Disney Vacation Club has announced the 2026 version of its paid perks program, Membership Magic Beyond. While the core structure remains familiar, there are notable additions and enhancements that could sway more members to opt in. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 edition and whether it might be worth $99 again!
What Is Membership Magic Beyond (Updated for 2026)?
Membership Magic Beyond is a paid benefits add‑on for eligible DVC owners. Think of it as a “premium tier” over the baseline Membership Extras. It does not replace existing DVC benefits, but layers additional perks you can access for the Benefit Season.
For 2026:
- The enrollment window opens December 9, 2025.
- The coverage period is January 1 through December 31, 2026.
- The annual fee remains $99.
These details mirror how Membership Magic Beyond was originally rolled out in 2025.
To qualify, owners must already meet the baseline Membership Extras eligibility, which generally means owning at least 150 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney (effective as of June 3, 2021).
Note: resale DVC contracts remain ineligible for the paid perks program.
What’s New (and What’s Returning) in 2026
Below is a side‑by‑side look at the perks in 2026 (new or enhanced) versus the original 2025 benefits:
| Perk / Category | 2026 Version | Notes & Comparison to 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Specially Priced Walt Disney World Tickets | 5‑day weekday tickets with up to 5 water park visits or sports options included | In 2025, the 5‑day weekday ticket included one water park admission. |
| Disneyland Resort Tickets | 3‑day weekday Disneyland tickets with Lightning Lane Multi Pass (unchanged) | Same as 2025 version |
| Aulani Photo Print | NEW: 8×10 photo print during your stay at Aulani, Ko Olina | This benefit was not part of the 2025 perks list. |
| 30‑Day Memory Maker Entitlement | Still included | Same as 2025; tied to Disney PhotoPass, up to a $210 value |
| Special Character Experience | Meet-and-mingle events daily in the ImaginAtrium lounge, 5:30–8:30 PM (subject to change) | This lounge meet-and-greet was offered in 2025, but 2026 clarifies the time window – Also, NEW Characters coming soon! |
| Priority Lounge Access | Priority access to ImaginAtrium (EPCOT), Star View Station (Disneyland), and McKim’s Mile House at Magic Kingdom | Same as 2025 version, but McKim’s wasn’t open the entire year. |
| Using Points for Disney Sorcerer Pass | Purchase new passes for 75 points or renewal for 65 points | These point values were part of the original MMB offering. |
| Bonus One-Time-Use Points | For every OTU point purchased (up to 12), receive one bonus point (so up to 24 OTU total) | Same as 2025. |
| Transaction Fee Waiver | $95 booking fee is waived for Disney Collection Resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions | Same as the initial offering. |
Bottom line: The headline ticket benefit has a real upgrade in 2026, with multiple water park visits or sports options added to the WDW ticket – but the pricing for now remains a mystery. The Aulani photo print is a nice extra too for anyone venturing to this tropical destination!
Is the DVC Paid Perks Program Worth It in 2026?
Just as with the 2025 version, the value of Membership Magic Beyond hinges on how many of the perks you’ll actually use. Here are key considerations:
Potential Savings & Break‑Evens
- If you’re planning on visiting WDW and redeeming the upgraded 5-day ticket with water park or sports access, the additional benefit might push the value over the $99 cost.
- The Memory Maker alone is often cited as a make-or-break feature. Many DVC members viewed the $210 value as justification when the program first launched.
- The OTU point bonus can be a big deal for members who frequently need to top off their point balances. Getting “buy 12, get 12 free” is a value multiplier.
- For those who often use lounges, the priority access and character events could justify the subscription, especially with the new lounge addition.
Limitations & Risks
- Many benefits are subject to availability and may have capacity restrictions.
- Not every perk applies every trip. For example, if you don’t visit Disneyland or stay at Aulani, some benefits are irrelevant to you.
- Since this is a new program, it’s possible menu changes or benefit adjustments could occur. DVC retains language that perks may be modified, limited, or discontinued.
- If you’re already an Annual Passholder or already have Memory Maker via another product, the incremental benefit is reduced.
For many members in the DVC community, the verdict for 2025 was that the Memory Maker + OTU match alone made it worthwhile, especially for those not using APs.
Given the 2026 enhancements, especially the expanded WDW ticket, the balance leans more favorably, assuming your travel plans align with the perks and you use them.
The 2026 Membership Magic Beyond answers a lot of our questions about the future of what this program looks like – and to be honest, we’re thrilled the price is staying at $99. By enhancing the WDW ticket and sprinkling in new bonuses (like Aulani prints), Disney is clearly trying to drive more perceived value and adoption.
What to watch as we approach December 2025:
- The actual ticket pricing, and whether the discounts are meaningful across many dates
- Terms for Aulani photo print (when, where, how to redeem)
- How busy the lounges get, and whether priority access makes a material difference
- Whether Disney tweaks benefits mid‑year (they’ve signaled perks could change)
- Member uptake and feedback – how many enroll, and how many feel it “paid for itself”
At the end of the day, if you can take full advantage of several of the perks ( Memory Maker, lounge access, discounted ticket + water park visits, OTU match ), this may well be an easy decision. I’m planning to grab it on day one again and we will share our thoughts as the year progresses.
Stay tuned to DVCFan.com for news and information on all things Disney Vacation Club, and join in the conversation in the DVC Fan Facebook Group!
Marty
October 14, 2025Shocked and appalled that international owners are still excluded after all the feedback we gave last year