Moonlight Magic Dates and Registration Rules for 2025 & 2026

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) has released new event dates for Moonlight Magic covering both late 2025 and the 2026 calendar. The updated schedule includes extra nights in 2025 and a full slate of nine events in 2026. The registration rules include seasonal limits and special early access for members with qualifying resort stays.

Moonlight Magic Nights are exclusive evening events in the parks, exclusive to Disney Vacation Club members.

Extra 2025 Events

DVC added three Moonlight Magic nights in 2025 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These dates are October 29th, November 18th, and December 15th.

The Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit M. Montanaro

READ: DVC Members Get Free Perks at Two Specific Jollywood Nights Events

Members may register for one of those extra evenings even if they already attended a Moonlight Magic event earlier in 2025.

Early registration for those extra Animal Kingdom nights opens on October 2, 2025 for members with resort reservations that meet the qualification criteria. General registration opens October 9, 2025 for other eligible members.

2026 Moonlight Magic Schedule

For 2026, DVC has announced nine Moonlight Magic events across several parks and a water park.

Here are the confirmed 2026 event dates by season, along with registration windows:

Registration Rules & Eligibility

Members may register for one Moonlight Magic event per season in 2026. Seasons are winter (January‑March), spring (April‑June), and summer (July‑September).

Early registration is available to members with qualifying resort reservations for the night of the event. These reservations must meet certain criteria such as being booked through DVC Member Services or otherwise satisfying rules specified for the event. 

Gino, the gorilla patriarch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – YouTube, Disney Parks

READ: Disney After Hours Dates, Prices, Attractions, and Times Announced for 2026

General registration opens a few days after early registration and is available to all eligible members who did not or could not use early registration.

Membership Extras eligibility is required. Only members who hold that benefit can register.

Purpose and Event Features

Moonlight Magic events provide members with after-hours access to select Disney parks or water parks.

Tucker the new baby draft at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World on the Savannah – YouTube, Attractions Magazine

Typical features include:

• Shorter-than-usual wait times for popular attractions

• Exclusive rare character meet-and-greets and appearances not available during regular hours

• Complimentary treats and refreshments during the event

• Special entertainment and photo opportunities tailored to the after-hours setting

Because these are membership benefit events, the experience differs from public after-hours or special-ticket events.

What Happens If Demand Exceeds Capacity?

Registration is managed through a virtual queue system. On registration days, eligible members enter an online waiting room prior to the registration opening. Once the registration window opens, positions are assigned and members may select an event within their season. Space is limited.

Summary

DVC has added three extra dates in late 2025 (Animal Kingdom) that members may attend even if they already used an event in 2025.

Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Concept Art. Credit: Disney Parks Blog

There are nine Moonlight Magic events planned for 2026, spread across winter, spring, and summer seasons.

Members may only register for one event per season. Early access depends on having a resort reservation that satisfies certain conditions.

Are you a Disney Vacation Club member? What do you think of Moonlight Magic? Let us know in the comments.

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