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Disney World Confirms 8 Special Events for 2027, Magic Kingdom Left Out

The chance to explore Walt Disney World after closing time is returning in 2027, but not everyone will have the opportunity to participate.

Disney has confirmed eight special nighttime events throughout the year, allowing select visitors to experience several parks without purchasing additional admission.

Guests stroll beneath the vibrant neon lights at the entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Credit: Ken Lund, Flickr

The announcement comes as Disney prepares another year of after-hours entertainment, although these newly confirmed events operate differently from the company’s traditional ticketed offerings.

And with registration opening in just a few weeks, qualifying visitors will need to act quickly.

Eight Special Events Are Coming to Disney World

Disney Vacation Club has officially released its 2027 Moonlight Magic schedule, confirming eight complimentary events across four Walt Disney World destinations.

Moonlight Magic allows eligible Disney Vacation Club Members to visit participating parks after regular operating hours, enjoying select attractions, entertainment, character appearances, and refreshments.

The newly announced schedule includes:

  • January 12: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  • February 2: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • March 9: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • May 25: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  • June 15: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
  • July 13: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
  • August 24: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
  • September 8: EPCOT

The announcement builds on Disney’s previous decision to add more Moonlight Magic events during the final months of 2026.

However, Magic Kingdom is noticeably absent from the new schedule, and Disney hasn’t announced any events for the final three months of 2027.

Disney Confirms Three Registration Periods

Rather than opening registration for all eight events simultaneously, Disney has divided the schedule into three groups.

Early registration for the January, February, and March events begins December 15, 2026. General registration opens December 17.

Typhoon Lagoon at night. Disney World water park transportation
Credit: Disney

For the May and June events, early registration starts April 22, 2027, followed by general registration April 29.

Finally, members interested in the July, August, or September events can register early beginning June 3, with general registration opening June 10.

All registration periods begin at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

Members with qualifying Disney resort reservations receive priority access through early registration, although admission remains subject to availability.

These complimentary events are separate from Disney’s Extended Evening Hours benefit, which allows qualifying resort guests additional time inside select theme parks.

Strict Attendance Restrictions Will Apply

Even eligible members cannot attend every event on the schedule.

Disney limits Moonlight Magic registration to one event per season, meaning members must choose between dates scheduled within the same three-month period.

Members can generally register themselves and four additional guests, although qualifying resort reservations may allow larger parties.

close-up of glowing blue spaceship earth at night in epcot
Credit: Sarah Larson, Disney Fanatic

Children under three don’t require registration.

Disney also requires members to join an online virtual waiting room, where they receive randomly assigned positions before accessing the registration form.

Walk-ins aren’t allowed, and the registered member must attend with their entire party.

Members must bring their Disney Vacation Club Digital Membership Card and photo identification to check in.

These rules are particularly important as Disney continues expanding its membership benefits for 2027.

Another Exclusive Disney Experience Returns

Moonlight Magic remains one of the more appealing benefits for qualifying Disney Vacation Club Members, especially as regular admission and separately ticketed events become increasingly expensive.

The complimentary events give members additional opportunities to enjoy attractions without the crowds typically associated with regular park hours.

Spaceship Earth lit up at night at EPCOT
Credit: Sarah Larson, Disney Fanatic

The announcement also arrives as Disney Vacation Club prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2027.

However, members should remember that securing admission isn’t guaranteed. Limited capacity, strict eligibility requirements, and seasonal attendance restrictions mean some qualifying members may miss out.

The first registration window opens December 15, 2026, giving eligible members just over a month to prepare.

For those who successfully register, another year of exclusive nighttime experiences awaits at Walt Disney World.

Brittni Ward

Brittni is a Disney and Universal fan; one of her favorite things at both parks is collecting popcorn buckets. While at Disney World Resort, Brittni meets the princesses and rides Kilimanjaro Safaris. At Universal, Brittni enjoys the Minions and watching Animal Actors on Location! When not at Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando, Brittni spends time with her family and pets.

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