A witch's broom, also known as a flying broomstick, is a popular symbol often associated with witchcraft and magic. While witches may not actually fly on broomsticks in reality, these brooms have become an iconic and stereotypical representation in various forms of media. The concept of witches using broomsticks to fly can be traced back to ancient times, where broomsticks were seen as a powerful symbol of fertility and magic. In medieval Europe, it was believed that witches would rub a concoction made from hallucinogenic herbs on their bodies and then ride on broomsticks to attend witchcraft gatherings or Sabbaths. The term "witch's broom" may be used to refer to a regular broom that is utilized by witches, but it can also specifically describe a broomstick that is enchanted or imbued with magical properties. These magical brooms are believed to allow witches to fly through the air and reach incredible speeds.
Disneyland magic keys
Credit: Miranda Jones / Flickr
Perhaps one of the most controversial things in the Disney community this year has been the Disneyland Magic Key program.
Disneyland’s Magic Keys are their updated version of the Annual Pass program. The program was first rolled out in 2021, after the devastating upset of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, sales were only open to guests who had already had an Annual Pass or Magic Key, and guests were only allowed to renew or cancel their pass. Sales of new Magic Keys have been intermittent since 2021, with new sales consistently paused due to demand. At the time of this writing, new sales for Magic Key passes have been paused once again.
It was also recently announced that the cost of each tier would be increasing anywhere from $50 to $150. The Key offerings are as follows:
- Imagine Key: (only available to Southern California Residents) $499 (previously $449)
- Enchant Key: $849 (previously $699)
- Believe Key: $1249 (previously $1,099)
- Inspire Key: $1649 (previously $1,599)
The increased prices of the Magic Keys and the Walt Disney World Annual Passes follow what many are calling an upsetting trend for the Disney parks over the last couple of years. Despite newly reinstated CEO Bob Iger addressing the outrageous prices of Disney admission earlier this year, stating that he believed the prices had gone too high and he would be working on ensuring that prices were attainable for families and the average guest, many have claimed he has done nothing to follow through on his comments. The price of a daily ticket, Magic Key pass, Disney World Annual Passes, hotel stays, and in-park purchases like food, merchandise, and Lightning Lanes have all increased drastically.
Credit: Disney Parks Blog
With the increase in prices, many guests have shared their complaints on social media, saying that the increase in price does not match the current Disney parks experience. It’s led to many debates about whether a Disney vacation is worth it anymore, as well as many people debating whether or not to renew their Annual Passes and Magic Keys. One such debate recently took place on Reddit, with u/WhiskeySales making a post stating that they just don’t see the value in reinstating their Magic Key Pass despite having had some version of a Disneyland Annual Pass for several years. Although the initial post was deleted, the comments are still available, with many agreeing with the original poster.
“Same, I’m out in February,” agreed u/HOTDOGWEHAVEAWIENER. “I simply don’t want to give Disney my money anymore, the quality isn’t there. Their greed is out of control and them continually raising food & parking prices while the rides and lands are falling apart or boarded up near constantly has made the value comically not worth it. Iger and this whole management team sucks.”
“I’m also not going to renew. The large crowds and price hikes ruins the experience. The best time I had at Disneyland was during the hurricane. The park was empty and wait times were low,” commented u/MrKazador. Bro you are not wrong. Disneyland is now just an always crowded money milking machine. The guest experience is not valued by them and it is frustrating having to be on your phone a lot securing you place in line or ordering food annoying. Not to mention the wait times on rides with the LL. So lame,” u/Bsizzle18 replied.
“Believe Key expired last Sunday. Did not renew,” shared u/SpaceXMonkeys. “The value is not there at all. From the numerous ride breakdowns, to receiving MEPs from a LL attraction that can’t even be used on another LL attraction (like wtf, why. ), to Genie+ increasing price 3 times within one year, and parking increasing as well.”
Credit: Brandi Alexandra via Unsplash
Unfortunately, as the cost of living across the nation has skyrocketed, so have experiences like a Disney vacation. What was once a magical escape for families looking to create memories with their children has become a once in a lifetime opportunity that not many can afford anymore. Despite Walt Disney’s assurance that the Disney parks were a place for everyone of all ages to make memories and experience the magic, that seems to no longer be the case.
In addition to the increase in costs, many people have noticed that things that were once the standard at Disney are now the exception. Many have pointed out issues like decreased upkeep and maintenance routines on attractions, pointing out broken animatronics, dirty ride vehicles, and increased attraction down times. Others have pointed out things like disruptive guest behavior and attitude, stressed and rude cast members, and even a decrease in cleanliness standards across the parks, citing issues like rats and poop.
Credit: Inside The Magic
Several of the comments, like one from u/smakusdod, speculated that Disney doesn’t “want you to renew. They want you to come one or two days a year and spend $1000 each time.” As these complaints fill the Disney community spaces on social media platforms, it is clear that there seems to be a collective opinion that the Disney parks need a drastic overhaul and update if they want to keep their current Magic Key and Annual Pass holders.
Do you or have you previously had a Magic Key or Annual Pass? Is it still worth it, or will you not be renewing? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below!
Please note that the experiences discussed in this article are based on personal and unique situations. No two Disney guest experiences are alike, and these do not indicate a typical experience. The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily representative of Inside the Magic.
Tagged: Annual PassesDisney ParksDisneyland CaliforniaJessica Nicole
Jessica is a former Walt Disney World Cast Member, a major theme park fan, and a nerd at heart. When she's not reading, writing, or planning her next adventure, you can find her watching horror movies or spending time with her family.
BREAKING: Enchant, Believe, and Inspire Magic Key Passes Now Sold Out for Disneyland Resort
Following today’s resumption of sales for all four Magic Key Pass types for Disneyland Resort, now only one pass remains available for purchase, as of 5:54 p.m. PT.
These magical brooms are believed to allow witches to fly through the air and reach incredible speeds. In folklore and literature, witches are often depicted as mounting their broomsticks and soaring through the night sky. This iconic image has been ingrained in popular culture and has become synonymous with witchcraft.
Three Magic Key Pass Types Sold Out
At this time, the following Magic Key types are now sold out and only available for renewals:
- Inspire Key: $1,649
- Believe Key: $1,249
- Enchant Key: $849
The Imagine Key is still available for purchase, but only for Southern California residents living in zip codes 90000 to 93599. California residents are also able to purchase a pass with a monthly payment option, but must be logged into their Disney account with a stored California address to do so.
Sales for the passes began this morning. Hopeful passholders enter a virtual queue, with current wait times listed as “more than an hour.” Once guests make it through the queue, they have 10 minutes to enter the site, which does not guarantee the ability to purchase any of the pass options.
Until all passes are sold out, new pass sales will be paused nightly at 10 p.m. PT, and will resume no earlier than 9 a.m. PT the following day. Guests can remain in the queue overnight, so long as they stay connected to the network and keep their browser window open. New pass sales are only available online. Disneyland has also shared their own buying guide for Magic Key passes.
The broomstick's association with witchcraft and witches is so prevalent that it has become a common Halloween decoration. While the idea of witches flying on broomsticks is purely fictional, it is an enduring and captivating concept that continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world. Whether in folk tales, books, movies, or costume parties, the image of a witch on her broomstick will forever remain an iconic symbol of magic and witchcraft..
Reviews for "The connection between witches and broomsticks in ancient rituals"
1. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "What is a witches broom called". The writing style was not engaging at all, and the story seemed to lack any depth or substance. The characters were dull and one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and confusing plot developments. Overall, I found the book to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling read.
2. John - ★★☆☆☆
"What is a witches broom called" had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, the execution fell flat for me. The writing was mediocre, with choppy sentences and awkward dialogue. I also found the plot to be predictable and lacking in originality. The main character, who is supposed to be a strong and independent witch, came across as weak and indecisive. As a result, I couldn't fully invest in the story or care about what happened to her. While the book had a couple of enjoyable moments, overall, it failed to live up to my expectations.
3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I was excited to read "What is a witches broom called" after hearing all the buzz about it, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. The writing was mediocre, with cliched descriptions and repetitive phrases. The story lacked depth and seemed to rely heavily on tired tropes and predictable plot twists. The characters, especially the villain, were poorly developed and lacked motivation. I also found the dialogue to be stilted and unrealistic, making it hard for me to connect with the story. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.