Disney Vacation Club’s Moonlight Magic events are a dream for Disney fans—special after-hours nights where members can experience their favorite parks with lighter crowds, shorter wait times, and plenty of perks. On January 25, 2024, Epcot hosted one of these exclusive events, transforming the park into an unforgettable playground for DVC members and their guests. From complimentary snacks to rare entertainment and near walk-on attractions, this night showcased Epcot in the best way possible. Keep reading to see everything we experienced during Epcot’s Moonlight Magic event and why it is one of the most magical perks of being a DVC member.
What is Moonlight Magic?
For anyone unfamiliar, DVC Moonlight Magic is a free, after-hours event open exclusively to Disney Vacation Club members and their registered guests. Spots are limited, so members must sign up in advance to secure tickets. During the event, members enjoy complimentary snacks, shorter waits for attractions, unique character meet-and-greets, and entertainment you cannot find during normal park hours. For a more in-depth explanation of Moonlight Magic, read my other blog post: Everything You Need to Know About Moonlight Magic: The Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Exclusive DVC After-Hours Event.
Event Overview
The Moonlight Magic event at Epcot ran from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM, but check-in began as early as 6:00 PM, allowing guests plenty of time to get settled and enjoy the park before the event officially started. We arrived a bit earlier for check-in with annual passes, and the park transitioned beautifully into its after-hours glow. The Festival of the Arts was still in full swing, and we were able to enjoy some of the festival offerings before the park switched over to its exclusive perks for Moonlight Magic attendees.
If you can enter the park earlier in the day (or any day that you are at Epcot), I highly recommend stopping by the Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium – A Member Lounge. The DVC Member Lounge at the Imagination Pavilion in Epcot is available to Disney Vacation Club members during the day from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. While it is not open during Moonlight Magic, members can still enjoy this exclusive space throughout regular park hours. The lounge provides a relaxing escape with comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments and light snacks, and a quiet, air-conditioned environment—perfect for recharging before continuing to explore the park. It is a great perk for members who want to take a break from the excitement of the day, especially before the Moonlight Magic event.
Highlights of Moonlight Magic at Epcot
Here is a closer look at everything this special night had to offer:
Delectable Delight Snack Certificates and Complimentary Ice Cream Novelties
Moonlight Magic at Epcot offers various food and beverage options, ensuring that every guest can enjoy delightful treats throughout the event. Starting at 6:30 PM, guests can use their Snack Certificates (each person is given 3 total) to redeem items at participating locations, identifiable by a “D” symbol on the menu. Some of the participating Festival of the Arts booths included Pop Eats!, Deco Delights, and Vibrante & Vivido: Encanto Cocina, as well as food studios like The Artist Table and Gourmet Landscapes. Other popular locations like Connections Eatery and Sunshine Seasons stay open until later hours, with some operating until 1:00 AM for those looking for late-night snacks to use snack certificates or to purchase other food items.
Additionally, during the official hours of the event from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM, guests can enjoy complimentary ice cream novelties, available at select snack carts near Creations Shop, Imagination Pavilion, and throughout other key areas, like The Land and Norway Beverage Cart. This is one of the most anticipated perks of Moonlight Magic! The ice creams that were offered were the Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar, Mickey’s Ice Cream Sandwich, and the Strawberry Fruit Bars. These are classic Disney snacks that bring a little extra magic to your night. Whether you are savoring artistic festival bites or treating yourself to a classic Mickey ice cream bar, the event ensures no one leaves hungry!
Although there are several areas listed around the park where the complimentary snack certificates can be redeemed, we used the majority of our certificates at the Festival Booths. This added a layer of fun to our night at the Festival of the Arts before Moonlight Magic! If you are a foodie, this was a great way to enjoy festival treats on Disney’s dime and try new dishes around Epcot. Some of our favorites were:
- Chorizo and Potato Empanada with Turmeric Aïoli and Annatto Aïoli – located at the Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina – Between Morocco Pavilion and France Pavilion.
- Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms, Blue Cheese Fondue and Arugula on a Grilled French Roll – located at The Craftsman’s Courtyard – Near Creations Shop
- Red Wine-Braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes and Balsamic Glaze – located at Pastoral Palate– Germany Pavilion.
- Grilled Kebabs with Carrot-Chickpea Salad and Garlic Aïoli, Chermoula Chicken – located at the Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina – Morocco Pavilion.
- Norwegian Kringla at the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe.
Pro tip: Consider using your snack certificates on savory options rather than sweet treats, as complimentary ice cream will be available throughout the evening. Toward the end of the night, we had our eye on the Kringla pastries in Norway, but other than that, we tried to avoid any of the sweet treats so that we could save room for some of the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars. This tip is park-specific though, since there are elite sweet treats that qualify for these snack certificates in other parks (For example: the assorted Funnel Cakes at Epic Eats in Hollywood Studios). Since this particular Moonlight Magic at Epcot was held during the Festival of the Arts, we wanted to do our research and take advantage of redeeming our snack certificates at the festival booths.
Pro tip #2: Be sure to use your snack certificates before the event officially kicks off to avoid long lines and potential menu shortages. This allows you to maximize your time enjoying the exclusive entertainment and attractions during Moonlight Magic. At one of the Animal Kingdom events, we learned this the hard way—spending 40 precious minutes waiting for pretzels at a location that eventually ran out of items. Do not let this happen to you—plan ahead and savor every moment of the event!
Rides and Attractions
One of the best parts of Moonlight Magic is the ability to enjoy Epcot’s top attractions with minimal wait times. The following attractions were available to attendees throughout the event from 10:00 pm-1:00 am:
World Celebration, World Discovery & World Nature
- Spaceship Earth – A journey through the history of communication, and an iconic nighttime experience with no long lines.
- Journey Into Imagination with Figment – A fun, imaginative adventure featuring Disney’s mischievous purple dragon, Figment.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Experience this thrilling and immersive roller coaster with epic visuals and music as you help the Guardians save the galaxy.
- Test Track – Design your own car and race it through thrilling high-speed curves and straightaways, putting your creation to the ultimate test in this adrenaline-pumping attraction.
- Mission: SPACE – Choose your mission (orange for a thrilling adventure or green for a more mellow ride).
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends – A whimsical ride through underwater adventures with characters from Finding Nemo.
- Soarin’ Around the World – Fly over iconic global landmarks with spectacular views and a gentle gliding motion.
- Living with the Land – A peaceful and educational boat ride through Epcot’s greenhouse showcasing sustainable agriculture.
- Disney Files on Demand (Located in the Harvest Theater in the Land) – Celebrate 100 years of Disney wonder with a filmed tour of the historic, top-secret Disney Animation Research Library, housing more than 65 million pieces of priceless art spanning a century of Walt Disney Animation.
World Showcase
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (Mexico Pavilion) – A relaxing boat ride featuring Donald Duck’s adventures across Mexico.
- Frozen Ever After (Norway Pavilion) – Journey through Arendelle on this beautifully themed boat ride, which is usually a headliner attraction with long waits during the day.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (France Pavilion) – Join Remy on a 4D culinary adventure as you shrink to the size of a rat in Gusteau’s bustling kitchen.
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along (France Pavilion) – Enjoy an interactive and lighthearted retelling of the classic tale through a sing-along experience set to beloved songs.
Note during Park Hours: If you visit the France Pavilion, exclusively from 7:00pm-park close you can watch Impressions de France, a beautiful film showcasing the country’s culture and landscapes. This is one of my favorite films to watch at night while in the World Showcase. You can also check out the other films in China and Canada before the park closes.
Exclusive Entertainment:
Disney on Broadway
While Disney on Broadway is not officially part of Moonlight Magic, it is a must-see experience for guests visiting Epcot during the Festival of the Arts. On the night of the event, you can catch the show before the park closes and the exclusive after-hours event begins. Hosted at the America Gardens Theatre, this live concert series brings the magic of Disney musicals to life, with talented Broadway stars performing beloved songs from Disney productions like The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen, and Beauty and the Beast. It is the perfect way to enhance your evening with stunning performances before diving into the magic of the DVC event.
Character Experiences
At Moonlight Magic at Epcot, guests can enjoy special character meet-and-greets that take place intermittently from 10:00 PM to 12:30 AM. These magical moments bring beloved Disney characters to life in a more relaxed, low-crowd setting. Characters were scattered across two key areas: near Imagination! in World Celebration and throughout the World Showcase in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, and Mexico. This allows guests to interact with Disney’s iconic characters while experiencing the park in a serene and exclusive after-hours environment. It is the perfect opportunity for photo ops and making memories with your favorite characters without the usual crowds!
Silent & Event DJs
During Moonlight Magic at Epcot, guests can immerse themselves in two unique DJ experiences. From 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM, there is a silent DJ located near Imagination! in World Celebration, offering a unique, headsets-only dance party. With these wireless headphones, attendees can enjoy music at their own volume and pace, allowing for a fun and customizable experience. Simultaneously, an event DJ performs at World Showcase Plaza, creating a lively, open-air atmosphere with music for those who prefer a more traditional party vibe. Both options provide great ways to unwind and enjoy some energetic fun during this exclusive after-hours event.
Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Celebration Fireworks
To cap off the event, Epcot hosted a Moonlight Magic-exclusive fireworks show over the World Showcase Lagoon, giving attendees one last unforgettable moment under the stars. The smaller crowds meant excellent viewing without the hustle of a normal day, making the show feel intimate and tailored to us. Our group agreed that this was one of the best fireworks shows
we have ever seen at Disney World. While these special fireworks did not have a “narrative” like Happily Ever After or Luminous, this special show was set to magical music and non-stop fireworks for roughly ten minutes straight!
In addition to this exclusive offering, we also caught Luminous: The Symphony of Us—Epcot’s current nighttime spectacular. Luminous started at 9:00 PM while the Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Celebration Fireworks started at 11:00 PM. The combination of these two experiences made the night feel even more special.
Transportation To and From Moonlight Magic at Epcot
Disney makes attending Moonlight Magic as seamless as possible with complimentary transportation options to and from the event. Whether you are staying on-site or nearby, you will have convenient options to ensure you can arrive stress-free and leave the park safely after the magic concludes.
Getting to the Event:
- Complimentary Disney buses run regularly from all Walt Disney World Resort hotels to Epcot starting approximately 45 minutes before the park opens and continuing throughout the day. If you plan to enter the park during regular park hours (before Moonlight Magic begins), the bus would be your best option.
- For guests staying at resorts serviced by the Disney Skyliner—including Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, and the Riviera Resort—the Skyliner drops guests off at the International Gateway entrance. The Skyliner typically starts 90 minutes before park opening and remains a convenient transport option through the evening.
- For those coming from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club, or Yacht Club resorts, the International Gateway entrance is just a short and scenic walk away.
Leaving the Event:
- After Moonlight Magic ends, Disney ensures transportation options remain open to get guests back to their resorts comfortably.
- Disney buses run for up to 90 minutes after the event concludes. For a 1:00 AM event closure, buses will continue running until 2:30 AM. This provides plenty of time for guests to soak in every last bit of the after-hours magic without feeling rushed.
- The Disney Skyliner also operates after the event, but guests should note that Skyliner service typically runs up to 60 minutes after park closure. Plan accordingly if you are staying at a Skyliner resort to avoid last-minute stress.
- If you are staying at one of the Epcot-area resorts—like the BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club, or Yacht Club—you can take a leisurely late-night stroll back through the International Gateway. This is one of the most unique and peaceful ways to end a Moonlight Magic night.
- For guests needing flexibility, ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber are also available near Epcot’s main entrance.
Helpful Tip: Be sure to check the exact times with a Cast Member at the event, as transportation schedules are occasionally adjusted for special events like Moonlight Magic.
Why Epcot’s Moonlight Magic is Worth Attending
Moonlight Magic at Epcot delivered an unforgettable Disney experience, proving once again why these events are a highlight of Disney Vacation Club membership. From the complimentary treats to the short wait times and exclusive entertainment, it is an event you will not want to miss if you are a DVC member. Whether you are riding top attractions with little wait, sampling snacks under Spaceship Earth’s glow, or enjoying live entertainment only Disney can deliver, it is an incredible perk that makes your DVC membership feel so valuable. This night gave us a chance to soak in everything Epcot had to offer at a slower, more exclusive pace—a true gift for Disney lovers. It is rare to experience Epcot like this, and it felt truly magical.
If you are attending a future Moonlight Magic event, here are a few tips to remember. I recommend arriving early, pacing yourself to enjoy both the rides and entertainment, and (of course) saving room for those delicious Disney treats! For more tips on signing up for Moonlight Magic and other event details, read my blog post: Everything You Need to Know About Moonlight Magic: The Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Exclusive DVC After-Hours Event. Keep an eye out for my future posts, where I will share all the details about Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Moonlight Magic events and what makes that park’s after-hours experience so unique.
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