Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away

A Radiant New Nighttime Parade Shining at Magic Kingdom

Opening Date: July 20, 2025 (soft-opened July 18)

Location: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Bay Lake, FL

Previous Night Parade: Main Street Electrical Parade (ended October 2016)

A Dreamlike Procession of Light & Story

Disney Starlight honors Disney’s nighttime parade heritage—such as Main Street Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic—while introducing modern storytelling and lighting innovations. The parade is guided by the Blue Fairy, inviting guests into a luminous dreamscape filled with characters from beloved Disney and Pixar films.

Parade Route & Times

• Route: Begins at Main Street, U.S.A., and proceeds toward Frontierland—running in the reverse direction of traditional parades to improve guest flow at night’s end.

• Showtimes: Twice nightly at 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM

• Schedule Notes: The parade does not run during Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party or Very Merry Christmas Party nights.

Character Floats

The parade features eight (or more) themed floats showcasing a mix of classics and newer stories:

• Opening Float: The Blue Fairy heralds the procession

• Peter Pan & Wendy

• Asha from Wish

• La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabela, Bruno) from Encanto

• Elsa from Frozen

• Moana (with Pua, HeiHei, and a manta ray)

• Coco Float: Miguel beneath a marigold bridge and Pepita soaring above in Mariachi‑style flourish

• Princess Unit: Disney royalty (Aurora, Tiana, Belle, Cinderella) with coordinated dancers inspired by Mary Blair artwork.

• Finale Float (“Whimsy” Train): An original starlight locomotive character named Whimsy, carrying Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Snow White & Dopey, Rapunzel & Flynn Rider, and Aladdin & Jasmine.

Audio, Choreography & Visual Magic

• Music: An original theme is carefully composed to evoke sweeping emotion and magic, with subtle nods to classic Disney Park scores.

• Choreography: Dancers’ moves are synchronized to the lighting and music, with each eight-count timed for precision and story-driven style.

• Technology: Floats utilize curved LED panels, point‑of‑light costumes, and dynamic lighting effects—like the Blue Fairy constructed purely from floating points of light—to evoke dreamlike movement and color.

Viewing Tips & Experience

• Duration: Each performance lasts approximately 12–15 minutes, with quick-paced float transitions and minimal filler on foot.

• Best Viewing Spots: Castle Hub and Main Street offer ideal vantage points; later showtimes often have lighter crowds—guests are encouraged to catch the second showing if possible.

• Accessibility: Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVs; designated viewing areas are available in Liberty Square, the Hub, and near City Hall—first‑come, first‑served.

Exclusive Souvenirs & Snacks

To celebrate the debut, Disney released themed merchandise such as:

• Light-up Mickey Ears

• Logo T‑shirts and collectible pins

• A bubble wand synced to the parade music

• An exclusive popcorn mix with bubble‑gum & blue‑raspberry candy popcorn, marshmallows, M&Ms®, and white‑chocolate drizzle

Why It Matters

• Disney Starlight revives the first ever dedicated nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom in nearly a decade, filling the void left by the Main Street Electrical Parade.

• It also ushers in extended evening hours at Magic Kingdom; the park now stays open at least until 11 PM on parade nights—adding an extra hour of nightly operation for guests.

• The experience combines innovative lighting, choreography, beloved characters, and emotional storytelling to become an instant nighttime favorite and a new tradition in Disney entertainment.