Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios: Our Arrival Day from Hyatt MCO to Disney’s Beach Club
Our arrival day was anything but ordinary. After flying in from San Juan, we kicked off our Walt Disney World vacation with a relaxing morning at Hyatt Regency MCO, a seamless private transfer to Disney’s Beach Club, and an unforgettable night at DVC Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios.
Here's how we made the most of our first 24 hours — and how you can, too.
🌙 From Hyatt MCO to Moonlight Magic, Beach Club Resort, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios Highlights
We woke up at Hyatt Regency MCO, grabbed breakfast at the airport, then rode in comfort with Gem Luxury Services to Disney’s Beach Club.
We went to EPCOT for lunch at Via Napoli, and provided a 1‑Bedroom DVC Villa tour.
In the evening, we experienced low crowds at DVC Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios, with short lines, free snacks, and big smiles.
🌟 What Is DVC Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios?
DVC Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios is one of the most exciting perks for Disney Vacation Club members. It’s a free, after-hours event filled with magic, short lines, snacks, and surprise entertainment, but only if you plan it right.
Why It’s Worth Attending:
- 🎢 Access to top attractions like Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, and more with little to no wait
- 🍦 Complimentary snacks, drinks, and ice cream throughout the park
- 🧚♀️ Rare characters and unique photo ops you won’t see during normal park hours
- 🎶 Dance parties, exclusive shows, and lower crowd levels for a more relaxed Disney experience
For DVC members, especially those traveling from Puerto Rico or the Caribbean, it’s the perfect way to kick off a magical Disney trip.
🛏️ Our Morning at Hyatt Regency MCO
After a late-night arrival from San Juan, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency MCO, located right inside the Orlando International Airport. It’s one of our favorite Disney travel day strategies — especially with kids in tow.
Why We Recommend Hyatt MCO:
- ✔️ Convenient location right in the terminal — no shuttles or taxis needed
- ✔️ Spacious, quiet rooms that are great for recharging after a flight
- ✔️ Onsite dining for a quick breakfast before heading to Disney
- ✔️ Perfect for Caribbean-based families flying in a day early
We started our arrival day for DVC Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios, well-rested, which made all the difference.
🚗 Private Transfer with Gem Luxury Services
We booked a private ride with Gem Luxury Services, and the experience was smooth, friendly, and professional - everything you want when starting your Disney trip.
Why Gem Luxury Services Works for Disney Travelers:
- 🕒 On-time pick-up directly from the Hyatt lobby
- 💬 Spanish-speaking drivers and bilingual support available
- 🧸 Car seat ready for if you have small children and plenty of space for our luggage
- 🚪 Drop-off at Disney’s Beach Club front entrance
We arrived refreshed, with zero stress, ready for what would be the highlight of our day.
🏨 Checking Into Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Located just steps from EPCOT and a short Skyliner ride from Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Beach Club was the perfect choice for an event night like Moonlight Magic.
Beach Club Perks for DVC Guests:
- 🌊 Walkable access to EPCOT and BoardWalk
- 🏊♂️ Access to Stormalong Bay — one of Disney’s best pools
- 🛏️ Spacious DVC villas ideal for families or groups
- 🎢 Quick transport to Hollywood Studios for event nights
Our 1-Bedroom DVC Villa gave us plenty of space to relax and regroup before heading into the park for DVC Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios.
✨ Making the Most of Early Check-In at Beach Club
Since our room wasn’t ready when we arrived at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, we decided to take advantage of one of our favorite perks of staying in the EPCOT resort area — walking directly into the park! Beach Club, Yacht Club, and the BoardWalk Inn all offer quick walking access to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance.
🍕 Lunchtime Tradition at Via Napoli
We headed straight to the Italy Pavilion for one of our favorite EPCOT lunch spots — Via Napoli. Over the past three trips this year, it’s become a check-in tradition when we stay near EPCOT. There's nothing like grabbing a seat, ordering a cold drink, and waiting for that classic wood-fired pizza.
- 🥗 House Salad to share
- 🍕 Margherita Pizza — light, crispy, perfect as always
- 🍺 Peroni for Raúl — a rare beer moment on a hot September afternoon
🇲🇽 Exploring World Showcase & Mexican Pavilion on Labor Day
After lunch, we wandered through World Showcase and made our way to the Mexico Pavilion. Since it was Labor Day, we expected heavy crowds — but it was surprisingly manageable, especially for a holiday weekend.
Because of the rain, Mariachi Cobre performed inside the pavilion — something new for us and honestly, we loved it. We even joked in the vlog that Disney should consider replacing San Angel Inn Restaurante with a permanent indoor space for Mariachi Cobre. Their music is that good. (Also: Sorry San Angel Inn, your food is still the worst we’ve had on property.)
☔ Finding Shelter at the DVC Lounge
As the rain picked up, we took shelter inside the DVC Lounge at EPCOT. It's one of our favorite places to cool down, recharge devices, and enjoy complimentary snacks and soft drinks — especially on unpredictable weather days like this one.
🎶 Voices of Liberty Echo Set – A Holiday Surprise
When the skies cleared, we made a beeline to the American Adventure Pavilion to catch the Voices of Liberty Echo Set, a special performance only done on select holidays like Labor Day. It was extra special this time because our friend Kelly Morris Rowan was leading the group.
We even got to chat with Kelly for a few minutes after the performance, one of those magical Disney moments that make the day even more memorable.
🌙 Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios Begins
We arrived at Moonlight Magic with our good friends Rafael Green, owner of Gem Luxury Services, and his daughter Martina. The plan was simple: enjoy the short wait times, hit as many rides as we could, and soak in the vibe of this exclusive DVC event.
- 🎢 Walk-on access to several top rides
- 🍦 Complimentary snacks and ice cream throughout the night
- 💃 Dance parties and rare character sightings
🎸 A First for Daniela: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Martina managed to convince Daniela to try Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster for the very first time — and she loved it! Another Disney “first” we won’t forget.
🎢 Tips for Making the Most of Rides During DVC Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios
Wait Until Regular Guests Have Left the Park
One of the biggest benefits of DVC Moonlight Magic is that crowd levels drop significantly once day guests exit. While some attractions may still have lines during the transition hour, wait times shrink dramatically once the event officially begins. That’s the perfect time to hit high-demand rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Tower of Terror with little to no wait.
Use the Event Map to Prioritize Your Plan
When you check in for Moonlight Magic, Disney provides an event-specific guide and map. This shows which rides, snack spots, and character meet-and-greets are open during the event. Review it early to avoid wasting time and to maximize your ride strategy.
Start With the Headliners First
Focus on the rides that normally have 60+ minute wait times during regular park hours. Attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster should be your first stops. Once you’ve crossed those off your list, you can circle back to enjoy favorites again or explore other parts of the park.
Re-Ride Your Favorites — The Lines Stay Low
Don’t be afraid to hop on your favorite attractions more than once! Near the end of the night, you’ll often find walk-on access to even the most popular rides. It’s one of the best perks of the night, and a rare opportunity at a Disney park.
Take Time for Photos and Atmosphere
While the rides are amazing, don’t forget to slow down and take in the atmosphere. Moonlight Magic includes exclusive character appearances, dance parties, and themed projections that make the night feel truly special. Some of our favorite memories came from the vibe, not just the attractions.
Tips for Planning Your Arrival Day for Moonlight Magic
Planning ahead makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying DVC’s exclusive Moonlight Magic events.
| Arrive the day before and stay at Hyatt MCO for comfort and convenience |
| Use a private transfer service like Gem Luxury for stress-free travel |
| Choose a resort close to the action — like Beach Club or BoardWalk |
| Eat early and take a mid-day break so you're rested for the night |
| Register for Moonlight Magic the moment your window opens |
💫 Final Thoughts on Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios
This was our second time attending Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios, and once again, it exceeded expectations. Great friends, low crowds, amazing music, and Disney magic everywhere. We love how DVC makes this kind of experience feel personal, fun, and easy to enjoy, especially after a long day of travel.
If you’re a DVC member planning a trip from Puerto Rico or Latin America, we highly recommend this.
With the right arrival strategy (Hyatt MCO + Gem Luxury + Beach Club), your Disney vacation can start with zero stress and a whole lot of magic.
Plan Your Disney Arrival Day With Laugh and Gear
We’re a bilingual, family-run travel planning team based in Puerto Rico, and we specialize in helping families create magical, low-stress Disney vacations.
If you're a DVC member (or considering becoming one), we can help you plan your visit to DVC Moonlight Magic at Hollywood Studios and make the most of your arrival day.
