Why Book a DVC Stay in January 2027
The seven-month window just opened for 2027 bookings. As of now, you can reserve hotel rooms for January 2027 at all Disney Vacation Club resorts. Obviously, you can also book through April 2027 at your Home Resort, but that’s not the focus for this new series. We’re going to focus on reasons why you may want to travel to Disney. Here’s why DVC should book in January 2027.
EPCOT’s Most Inventive Festival Returns
In 2017, Walt Disney World revealed that EPCOT would host a new festival. At the time, the event wasn’t even daily, more of a weekend activity. Well, that may have been the initial plan, but everything changed once the event opened.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts proved immediately and immensely popular. In truth, this exhibition has performed so well that it may have impacted DVC’s Points Charts. January is no longer as big an offseason as September, and it’s largely due to the Festival of the Arts.
When will the 2027 Festival of the Arts begin? Since Disney only recently announced the dates for the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, we probably won’t know for several months.
However, I can tell you that the event started on the third Friday of January in 2025 and 2026. In 2024, Disney chose the second Friday instead, which was the 12th. I presume the 2027 version of the event will begin on January 15th, but a week earlier or later is a possibility.
Why would you go? The answer is quite simple. The Festival of the Arts meshes all forms of artistic creativity into a single event. Cast Members get to flex their talents in many ways. Some sell their art at the festival kiosks, while others sing and dance. You can even find a few living picture artists and mimes.
Then, we have the food and beverages, many of which are works of art themselves. Disney even turned that memorable Andy Warhol tomato soup can painting into a delicious entrée. You’ll want to keep your phone handy to document the many gorgeous dishes you order during your park visit.
runDisney Starts Early in 2027
Whether you’re a competitive runner, an enthusiast, or just a Disney fan who wants some exercise, I have great news for you! runDisney will kick off the new year in style with an early January event.
On January 6th through 10th, you can attend Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2027. This version of the event includes the following races:
- January 7th – Walt Disney World 5K
- January 8th – Walt Disney World 10K
- January 9th – Walt Disney World Half Marathon
- January 10th – Walt Disney World Marathon
Throughout these dates, some guests may participate in the overarching Dopey Challenge and Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge. The races range in price from $125-$255 each, while the Goofy Challenge is $495, and the comprehensive Dopey Challenge is $769.
In case you’ve never done a runDisney race, they’re a joy to behold. Costumed Cast Members will engage with you before, after, and even during the race. If you’re a competitive runner, they’ll leave you alone. If you’re just there to take pictures, they’ll provide you with tons of opportunities.
The other thing you should know is that runDisney events sell out, and often quickly at that. Disney added a membership program, Club runDisney to allow dedicated fans to book earlier. So, that’s made it even harder for non-members to purchase entry to these events.
The other thing to know is that the parks grow quite crowded on these dates. Similarly, you should expect DVC reservations to book quickly.
Disney California Adventure Celebrates the Lunar New Year
Finally, we have an excellent reason to book at one of DVC’s Disneyland Resort properties. Every year, Disney California Adventure celebrates the Lunar New Year, which as you know, starts a bit later than the Gregorian calendar’s version.
For example, in 2026, the Lunar New Year officially occurred on February 17th. Disney starts its party much sooner, though. Generally, the festivities begin on the third or fourth Friday of the (actual) new year. So, we’d be looking at January 15th or January 17th as the beginning of this month-long party.
DCA’s Lunar New Year works similarly to EPCOT festivities in that you’ll find an endless array of activities. For starters, the food and beverages highlight festive Asian cuisines, with absolutely iconic bao buns.
The exclusive merchandise is amazing, too. Lately, Disney has focused on Turning Red and even has Mei meet guests in her Red Panda superhero costume. There’s live entertainment as well, and families treasure the Wishing Wall at Paradise Gardens Park.
The Lunar Year has evolved into one of DCA’s most popular annual events, just like the Festival of the Arts at EPCOT. So, West Coast vacationers will love this experience.
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