Disney Vacation Club made a subtle change to the Moonlight Magic guidelines which will reduce the number of members eligible for for the Early Registration period.
Disney Vacation Club's Moonlight Magic ostensibly debuted in 2015 as a series of "Beach Bash" after hours events at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon waterpark. In the decade since, the offering has grown to encompass multiple theme parks on both coasts, with up to a dozen dates annually. The events have proven so popular with members that most do not have enough capacity for all who wish to attend.
Registration for Moonlight Magic typically occurs in two phases. First, members with hotel reservations on the night of the event are given access to an Early Registration window. Previously, members could take advantage of the Early Registration by holding a reservation for any Walt Disney World resort or Disney's Vero Beach Resort. These bookings could be made using points or cash, booked through any portal including the DVC website, Member Services, a travel agent or even a cash reservation made via the general Disney website.
Beginning in 2024, the only cash reservations made directly through DVC Member Services will entitle the member to Early Registration for Moonlight Magic. Hotel reservations made through travel agents, the Disney website or other platforms are do not entitle the member to Early Registration for Moonlight Magic.
Member Services has long been able to make cash reservations for members, sometimes offering a discount of 25% off of Disney's rack rates.
This change seemingly reduces the pool of owners competing for admission to each Moonlight Magic event. In order to attend Moonlight Magic, owners must also qualify for Membership Extras by owning at least 150 points purchased direct from DVC unless grandfathered under prior rules. Members without a qualifying hotel reservation can attempt to enroll for Moonlight Magic during the later General Registration.
Eight Moonlight Magic events have been announced for 2024. The next Early Registration is set to occur on February 1 when members can enroll for one of two exclusive nights at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
