Moonlight Magic: The FREE Disney Vacation Club After-Hours Event

What is Moonlight Magic?

Moonlight Magic is an exclusive after-hours event for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, designed to give them and their guests a truly magical Disney park experience with fewer crowds and special perks. Held on select nights at various Disney parks, Moonlight Magic allows attendees to enjoy a unique Disney atmosphere with shorter wait times for popular attractions, rare character meet-and-greets, complimentary treats, and exclusive entertainment offerings. Best of all, the event is entirely free for DVC members and their registered guests, making it a must-attend experience for those who qualify.

Participating Parks

Moonlight Magic takes place at various Disney parks, including both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort locations. The participating parks typically include:

• Magic Kingdom Park

• EPCOT

• Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Disney California Adventure

• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Each park offers a slightly different Moonlight Magic experience, with tailored entertainment and activities that reflect the park’s unique theming and attractions. Not every park is available every year it is always changing to find out moonlight magic dates visit the moonlight magic page for DVC.

Special Events and Experiences

What makes Moonlight Magic so exciting are the exclusive offerings designed to create an unforgettable night. Here’s a look at what attendees can expect:

1. Access to Popular Attractions
   With significantly smaller crowds, members can enjoy favorite attractions with little to no wait times. This allows you to experience more rides and attractions during the event than you could during a regular park day. In 2019 this was how we were able to ride Avatar: Flight of Passage - at the time it was a 4 hour wait daily to get on this ride, but at the event we waited less than 45 minutes and it was amazing! This is a huge perk of Moonlight Magic!

2. Character Meet-and-Greets
   Moonlight Magic is known for featuring rare and hard-to-find Disney characters. Whether it's old-school favorites or characters dressed in special outfits for the night, these meet-and-greets offer a unique opportunity for memorable photos and interactions.

3. Special Entertainment
   Each event includes its own lineup of entertainment offerings, such as lively dance parties with beloved Disney characters, special live performances, and themed photo opportunities. You might find a DJ spinning music at Cinderella Castle or a beach dance party at Typhoon Lagoon.

4. Complimentary Snacks and Beverages
   Throughout the night, guests can enjoy complimentary ice cream, popcorn, and select non-alcoholic beverages. Many events also offer more substantial food options, such as unique treats themed to the park you're visiting.

5. Exclusive Merchandise
   Moonlight Magic events also offer limited-edition merchandise. From event-specific apparel to collectible pins, these items are typically only available during the event, making them a must-have for Disney collectors.

How to Qualify for Moonlight Magic

To attend Moonlight Magic, you must meet specific qualifications as a Disney Vacation Club member. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Current DVC Membership
   Moonlight Magic is an exclusive perk for Disney Vacation Club members, so you must have an active membership to qualify. This event is one of the many benefits of DVC ownership.

2. Membership Type
   Only members who purchased their DVC membership directly from Disney or those who bought their membership before March 21, 2011, from a third party (resale) are eligible. Members who purchased after this date via resale will not qualify for this event.

3. DVC Member Identification
   When attending Moonlight Magic this is automatically link on My Disney Experience to your account.

4. Number of Guests
   DVC members can typically register for themselves and up to five guests (though this number may vary based on the specific event). If you’re traveling with a larger party, only those officially registered will be allowed to attend. To be registered they all need to be on the room reservation. In order to get my friends in with a guarantee one time I did book another studio to ensure they could get into the event with us as these have been very popular.

How to Register for Moonlight Magic

Since Moonlight Magic is a highly anticipated event, registration is competitive. Think runDisney registration and you will be ready. Here’s the step-by-step process for securing your spot:

1. Event Announcement
   Disney Vacation Club announces upcoming Moonlight Magic dates and locations through the DVC member website, email newsletters, and sometimes through the My DVC app. It’s important to stay on top of these announcements, as the event fills up quickly.

2. Registration Window
   Once dates are announced, registration typically opens about two months before the event. The process works on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s crucial to register as soon as possible. DVC members can register online through the official DVC member website. You’ll need to be logged into your DVC account to access the registration page.

3. Priority for Members Staying on Property
   DVC members with an active reservation at a Disney resort on the night of the event may be given priority registration. This is a major perk for those staying on-site during their DVC vacation. If you’re planning to attend, consider booking a resort reservation to increase your chances of securing a spot.

4. Confirmation
   Once you successfully register, you’ll receive a confirmation email that includes the event details, such as the date, time, and any specific instructions for attending the event. Be sure to review this information carefully, as you’ll need to follow any event guidelines to ensure smooth entry on the day of the event. ALWAYS PRINT this document! Just in case you need it while you are at Disney.

5. Waitlist
   If the event fills up before you can register, don’t lose hope! Disney Vacation Club sometimes offers a waitlist option. I have not seen this post pandemic but it may come back. While this doesn’t guarantee admission, spots may open up due to cancellations, and members on the waitlist could still get the chance to attend.

Tips for Making the Most of Moonlight Magic

• Arrive Early: While Moonlight Magic is an after-hours event, many guests prefer to enter the park earlier in the day. This gives you the chance to enjoy regular park activities before transitioning into the exclusive event.

• Prioritize Rare Experiences: Since the event is limited in time, prioritize the rare character meet-and-greets and special entertainment that aren’t available during regular park hours.

• Check-In Process: Depending on the event, there may be a dedicated check-in area where DVC members and their guests receive wristbands or other credentials for access. Make sure to follow check-in instructions provided in your confirmation email.

• Plan for Dining: While snacks are complimentary during the event, some dining locations may remain open. Consider dining early or making a quick-service stop if you want a more substantial meal before the event kicks off.

• Dress Comfortably: With shorter lines, you’ll likely be hopping from ride to ride. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, especially if you're attending events in outdoor parks like Animal Kingdom or Typhoon Lagoon.

Moonlight Magic offers DVC members a chance to experience Disney in a new and magical way, with special access to the parks after hours, unique character interactions, and a more intimate atmosphere. It's one of the best benefits of Disney Vacation Club membership, providing a truly enchanting evening for members and their guests. To make the most of this event, stay informed on upcoming dates, register early, and plan ahead for a night full of Disney magic!

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