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What to Expect at Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic 2025

Moonlight Magic is back for 2025 and the first party is on January 25th. Since the return of Moonlight Magic, there has been fun additions like food coupons, different character meet and greets, and entertainment. If you’re attending a party, these Moonlight Magic party tips and details will help you have a magical time.

Moonlight Magic Details

Moonlight Magic Tips: What You Need to Know

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Moonlight Magic like what attractions are open, where can you eat, and what characters can you find? Well first of all, can you attend a Moonlight Magic Event?

DVC Moonlight Magic Events in 2025 are being held at EPCOT, Disney’s California Adventure, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Typhoon Lagoon. 

Moonlight Magic events are free for Disney Vacation Members and their guests. You can bring up to 4 additional guests with you, but you must register for Moonlight Magic first. You can’t just show up to the party.

If you have a room booked and used it to register for Moonlight Magic, then you can bring that number of guests as well. For example, if you had a reservation for a 2 BR that sleeps 9 and that number of guests are on the reservation, then 9 guests can enter the party.

Moonlight Magic Events are after hours parties for DVC Members and include complimentary food and drink as well as access to the parks and rides with minimal waits, plus special character meet and greets and fireworks!

Moonlight Magic Fireworks 2023

What are the Hours for Moonlight Magic?

Moonlight Magic party hours vary depending on the park. Some Moonlight Magic hours are 10 PM – 1 AM. Others like Animal Kingdom can be 7 PM-10 PM. However, you can usually enter the park 3 hours earlier than the party time without a park ticket. You do not need a park reservation to attend Moonlight Magic. 

All the information on party hours will come with your confirmation email.

You’ll see event signs at the entrance of the theme park to check-in and to receive your wristbands and snack certificates.

Food and Beverage Options at Moonlight Magic

When you check in, you and your guests will receive 3 snack certificates per guest. Prior to the event start, you can use them at various locations. You can find the locations and times on your Moonlight Magic map and guide.

I suggest using your Moonlight Magic snack coupons prior to the event starting, because you’ll want to maximize that party time for the event that are only available to guests of Moonlight Magic. Also, some food locations close early.

They are not really meant to be meals, but more snack-like options. Here were some food options at a Hollywood Studios event.

Food at Moonlight Magic Hollywood Studios

During the EPCOT Moonlight Magic, you could redeem your snack coupons beginning at 6:30 p.m. and they were even valid at some of the Festival of the Arts Food Studios until 9 PM. 

Moonlight Magic Snack Certificates

At the last Animal Kingdom Moonlight Magic of 2024, we were able to redeem our coupons for ice cream in waffle cones, Dole Whips, and even the desserts at Satu’li Canteen. They really stepped up the options besides the typical popcorn, soda, and Mickey Bars.

Moonlight Magic Snack Coupons

 

Free-Ice-Cream-Moonlight-Magic

What Attractions are Open at Moonlight Magic?

One of the best benefits of Moonlight Magic is being able to ride attractions with low wait times. Lines are pretty short, with them being even shorter towards the end of the party.

For the most part Disney tries to have every attraction open during Moonlight Magic. Occasionally there are some exceptions which will be noted in your event guide.

Character Experiences at Moonlight Magic

Characters vary at Moonlight Magic events. Sometimes there are the popular characters like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Sometimes you can find rare characters like Kristoff from Frozen and Miguel from Coco. At the Animal Kingdom Moonlight Magic in December 2024, they even had Santa Duffy and Santa Stitch!

Usually the cast members with the characters can advise you who can be found and where. I suggest lining up early if you have a favorite character that you don’t want to miss. Lines can get long, and sometimes they will cut off a line early. 

Hollywood Studios Moonlight Magic 2023 Entertainment

Kristoff Meet and Greet Moonlight Magic

 

Miguel at Moonlight MAgic 2023

Moonlight Magic 2025 Registration

Is Moonlight Magic Worth It?

Is Moonlight Magic worth the trip and your time? Disney time is precious, and if you’re already in the area, then I think it’s definitely worth it! After all, it’s a free event and one of your Disney Vacation Club membership perks. I love that they offer these kinds of experiences for DVC members, because sometimes it does feel like benefits are dwindling.

The crowds are manageable, you can ride a lot of your favorites with short wait times, and the fireworks were very impressive! It’s a fun environment, and plus free ice cream.

There’s not enough time to do everything, so make sure you make a list of your must-dos. Come early and eat some snacks ahead of time with your certificates. 

Would I make a special trip revolved around Moonlight Magic? Probably not, just because there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to register. The more members, the harder it is to get into a Moonlight Magic event.

If you are unable to get into Moonlight Magic, another great option is Disney After Hours Events. It’s not free, but they’re a great way to access the parks with low crowds and special characters.