Moonlight Madness: explain best practices for getting this to line up with a trip?

[atthebeachclub]

This is very much a newbie question even though I mostly have a good handle on DVC. I have never paid attention to Moonlight Madness before because I’m not local, and I didn’t have direct points with benefits. I am still not local, but now I have direct points, so maybe I should pay attention so as to maximize my potential benefits. It’s not something I care that much about, but could be fun once in a while if it happens.

My job is highly inflexible and I have to book vacations 7+ months in advance typically (which is why DVC works well for me…before, I just didn’t vacation because it’s sometimes hard to book most vacations 7 months or more out).

How do you plan for this? I gather you have to be staying when it is announced, on your points? Do people project when it might happen so they can book in advance, or do they book a room after dates are announced? Do they email us this info? I’m newly direct and don’t think I received any emails about this. Thank you.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I have attended 1, and have obtained tickets for 3. 2 I got because I had a reservation. Those reservations were made after the announcement. They are a few that announce over 7 months out so you can use that to your benefit. 1 I got during general registration but it was DCA and I believe DCA is easier on general registration. I didn't go to that one because we moved that weekend, but I can say I was not happy to have to stay offsite because there were no rooms in CA. So MM is easier to get in CA but rooms are harder due MM always being around Feb, rooms are easier to get in Florida but MM tix can be harder to get.

(General registration means no room booked)

 

[Brian Noble]

How do you plan for this?

I don't.

If one eventually happens while I am there, fine. If not, also fine.

 

[Hubalorian]

I finally lucked into having a trip on the books for July and it coincides with HS Moonlight on the 20th, so I am hoping we can get tickets!

 

[Sandisw]

There is no way to plan for it. Other than take a random guess. When announced, go immediately online to grab a vacation if you can and are flexible.

Beyond that, I would think it’s luck.

 

[pzw90]

1. Have an obscene amount of points
2. Book every single day on the calendar
3. Get access
4. Drop the rest of the days

 

[atthebeachclub]

1. Have an obscene amount of points
2. Book every single day on the calendar
3. Get access
4. Drop the rest of the days

lol; sounds accurate.

 

[airjay75]

Also, you don’t have to be staying on your points to register for MM (or staying on property at all) for general registration - just for early registration in which case you do need to be staying on points (or I think if you booked a cash stay directly through MS you also qualify).

This past summer when we rented points, an Epcot MM event just happened to be during that week. I tried during general registration and got lucky and successfully registered.

We are planning a week stay this coming June and I saw that there was a Typhoon Lagoon MM one week of June, so we’re planning on that week and I booked that shortly after the dates were announced so well before the 7-month mark. A 1 BR at RIV was wide open for that date (and still is). Probably helps to find a room if you’re ok with a 1 BR. I imagine resort view studios book up more quickly once those dates are announced at some resorts.