We know that lots of DVC Members have some combination of direct and resale points. For many, it makes sense to purchase the minimum necessary to qualify for Membership Extras from Disney and to purchase any additional add on points through resale. It can be hard to tell the difference between special DVC perks, deluxe resort perks and what is reserved for only some DVC Members. Let’s go over different kinds of DVC events, upcoming dates, who can attend and other related, common questions.
Upcoming DVC Events in 2023 and 2024
Dates for DVC events are released randomly throughout the year. Sometimes, not much time is given in advance. It’s also good to know that some events require you to have a hotel reservation at the time of the event in order to attend. There may be a fee for some DVC events and all seem to have a limited capacity.
What is Moonlight Magic?
Moonlight Magic is a special after hours, in park event for DVC Members and their guests only. These special events can include access to rides, character meet and greets and more fun you might expect to find in the parks. Guests can anticipate fewer people in the parks and lower waits. It’s also possible to see characters that aren’t out often.
Moonlight Magic is different than something like Extra Magic Hours or Extended Evening Theme Park Hours which is the current equivalent. While all deluxe resort guests, including those staying at DVC resorts, can enjoy Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, only some DVC Members can attend Moonlight Magic.
DVC Moonlight Magic 2024 Dates
These 2024 DVC Moonlight Magic Dates have been released.
EPCOT
January 25, 2024 and March 1, 2024
Disney California Adventure
January 29, 2024
Animal Kingdom
December 13, 2023, February 27, 2024 and April 23, 2024
Typhoon Lagoon
June 4, 2024 and July 11, 2024
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
August 27, 2024
Who can attend Moonlight Magic?
Unfortunately, not all DVC Members can go to all DVC special events. In order to attend exclusive DVC events, Members must have the membership card that makes them eligible for Membership Extras. If you are already eligible, adding on points doesn’t take that away.
Disney Vacation Club also puts it this way:
“Effective June 3, 2021, to obtain a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card, Members must accumulate a total of at least 150 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc.”
Can you bring guests to Moonlight Magic?
There is a limit to the size of the party each Member can attend Moonlight Magic with. Disney says: “A Member can register themselves and up to 4 additional guests per Membership (for a total of 5) —or up to the number of Guests on their Resort reservation. Children younger than 3 years of age do not need to be registered for this event.”
This means if you travel with friends or family but stay in different rooms, on different reservations, you can’t bring more than 4 guests. If you have a large travel party, as long as you’re all staying on the same resort reservation, you can register for all to attend.
DVC Member Cruises on Disney Cruise Line
Another type of DVC event is a special Disney Cruise Line sailing for Members. If you haven’t experienced a Disney cruise, they are highly praised. Many say the service is even better than Disney Destinations on land if you can believe it. It’s possible to cruise from different places around the world and enjoy itineraries in locations like The Bahamas or Alaska.
A 2024 DVC Member cruise invites guests to be one of the first to experience Disney’s brand new private island Lighthouse Point.
This five night sailing on the Disney Magic leaves from Fort Lauderdale which can be about 3 to 4 hours from Orlando, Florida depending on traffic. The closer option to Disney World is Port Canaveral.
This special voyage includes a trip to both of Disney’s private islands: Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point. The 2024 Member Exclusive Voyage to Lighthouse Point itinerary is as follows:
- Friday, June 14, 2024 – Depart from Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Saturday, June 15, 2024 – Arrive at Lighthouse Point
- Sunday, June 16, 2024 – Arrive at Disney Castaway Cay
- Monday, June 17, 2024 – Arrive at Lighthouse Point
- Tuesday, June 18, 2024 – Day at Sea
- Wednesday, June 19, 2024 – Return to Fort Lauderdale, FL
There are some rules regarding payment. From DVC: “As this Member-Exclusive Voyage to Lighthouse Point is part of the Disney Collection exchange, one person in the travel party must be paid for using only Reservation Points.” Other guests can be paid for with cash. You can’t combine points and cash to pay for one person. Members can book a maximum of 4 staterooms per Membership.
The only way to book is to call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800.
Hoop Dee Holidays at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Disney Vacation Club is offering a new special event for Members. Hoop Dee Holidays at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort includes a special pre-show and a keepsake. Bookings opened November 1. Event dates are November 28 and December 12 for the 4:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. shows. Members can bring up to 11 guests per Membership.
Prices start at $71.00 for adults. Hoop-Dee-Doo is a dinner show with all you care to enjoy food served family style. To book, call Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Members eligible for Membership Extras can attend.
If you haven’t been to Fort Wilderness, it’s just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom and worth visiting for dinner. Members may want to get acquainted with the property now that a DVC home resort is on its way there. The Cabins at Fort Wilderness becomes a DVC resort in 2024.
Can you bring a guest to all DVC events?
Some events or opportunities may be for Members only while others do allow you to bring guests. You may only be able to bring those who are listed on your reservation. The specifics about bringing guests to DVC events is different for each particular type of event. When events are announced, the details usually include what’s required in order to attend and if you can bring guests or not. Always plan ahead. It’s not usually an option to add someone after signing up for something.
Can DVC resale Members go to DVC events?
Unfortunately, those who become a Member by purchasing DVC resale points are not eligible for Membership Extras. In order to qualify, new Members today must purchase a minimum of 150 points from Disney Vacation Club directly.
When you purchase resale, you are buying another Member’s contract. While this is legitimate and the contract becomes the new owner’s, it doesn’t make them eligible for Membership Extras.
Is it worth buying DVC direct to go to DVC events?
The answer to this is personal. Let’s weigh all of the key information to help you consider what is right for your situation. Should you buy DVC direct so that you can go to DVC events? First, are you planning on buying at least the necessary 150 points?
In order to attend things like Moonlight Magic, you may need to be somewhat flexible with your travel dates. The reason being is that the dates aren’t always announced very far out. You may only get a few months notice for some events.
Let’s say you bought enough DVC points for a certain villa type at a certain time of year. If Moonlight Magic events aren’t held at that time, you won’t be able to attend. Maybe you always visit during special times like Christmas week or the first week of summer. The runDisney race weekends are always a popular time for Disney fans to take trips as well. Take a look at the upcoming Moonlight Magic events and see if any are during times you would regularly visit in the next year. This might make up your mind for you.
Saving money with DVC Resale
Lastly, let’s talk about the price difference. It’s no secret resale DVC can be much more cost effective. If the idea of special events at Disney World sounds fun, there are more options to consider than just DVC events. The money you save buying resale could be used to purchase your own tickets to special events like Disney After Hours, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
If the draw of DVC events is specifically being among other Disney Vacation Club Members, the only way to get that is through buying direct. However, if you’re just curious what the events are like and would be open to saving money with resale and experiencing other special events, buying direct might not be the right choice.
DVC Resale Experts Can Help
DVC Resale Experts is a licensed real estate broker with a team that specializes in resale DVC. Whether you’re adding on points, buying or selling Disney Vacation Club, the Experts can help you find the right price to place a bid with or list your contract for. If you’re not into DVC events, resale is an excellent option. Even if DVC events are a must for you, acquiring any additional points, beyond what’s required for Membership Extras, can save you money. Our independent, licensed real estate agents are former Disney Vacation Club Guides. They have decades of pixie dusted experience selling DVC and delight in providing excellent service to their clients. The Experts have seen it all and are happy to answer your questions throughout the process.
DVC resale prices can pleasantly surprise Members interested in selling DVC. See our resale DVC listings for a look at real time availability and pricing. Ready to sell DVC? Get in touch for a complimentary valuation of your specific contract today. There may be someone waiting on our Buyer Wish List for a contract just like yours.
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