What DVC Members Should Expect in 2026

The calendar has flipped to 2026, and we’re all ready to look forward to what happens next. Here’s what Disney Vacation Club Members should expect from the program in 2026. 

DVC May Start Lakeshore Lodge Sales 

I’m doing these alphabetically, which forces me to start with one with an asterisk. However, based on recent DVC history, sales at new resorts typically begin roughly four-to-six months before their opening day. For example, The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort opened sales in February for a property that debuted in July. The Villas at Disneyland Resort started sales in May for a September grand opening. 

The current timeline for Disney Lakeshore Lodge calls for a 2027 start. Presuming that’s the case, I wouldn’t be surprised if DVC began sales late this year. After all, DVC is going through a rare gap in new resort sales. We’ve averaged about one new property a year in the 2020s. 

Since the Island Tower opened in late 2024, DVC will go a long time between new resort sales. Should DVC need to boost its numbers – and what business doesn’t? – this move makes a ton of sense. A lot depends on how well construction goes during the first half of the year. So, for this one to happen, we’ll need consistently good weather. 

Disney Park Changes Galore

There’s a companion piece to this article that’s specifically about the parks. Still, I’d be remiss if I failed to mention this one. The overwhelming majority of us joined the DVC program to spend more time at the parks. 

Right now, virtually every American Disney theme park is undergoing significant expansion. In 2026, these improvements include several new and updated attractions and experiences across the parks. You can ride plenty of new stuff, and your family will get to meet Bluey and other members of her family, too! 

The Member Cruise Is Heading to Europe

Specifically, this year’s cruise will delight and relax you during a seven-night voyage through Northern Europe. You’ll start at Southampton, England, but you’ll wind up in Norway and Sweden, too. 

The 2026 DVC Member Cruise sets sail on August 31st. If you think it sounds delightful but haven’t booked yet, I have bad news. The event has already sold out, as always happens with DVC Member Cruises. Those of you lucky enough to have snagged a Cabin are in for the time of your lives, though. This particular cruise includes multiple Disney-esque castle visits. It should be lovely. 

Membership Magic Beyond Improves

As of December 9th, 2025, members can once again purchase Membership Magic Beyond for 2026. The program began as a kind of experiment to see whether owners would pay more for additional privileges. That answer was quickly proven to be yes. 

Courtesy of DVC Fan

DVC has altered the program a bit for 2026 based on member feedback, though. My favorite of them is an exclusive character greeting at ImaginAtrium – A Member Lounge. From 5:30 to 8:30 pm, qualifying members can hang out with Mickey & Minnie Mouse! Since this lounge is a small space, it’s an unusually personal experience compared to most character encounters.

Disney has also added an admittedly niche photo op at Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas. Members can get a free 8×10 photo print during your stay at the resort. First, you have to go to Aulani, though, and that’s why it’s niche.

For members who don’t buy annual passes, perhaps the best incentives are the ticket deals. Walt Disney World is offering five-day weekday (only) tickets for up to $140 off the regular price. At Disneyland, members can buy three-day weekday (only) tickets for as much as $177 off the regular price. Even better, these tickets include Lightning Lane Multi Pass as part of the price!

Should you prefer annual passes, Membership Magic Beyond has added a fascinating option. You can exchange 75 DVC Points for a new Sorcerer Pass! If you’re already a Sorcerer Pass holder like me, you can renew it for just 65 DVC Points. That’s a surprisingly reasonable deal, but please remember that Membership Magic Beyond costs $99 annually. So, it’s a paywalled offer. 

Moonlight Magic Returns 

I recently detailed why I consider Moonlight Magic events overrated. The genius of the DVC program is that we all receive Extended Evening Theme Park Hours as a standard amenity. So, we gain free access to the parks two nights a week when they’re otherwise closed to guests. 

Still, I know how popular Moonlight Magic is with many of you. I’m happy to report that we’re getting a ton of these events in 2026. Here are the currently scheduled dates for the upcoming year:

• Disney California Adventure – February 23rd
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – January 20th
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – April 22nd and July 20th
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – June 25th, August 4th, and August 20th
• EPCOT – February 12th and September 10th

That’s eight confirmed events for 2026, and we all know that Disney tends to add a few more for later in the year. As always, I’ll warn you about the drawbacks of Moonlight Magic. You must be a qualifying member, and these events all sell out. 

You’ll need to know the registration date for the event you plan to attend. Then, on that morning, you must be ready to reserve your spot. Otherwise, odds are good that you’ll get shut out. DVC always rewards members who have a plan.

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