If you’re a Disneyland Magic Key holder hoping to score some weekend savings at one of the resort’s newest restaurants, you may want to reconsider your brunch plans. Great Maple, the trendy diner located inside the Pixar Place Hotel, has stopped offering its Magic Key discount on weekends—a quiet policy change that’s raising eyebrows among fans.
The update wasn’t announced by Disney or the restaurant itself but instead came to light via a post on Reddit, where a user reported being turned away when trying to use their Magic Key discount over the weekend.
“Heads up, Great Maple doesn’t take Magic Key discounts on weekends anymore. It’s a bit strange given that I’ve never heard of select days when MK discounts aren’t offered,” the post read.
What followed was a wave of comments, reactions, and comparisons from fellow diners and Disneyland regulars, many of whom were surprised that a restaurant located within a Disney property hotel would impose time-based restrictions on what’s typically a universal perk.
Loyalty Perks… With Limits?
Magic Key holders—Disneyland Resort’s annual passholder program—receive a variety of ongoing discounts, usually 10-15% off food and merchandise at select locations. These perks are often highlighted as one of the few remaining benefits for frequent parkgoers amid rising prices and limited availability. So, any restriction—especially one not publicly communicated—feels like a step backward to fans.
Comments on the Reddit thread ranged from disappointment to full-on skepticism:
“That’s so weird. A restaurant in a Disney property hotel is time-hating discounts? This is new right?”
“We were told the same at Small Bytes a week ago.”
Others compared the newer Great Maple location unfavorably to its original San Diego outpost:
“The OG Great Maple in San Diego is an incredible experience all around. But the one in Pasadena? Mediocre. And the Disney one seems to be going downhill based on everything I’ve seen.”
“It makes me sad. I loved the original, but this feels like a franchise cash grab.”
Is This a Trend?
Some Magic Key holders say this isn’t just a Great Maple problem. Other Downtown Disney establishments like Jazz Kitchen and Beignets Expressed have also imposed similar restrictions, offering discounts only before 4 p.m. on weekdays. While there’s been no formal explanation, some speculate it’s a cost-cutting move during high-traffic times.
It’s unclear whether these restrictions were implemented by Disney or independently by the restaurant groups, but the move is prompting criticism nonetheless—especially when guests are still expected to pay premium prices.
“We actually hated the food there. My wife was very disappointed,” one guest wrote. Another pointed out that drinks don’t come with kids meals and you’ll be charged extra—$1 just to add shredded lettuce to a kid’s burger.
A Dining Experience in Decline?
When Great Maple opened at Disneyland Resort, it promised stylish mid-century decor, craft cocktails, and elevated comfort food. But reviews have been mixed since day one. Some praise the aesthetics; others call it overpriced and underwhelming.
“Great Maple was great when it first opened, but when we had a work lunch there last year, the service was bad, and the food didn’t match the price point. I wasn’t even paying, and I still felt ripped off.”
For now, Magic Key holders may want to double-check before assuming any dining discount applies—especially on weekends.
TL;DR: Great Maple has quietly dropped its weekend Magic Key discounts, joining a growing list of Disneyland dining locations with new restrictions on passholder perks. While not officially announced, the change is already leaving a bad taste in guests’ mouths—both literally and figuratively.
