Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Debuts at Magic Kingdom, First New Nighttime Parade in Nearly 10 Years
After nearly 10 years, Magic Kingdom finally has a new nighttime parade — Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away has made its official debut.
Disney Starlight Parade Debuts
The Disney Starlight Parade debuted as a surprise on Friday, July 18, just two days before its scheduled opening of July 20. It ran at 9 p.m.
First announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2024, the parade includes floats representing a number of Disney properties, including Moana, Peter Pan, Encanto, and Coco.
Disney has previously said that this parade is inspired by nighttime spectaculars of the past:
With several members of the creative team having worked on fan-favorites such as “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “SpectroMagic,” you will see the inspiration from ever-iconic electrical parades of years past. “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” recalls the nostalgia of nighttime spectaculars with innovation lighting the way for a magical experience like never before.
Disney Parks Blog
The full parade lineup is as follows:
- The Blue Fairy
- Peter Pan & Wendy
- Asha (from Wish)
- La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabella, Bruno)
- Elsa
- Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming
- Miguel and Pepita
- Moana
- Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Snow White and Dopey, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Aladdin and Jasmine, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse riding aboard Whimsy the train
The Blue Fairy
Peter Pan & Wendy
Asha (from Wish)
La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabella, Bruno)
Elsa
Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming
Miguel and Pepita
Moana
Whimsy the Train
Unlike the daytime parades at Magic Kingdom, Disney Starlight travels in reverse — starting from Main Street, U.S.A. and heading back toward Frontierland. This route is the same as its predecessor, the Main Street Electrical Parade, and is designed to improve guest flow at the end of the evening.
Watch our video of the Disney Starlight parade below.
Once it officially debuts on July 20, the parade will run at 9 p.m. and again at 11 p.m. However, the parade will not perform on evenings with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Magic Kingdom park reservations for Annual Passholders are not only fully booked for its opening day, but for two days afterward, as well. Park pass reservation requirements for Annual Passholders will also change as a result of the new parade.
No parade merchandise was available for the parade’s surprise early debut, but we did find the themed popcorn bucket earlier this month before it was pulled from outdoor carts.
The latest episode of We Call It Imagineering went behind the scenes of Disney Starlight, showing off costumes, floats, original animation made just for the parade, and more. The soundtrack will be available on music streaming services, but a release date has not been given.
Check out everything we know about Disney Starlight.
Disney Starlight Parade FAQ
What is the Disney Starlight: Dream Night Away Parade?
The Disney Starlight Parade is a dazzling nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom featuring beloved Disney characters, illuminated floats, and enchanting music.
Where does the Disney Starlight Parade take place?
The parade takes place in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
What time does the Disney Starlight: Dream Night Away Parade
start?
Parade times vary by date, so check the official Walt Disney World schedule for up-to-date performance times.
Which Disney characters appear in the Starlight Dream Night Away Parade?
Guests can see favorite Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and characters from Disney films riding on sparkling floats.
How long is the Starlight Dream Night Away Parade?
The parade lasts approximately 20 minutes from start to finish.
Do I need a special ticket to watch the Starlight Dream Night Away Parade?
Admission to the parade is included with a valid Magic Kingdom Park ticket; no additional ticket is required.
Where is the best place to watch the Starlight Dream Night Away Parade?
Popular viewing spots include Main Street, U.S.A., and around Cinderella Castle for optimal views of the floats and performers.
Can I use Disney Genie+ or Lightning Lane for the Starlight Dream Night Away Parade?
No, Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane selections are not available for this parade.
Is the Starlight Dream Night Away Parade accessible for guests with disabilities?
Yes, there are designated viewing areas for guests with disabilities; ask a Cast Member for assistance upon arrival.
Does the Starlight Dream Night Away Parade run during inclement weather?
The parade may be delayed or canceled in the event of inclement weather for the safety of performers and guests.
How often does the Starlight Dream Night Away Parade run?
The parade typically runs nightly, but schedules may change based on park hours and seasonal events.
What do you think of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away? Are you glad to see a nighttime parade performing once again at Magic Kingdom? Let us know on social media.
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