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Disney Announces ANOTHER Change to Its Annual Pass System, Starting January 6

Disney is preparing another shift to its annual pass offerings, this time at a resort where local visitors make up a significant share of attendance. The change comes as the company continues refining pass programs across its domestic and international parks.

In recent years, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort restructured their passes, introduced reservation requirements, and reduced certain legacy benefits (although at least we still get exclusive magnets…)

A person with orange-painted nails holds up a Walt Disney World annual passholder sticker featuring characters Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King movie. The background shows lush greenery and the iconic Tree of Life.
Credit: Disney

Disneyland Paris has faced similar scrutiny after guests lost perks such as dedicated park entrances and reserved nighttime spectacular viewing.

Tokyo Disney Resort went further by discontinuing annual passes entirely. Oriental Land Company has occasionally suggested the program might return, but no timeline has been announced.

Digital Transition Extends to Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland will now implement its own update.

Pinocchio and Gepetto hide their faces at Hong Kong Disneyland
Credit: Kadyn Pierce, Unsplash

The resort confirmed that beginning January 6, 2026, Magic Access members will no longer receive physical annual passes. All pass credentials will instead move to a digital format.

Guests will access their Magic Access passes through Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Physical cards will remain functional only until they expire, after which the resort will fully discontinue issuing them.

【About MA (Annual Pass) Physical Cards】
The physical cards for Magic Access (Annual Pass)
have been officially announced to cease issuance as of ~1/6.

All MA (Annual Pass) cards are scheduled
to transition to virtual cards usable in Apple Wallet/Google Wallet.

*Your current MA physical cards remain valid and usable until their expiration date.

#HKDL_MA
#HKDL_info
#HKDL

The update places Hong Kong Disneyland in line with other Disney destinations increasingly reliant on digital ticketing. At Walt Disney World, most guests manage their passes through the My Disney Experience app, though physical cards remain available upon request.

Guests ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Hong Kong Disneyland
Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

Disney noted that Magic Access has become especially important to Hong Kong Disneyland in recent years. The program has played a central role in stabilizing attendance and supporting the park’s financial recovery, particularly following extended regional closures.

Magic Access Demand Remains Strong

Hong Kong Disneyland reported record Magic Access membership after introducing two major additions: World of Frozen — the company’s first Frozen-themed land — and its reimagined Castle of Magical Dreams. Both offerings drove significant local interest, reinforcing the importance of the passholder base.

Hong Kong Disneyland fireworks over Castle of Magical Dreams
Credit: Disney

Magic Access remains cheaper than passes at larger Disney resorts, partly because Hong Kong Disneyland operates a single theme park rather than a multi-gate campus. The Silver tier is priced at HK$1,568 (US$201) and includes most weekday access.

The top-tier Platinum pass costs HK$4,998 (US$642). It includes year-round entry with no blockout dates and access to signature Hong Kong Disneyland attractions such as Mystic Manor, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, Hyperspace Mountain, the Iron Man Experience, and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!.

A group of iconic Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, and Chip and Dale, dressed in festive attire, joyfully posing in front of a colorful parade float in a theme park with a castle in the background, a China Disney theme park
Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

Disney did not announce any additional changes to pricing, benefits, or reservation policies. The company also did not indicate whether further digital integration will follow once physical cards are phased out.

This follows another recent update to Disney’s annual pass offerings. Earlier this month, it confirmed plans to launch a new tier to its Magic Key system at Disneyland Resort from January 13. The Explore Key is set to replace the Enchant Key and will provide entry on select dates throughout the year, including the summer, for $999 per person.

Do you have a Disney annual pass?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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