D23, the official Disney fan club, is bringing a new virtual event to its members called “Magic After Dark: The Story of Disney’s Nighttime Spectaculars.” This unique event will provide participants with behind-the-scenes insights into some of Disney’s most iconic nighttime shows. Geared toward Gold Members, the event also offers an exclusive look at upcoming entertainment planned for Disney Parks.
What Is the Magic After Dark Event?
The Magic After Dark event is a virtual gathering exclusively available to D23 Gold Members. Through this event, attendees will gain historical and technical insights from the creative teams behind past and present shows.
Event Features:
- Interviews with creators of beloved nighttime spectaculars
- Behind-the-scenes stories from past shows
- Previews of new and upcoming entertainment at Disneyland and Walt Disney World
Previous iterations of this panel content were featured during the D23 Expo, and this virtual event will share highlights with a wider audience.
Event Schedule and Participation Details
The Magic After Dark event will be hosted over two separate days, providing flexibility for participants. Sessions will include both a pre-show experience and the main event.
Event Dates and Times:
- Thursday, May 29, 2025
- Pre-show begins at 4:45 PM PT / 7:45 PM ET
- Main event starts at 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET
- Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Pre-show begins at 10:45 AM PT / 1:45 PM ET
- Main event starts at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET
How to Access the Event
The event is complimentary for D23 Gold Members. Participants will need an active membership and internet access to join. For those interested in attending, it’s recommended to log in early to participate in the pre-show.
Key Highlights of the Magic After Dark Event
The Magic After Dark event will revisit notable discussions from the D23 Expo’s well-received panel on nighttime spectaculars. Hosted by D23’s Jessica McDonald and producer Graham Allan, the panel will feature contributions from professionals who helped shape fan-favorite shows. Among the event highlights are:
- An in-depth review of the creative process for classic shows
- Insights into the development of technical elements like pyrotechnics, projections, and music
- A sneak peek at new nighttime shows debuting this summer at Disney Parks
Closing Thoughts
The Magic After Dark virtual event is a valuable opportunity for D23 Gold Members to deepen their appreciation of the craft behind Disney’s nighttime spectaculars. By reflecting on past creations while teasing future releases, the event combines nostalgia with a sneak peek at the future of what’s next at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
For more updates on the latest developments at Walt Disney World, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
