Hey there, Renée - and Happy New Year! It's always a treat to meet a fellow
Disney Vacation Club Member, and I'm happy to help out with your question before you set off for your next magical adventure at
Walt Disney World Resort. Let's get down to business!
There are so many benefits of being part of DVC, not the least of which is enjoying the amazing accommodations and extra perks of staying in a Deluxe-level resort. In the last several years, the addition of
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights for Guests in the Deluxe resorts has become a great way to maximize your time in the parks.
On these dates, one of the parks will remain open for two hours after the posted closing time. In my experience, the crowds are much lighter than for a morning rope drop, and you can usually experience multiple attractions. I love being in the parks at night - some of our family favorites like
Expedition Everest and
TRON Lightcycle/Run are really spectacular in the dark!
Renée, unfortunately, your friends will not be able to join you for the Extended Evening hours if they are not staying in a Deluxe or DVC resort themselves. Cast Members check Guests' MagicBands or Key to the World cards to ensure that everyone attending has a valid reservation. However, as long as they are staying on property in a Disney resort, your crew can get a head start on your park days with
Early Theme Park Entry, when you'll be able to enter the parks 30 minutes before the posted opening time.
I hope this information is helpful for your 2026 trip and that you have a great time with your friends! The best New Year's resolution is, of course, to spend LOTS of time at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney, Renée, and please come back anytime if we can help make your Disney travels a little more magical.
See Ya Real Soon!
Susan