry park hour for pass holders all month long, or some bonus fast passes).

Do you remember AP Days, when they had the rare character photo ops in the Starcade? I’m guessing stuff like that.

ETA That was in February and March, looks like from my photos…