With the debut of Magic Kingdom’s newest nighttime parade, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” drawing nearer, we have compiled a list of everything you need to know to be prepared during your visit.
‘Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away’ Parade
- Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade
- Disney Starlight Parade Showtimes
- Disney Starlight Parade Route
- Magic Kingdom Extended Closing Times
- Nights Starlight Parade Won’t Perform
- Magic Kingdom Park Reservations Required for Annual Passholders
- What Is Disney Starlight Parade?
- How to Watch the Disney Starlight Parade
- Floats and Characters
- Disney Starlight Parade Music
- Disney Starlight Parade Merchandise
- Disney Starlight Parade Nighttime Parade Revival
Officially titled “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” this highly anticipated nighttime parade debuts July 20, 2025. With glowing floats, beloved characters, and breathtaking visual effects, Disney Starlight Parade is the long awaited return of a nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World.
‘Disney Starlight’ Parade Showtimes
“Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” comes to life twice each evening during its debut this summer. Showtimes will be at 9:00 p.m. and again at 11:00 p.m. These two showings give you the flexibility to build your evening around the parade. On Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party nights the parade will not run, so be sure to check the party dates before planning your visit.
Disney Starlight Parade Route
Unlike the daytime parades, the Disney Starlight Parade will travel in reverse, just like its predecessor the “Main Street Electrical Parade.” It will begin at the front of Main Street, U.S.A. and will head back to end in Frontierland. This backward routing is designed to improve guest flow at night’s end.
Magic Kingdom Extended Closing Times
Magic Kingdom’s closing time has been extended to 11:00 p.m. starting on July 20, 2025, to accommodate the second performance of “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.” This later closing is planned through at least August 2, though park hours beyond that may change. The park will also stay open until 11:00 p.m. on July 3 and 4 for Independence Day festivities.
Nights with Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party
As we previously mentioned, on select fall evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts the ticketed Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary‑Halloween Party, the Disney Starlight Parade will not run. Instead, the park will only feature the special “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” for party guests. This pattern will most likely continue during other hard-ticket events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, though Disney has not announced the official schedule yet.
Magic Kingdom Park Reservations Required
Starting July 20, 2025, Annual Passholders must make a reservation to enter Magic Kingdom on any day, regardless of their arrival time. Previously, Passholders could enter the park after 2 p.m. without a reservation on weekdays. This policy change coincides with the debut of the Disney Starlight Parade. Passholders still enjoy after 2 p.m. access to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom without afternoon reservations. There also continue to be “Good-to-Go” days, on which Passholders can visit a select park at any time of day without a reservation.
What Is The Disney Starlight Parade?
“Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” is Magic Kingdom’s spectacular new nighttime event, blending classic Disney storytelling with cutting edge technology. Inspired by past parades like “SpectroMagic” and the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” it will have its own fresh narrative and modern visuals.
Disney Starlight Floats and Characters
The parade features a float‑by‑float journey through classic and new Disney stories. The upcoming parade will feature floats themed to “Pinocchio,” “Peter Pan,” “Moana,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” “Coco,” “Wish,” and more.
How to Watch The Disney Starlight Parade
To get the most out of your parade experience, it helps to plan ahead. With large crowds expected while the Disney Starlight Parade is new and two nightly performances, a little preparation goes a long way in making sure you have the perfect viewing spot.
Arrive Early for the Best View
For the 9:00 p.m. performance, don’t be surprised to see guests staking out prime spots an hour before the parade, especially if you’re aiming for a view near Cinderella Castle or along Main Street, U.S.A. These areas fill up quickly! For the 11:00 p.m. show, crowds tend to thin out slightly, but it’s still a good idea to find your spot early. This advice will be particularly important for the first several months of performances.
Best Viewing Locations
The most popular locations are found around the central hub in front of Cinderella Castle, where you’ll get a wide-angle view and great photo opportunities. For those wanting a slightly less busy option, Frontierland can be less crowed. However, there is also less space for guests standing in Frontierland than on Main Street.
Be Prepared for Weather
Since “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” is held outdoors, weather can sometimes delay or cancel performances. Check the My Disney Experience app for real-time updates, especially if rain is in the day’s forecast. Ponchos, light jackets, and blankets can help keep your party comfortable in changing weather conditions.
Disney Starlight Parade Music
The parade will have an original score that weaves together Disney classics and new themes created just for the parade.
As descried by show Director Tara Anderson:
You’ve got to have great music to have a great experience. We have an original theme written specifically for “Disney Starlight” that truly embodies all the majestic and fantasy feelings you get watching a parade come down Main Street, U.S.A. with Cinderella Castle in the background. For Disney fans, this new theme may have some surprises that sound familiar – be sure to listen closely for some Disney Parks favorites woven into the score.
Disney Starlight Merchandise
It is common for the debut of a new entertainment offering, especially a new nighttime parade, to coincide with the release of themed merchandise. A sneak peek released by Disney included pictures of an ear headband, pin, bubble wand, shirts, popcorn, and more.
Disney Starlight Nighttime Parade Revival
“Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” revives the beloved tradition of Magic Kingdom nighttime parades, something the park hasn’t seen since the “Main Street Electrical Parade” finished its run in 2016.
‘Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade’ (1977-1991, 1999-2001, 2010-2016)
The “Main Street Electrical Parade” first debuted at Magic Kingdom Park in 1977, after originally launching at Disneyland Park in 1972. Featuring thousands of twinkling lights and an instantly recognizable, synth-heavy soundtrack called “Baroque Hoedown,” the parade became an instant classic. Over the decades, the parade had several runs at Magic Kingdom, with its final performance there occurring in October 2016. It included glowing floats of Cinderella’s pumpkin coach, Pete and Elliott the dragon, and other classic Disney stories.
‘SpectroMagic’ (1991-1999, 2001-2010)
“SpectroMagic” premiered at Magic Kingdom Park in 1991 as a more ethereal and orchestral successor to the “Main Street Electrical Parade.” Designed to offer a more emotional and artistic experience, it featured elaborate floats, fiber optic lighting, and a sweeping original score. The parade highlighted both classic characters and abstract “SpectroMen” who symbolized the magic of light and music. “SpectroMagic” was retired in 1999 to make way for the return of the Electrical Parade, then came back in 2001 for a final run that lasted through 2010. Its graceful choreography and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack gave it a dreamlike quality that many still consider the most artistically ambitious of Disney’s nighttime parades.
‘Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away’ Frequently Asked Questions
When is the first night for the Disney Starlight Parade?
- The parade debuts at 9:00 p.m. on July 20, 2025, at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World.
What time is the Disney Starlight Parade?
- The parade is scheduled to run nightly at 9:00 p.m. and again at 11:00 p.m.
Does the parade run every night?
- The parade runs nightly during its debut season, except on evenings when Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or other special events.
Where does the Disney Starlight Parade start and end?
- The Disney Starlight Parade starts at Main Street, U.S.A. and will head back to end in Frontierland.
Is the parade included with regular park admission?
- Yes, the parade is included with regular admission to Magic Kingdom and does not require a separate ticket.
Can I watch the Disney Starlight Parade on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights?
- No, the parade does not run on nights when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place, as the party has its own exclusive entertainment.
Are you excited for the debut of “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” at Magic Kingdom? Are you planning on visiting during its first performance week? Let us know in the comments and on social media.
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