Disney's DVC-exclusive after-hours events at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom in 2026. Registration timing, park selection, and the food/entertainment reality members should expect.
Moonlight Magic is a series of complimentary after-hours events for active DVC members and their guests. Held select nights at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, these events run from park close until approximately midnight and feature reduced crowds, complimentary snacks and drinks at select locations, character meet-and-greets, and dance parties. Total cost to DVC members: zero.
Magic Kingdom: February 3, February 24, May 12, May 19. EPCOT: March 3, March 24, June 2, June 30. Hollywood Studios: April 7, April 21, July 14. Animal Kingdom: August 4, August 18. Dates and parks are announced quarterly; check the member site for updates and cancellations.
Registration opens approximately 60 days before each event at 9:00 AM Eastern via the DVC member portal. Popular Magic Kingdom and EPCOT dates fill within 5–15 minutes. Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios dates typically remain available for 24+ hours. Members can register for a maximum of one event per year (occasionally two, depending on year and rules).
Each registered DVC member can bring guests up to a per-event maximum (typically 4–6 total including the member). Guests do not need to be DVC members but must be registered by name and Magic Band tap-in at the event entrance. Non-member guests attending Moonlight Magic must still purchase a separate day-of-event park ticket to enter the park during regular hours.
Complimentary offerings vary by event and park. Typical inclusions: bottled water, non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream novelties, and 2–3 hot food items at select locations. Do not expect a "free dinner" — Moonlight Magic is a special-experience event, not a full meal replacement. Members planning to stay through the full event should eat a solid dinner before park close.
Most park attractions remain open through the event with dramatically reduced wait times — often 5–15 minute waits for headliners that see 90-minute waits during the day. Some attractions close early for the event; the list is published on the event page 1–2 weeks before. Ride photos and PhotoPass are typically included.
Magic Kingdom for iconic character stops and reduced fireworks-adjacent crowds. EPCOT for World Showcase evening ambiance and DJ dance parties. Hollywood Studios for Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash at 10-minute waits. Animal Kingdom for Flight of Passage at unheard-of low waits. Members targeting a specific ride experience should choose their park around that ride.
Confirm your member number and Magic Bands are current. Add any planned guests to your Friends & Family list before registration opens. Have credit card ready for the (currently $0) confirmation authorization. Set a calendar alarm for exactly 60 days out at 8:55 AM Eastern. Refresh the registration page at 8:59:45. If the first-choice date is full, immediately register for an alternate date rather than deliberating.