Everything You Need to Know About Moonlight Magic: The Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Exclusive DVC After-Hours Event
If you have ever dreamed of experiencing the magic of Walt Disney World with fewer crowds, shorter wait times, and an exclusive after-hours glow, DVC Moonlight Magic might be your new favorite Disney experience. If you are a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, you can unlock special nights at the parks filled with attractions, entertainment, and complimentary treats—making it one of the best perks of Disney’s Vacation Club membership.
Recently, I had the chance to attend Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom (December) and Epcot (January), and let me tell you, these nights were unforgettable. Here is everything you need to know: what DVC Moonlight Magic is, how to sign up, and what you can expect at these magical after-hours events.
What Is DVC Moonlight Magic?
DVC Moonlight Magic is an exclusive after-hours event offered to Disney Vacation Club (a vacation ownership program operated by Disney) members and their guests at select Disney Parks. It is essentially Disney at its best: low wait times for popular attractions, complimentary snacks, character meet-and-greets, and unique entertainment not available during regular park hours. These limited-capacity events take place at Disney Parks throughout the year, and they are completely free for DVC members who secure a spot! It is a rare opportunity to experience Disney magic without the usual hustle and bustle.
DVC Moonlight Magic events are held on select dates throughout the year at various Walt Disney World theme parks, including Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. There is also a Moonlight Magic event at Disney California Adventure Park for any DVC members traveling to the West Coast! Each event features its own unique offerings, giving members a chance to experience the parks in new and exclusive ways, making every night feel truly special.
Eligibility to Attend Moonlight Magic Events
There are a few things to keep in mind for eligibility to attend Moonlight Magic events:
Disney Vacation Club Members: Moonlight Magic events are exclusive to Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members. These events are a special perk for those who have purchased a DVC membership.
Eligible Accommodations: To attend, DVC members need to have a confirmed reservation at a Disney Vacation Club resort using their points, or have a qualifying hotel reservation for the night of the Moonlight Magic event. All Deluxe Resorts and Villas are DVC resorts, but membership points can also be converted to stay at other resorts on Walt Disney World property. For the full list of eligible hotels, visit the DVC website here.
Membership Status: DVC members must be eligible for “Membership Extras” to attend a Moonlight Magic event. This typically includes those who purchased their membership directly from Disney and their contract contains at least 150 points. Those who bought their membership on the resale market may not be eligible for these perks unless they meet certain conditions.
Signing Up for Moonlight Magic
Spots for DVC Moonlight Magic events are limited and highly sought after, so securing your tickets requires some planning. Here is how the process works:
Check Eligibility: Moonlight Magic is exclusive to Disney Vacation Club members with a valid membership. You will need to have a blue DVC member card (eligible for Membership Extras). You can also add your membership card to your digital wallet on your smartphone or your account “memberships and passes” on the Walt Disney World app.
Registration Online: DVC members must register in advance for Moonlight Magic events. Registration is done online through the official Disney Vacation Club website. Disney announces event dates in advance, and registration opens on the official DVC member website. Keep an eye on announcements since reservations can fill up quickly!
Plan Your Guests: Each eligible member can reserve tickets for themselves and up to 4 guests (or the number of guests on the hotel reservation). Valid park admission is not required for this event.
Timing: Registration dates are announced in advance. Members should keep an eye on the DVC website or communications from Disney Vacation Club for announcements on when registration will open. Typically, if you have a hotel reservation booked for when a Moonlight Magic will take place, an email will be sent out to notify you of the sign-up date and instructions.
Pro tip: If you are on Facebook, join a Disney Vacation Club group- like this one. Typically members post pertinent information about Moonlight Magic events, like reminders to sign up. Events often fill up quickly, so it is important to register as soon as possible when it opens. The Facebook group is also a great resource if you want to know more about a specific park’s Moonlight Magic event as members of the group often post highlights after each event.
Steps to Register:
- Log into your Disney Vacation Club account on the official website.
- Navigate to the Moonlight Magic events page.
- Select the event you wish to attend.
- Follow the prompts to complete the registration, including adding your member ID and selecting the number of guests.
Confirmation: After registering, you should receive a confirmation email with details about the event.
These events are very popular and can fill up quickly, so it is important to stay informed about registration dates and act promptly when they open. And if you are successful in securing a spot, be sure to screenshot your confirmation number on your phone or computer just to be safe!
Transportation To and From Moonlight Magic
Disney makes attending Moonlight Magic as seamless as possible with complimentary transportation options to and from the event. 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 the parks starting approximately 45 minutes before the park opens and continuing throughout the day. If you are planning to enter during regular park hours (before Moonlight Magic begins), this is a great way to arrive. This will be the only mode of transportation to Animal Kingdom from the resorts, while other parks have other modes of transportation in addition to the Walt Disney World bus system
- 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 Main entrance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway entrance of Epcot. The Skyliner typically starts 90 minutes before the park opens and remains a convenient transport option through the evening.
- Guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club, Yacht Club, or Swan and Dolphin Resorts have convenient access to Hollywood Studios via a short walk or a Skyliner ride. For a relaxing alternative, the Disney Friendship Boats on Crescent Lake provide a scenic way to travel. Additionally, the International Gateway entrance to EPCOT is just a pleasant, brief stroll away.
- Complimentary parking is available for all Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members attending Moonlight Magic at any of the parks. Simply park at the designated event parking area, and enjoy a hassle-free experience as you head into the park for the exclusive event.
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 12:30 AM event close, buses will continue running until 2:00 AM. This provides plenty of time for you 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 each park’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.
What to Expect at Moonlight Magic Events
DVC Moonlight Magic events are a perfect blend of Disney magic and exclusive perks designed to give members a more relaxed and enchanting park experience. With limited crowds, these after-hours events allow you to enjoy:
Complimentary Snacks and Treats: Throughout the event, you will find a selection of free Disney favorites, like Mickey bars and ice cream sandwiches, along with park-specific offerings that vary by location. Upon check-in at the event, you will receive three “snack certificates” that you can use throughout the park. The back of each certificate will give more specific information about which locations and times each voucher can be redeemed. From the events that I have attended, the certificates are redeemable at most quick-service spots around the park for items that are identifiable by a “D” symbol on the menu – this is a snack item on the Disney Dining Plan.
Shorter Wait Times for Popular Attractions: With limited capacity, many of Disney’s most popular rides become walk-ons or have significantly reduced wait times, giving you the chance to experience more in less time.
Unique Entertainment: From special fireworks shows to live performances and nighttime park ambiance, each Moonlight Magic event features entertainment that makes the evening extra memorable.
Character Meet-and-Greets: These events often offer opportunities to meet rare Disney characters or see your favorites in special attire not usually found during regular park hours.
Game and Activity Perks: Depending on the park, there are often added activities like carnival-style games or fun bonus experiences unique to the venue. At Animal Kingdom, we enjoyed the games at Dinoland USA before they closed for the new park renovations.
DVC Moonlight Magic truly offers an unforgettable way to experience the parks after dark, with fewer crowds, exclusive entertainment, and plenty of complimentary treats to enjoy. Whether you are riding your favorite attractions with little to no wait, indulging in iconic Disney snacks, or soaking up the unique atmosphere of a quieter park, these events feel like a special reward for Disney Vacation Club members. If you have the chance to attend, do not hesitate—it is an experience you will not want to miss.
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