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Everything We Know About Disney Starlight Parade

Posted on July 10, 2025

A magical scene featuring a fairy-like figure in a sparkling, blue gown with wings, holding a glowing wand. Beside her, two characters are soaring amidst twinkling stars, with a castle in the background. Another character emanates icy, blue energy. All are set against a starry night sky with swirling, mystical patterns.

Heads up, Disney Dreamers! A magical nighttime parade is coming your way! “Disney Starlight: Dream The Night Away” is set to grace the streets of Magic Kingdom© this July 20. This new parade will debut dazzling lights, majestic floats, and all sorts of magic sprinkled throughout the park. Of course, your beloved Disney characters will be present to give you a fun and magical experience you'll never forget.

To fuel your excitement even more, we are sharing everything you need to know about this new nighttime parade. Make your WDW trip even more special this 2025. Get your Walt Disney World® tickets today and don't miss this incredible experience!

Disney Starlight Parade in a nutshell.

A magical night scene featuring iconic Disney characters and settings. A fairy hovers over a castle, a couple dances on a sparkling path, a musical skeleton serenades on a bright bridge, while a voyager navigates a whimsical boat. Other characters fly and explore among glittering stars, fluffy clouds, and enchanting landscapes, creating a dreamy, fantastical atmosphere. The words Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away are at the bottom.

Disney Starlight Parade is an all-new nighttime parade that is making its debut on July 20th at the Magic Kingdom© Park of Disney World in Orlando, Florida. With the power of the Blue Fairy, the Disney Starlight Nighttime Parade will transport all spectators to the stories of their favorite Disney characters. As the colorful lights dance from float to float, more characters from Walt Disney Animation will be revealed for magic and nostalgia.

The team behind Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade is composed of the genius minds behind Disney's iconic nighttime parades. Disney Live Entertainment is expected to bring another level of craftsmanship, artistry, and a phenomenal experience with this new Disney parade. Made possible by the best members of the creative team, Disney Starlight will unfold a brand-new spectacle, similar to the legacy of Main Street Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic.

Parade Route and Showtimes

The parade will begin on Main Street, U.S.A., and will journey toward Frontierland. This route will make way for better guest flow at the end of the night. For parade showtimes, check out the Entertainment Schedule or download the My Disney Experience app. All show schedules are subject to change and cancellation in case of inclement weather.

This parade runs at 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM every night to give you the sweetest dreams as your Disney World adventure ends.

Important Note: Disney Starlight will not be available when Magic Kingdom© hosts Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

A look at the Disney Starlight Floats.

Floats, how could we forget them? Adding a more enchanting layer to every Disney parade are the sparkling and oh-so-majestic parade floats. For this highly anticipated nighttime parade, an intricate combination of lights and other iconic Disney elements will be used to create a dreamy and memorable float.

The Encanto float will be made of curved LED panels to create an illusion of magic and movement that no other still images can provide. Bursting in shades of purple, gold, and midnight blue, a magnificent train leads you to the parade's finale, with all your Disney dreams brought to life. The night parade will be concluded by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse riding a fancy carriage in their new Disney starlight-inspired fits. Other Disney characters will be dressed in their starlight costumes as well, so don't miss this!

Here's a sneak peek of Disney Starlight's finale float:

A vibrant parade of beloved cartoon characters rides through a galaxy-themed background. They are aboard a whimsical train adorned with swirling lights and colorful designs, creating a magical, enchanting scene against a backdrop of stars and nebulae. The playful and joyous atmosphere captures the essence of adventure and imagination, making it a captivating sight for all ages.

Which Disney characters will be present at the parade?

This vibrant artwork showcases floating fantasy scenes with colorful characters and magical elements. Each section features whimsical scenes with iconic characters in imaginative settings, like enchanting landscapes and majestic ships. The composition bursts with vivid colors, swirling patterns, and an overall dreamlike quality, evoking a sense of wonder and adventure. Perfect for captivating viewers and sparking the imagination. Disney concept art.

With this new nighttime parade coming, Disney fans can witness their favorite characters grace the streets of Magic Kingdom©. Brand new parade means brand new and familiar faces (in parade order) that you adore, including:

  • Pinocchio's Blue Fairy

  • Peter Pan and Wendy

  • Wish's Asha

  • Encanto's La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabela, and Bruno)

  • Frozen's Elsa

  • Sleeping Beauty's Aurora and Prince Phillip

  • The Princess and the Frog's Tiana and Prince Naveen

  • Beauty and the Beast's Belle and the Beast

  • Cinderella and Prince Charming

  • Coco's Miguel and Pepita

  • Moana

  • Goofy

  • Pluto

  • Donald Duck and Daisy Duck

  • Snow White and Dopey

  • Rapunzel and Flynn Rider

  • Aladdin and Jasmine

  • Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

This whole lineup is an actual party of the most loved characters from Disney Animation Studios and Disney Pixar films. The parade begins when the Blue Fairy's magic wand lights up the night, showering every corner of Magic Kingdom© with happiness and magic. The night of the new parade will be closed by Disney's power couple, Mickey and Minnie.

The music of Disney Starlight parade.

What's a nighttime parade without a thoughtfully arranged musical score? Disney is not only known for its remarkable films and animated masterpieces. The company is also known for its unforgettable music. Disney Starlight will debut an original theme that will highlight all the magic and fantasy embedded in every Disney show.

As Disney Starlight debuts a brand new theme, the audience can still expect to hear beloved Disney classics—particularly some Disney Parks favorites that all ages can sing along to. According to Show Director Tara Anderson, great music is key to a great experience. So, expect nothing less from Disney Starlight, from the parade opening to the end.

Yup, Disney Starlight merchandise will be available.

A collage of vibrant images featuring Disney-themed attractions and merchandise. The top left shows a person in a purple Disney t-shirt sitting near a castle. The center top displays a headband with Mickey ears and a blue bow. The top right shows a Disney Starlight-themed bag. Bottom left highlights a person with a glowing wand. Bottom center focuses on the Mickey ear headband. Bottom right shows a pin with Disney Starlight imagery. The ambiance is playful and magical.

You know what other good stuff comes with this latest Disney parade? Merchandise. There's no better way to celebrate this amazing experience than with a collection of beautiful starlight-inspired keepsakes crafted just for you. From logo tees and a light-up bubble wand to chic glowing Mickey Ears and a blanket, every piece is an absolute must-have.

Also, Disney fans should not miss the newest sweet offering inspired by Disney Starlight. A new popcorn mix will be available exclusively at the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom©, starting on the first night of the new parade. Now, we don't want to make your mouth water, but here's what's in the mix: Bubble Gum and Blue Raspberry Candy Popcorn, M&M’S® Milk Chocolate candies, chewy mini-marshmallows, and a velvety white chocolate drizzle. Here's a napkin, don't worry.

TIP: Consider mobile orders for food items at the parks to get your snack fix ahead of the parade.

Dream the Night Away at Magic Kingdom© Park.

Three iconic cartoon characters dressed in sparkling blue outfits stand in front of a brightly lit castle at night. The characters wear matching attire featuring glowing white lights and cheerful expressions. The scene exudes joy and excitement, capturing the magic of a festive celebration in a theme park setting.

Disney has officially announced the opening date for the Starlight Parade at Magic Kingdom© and we know you don't want to miss it. Add it to your Disney World trip bucket list and don't forget to treat your loved ones to this fun and magical nighttime parade.

Disney Starlight will bring you to the most whimsical tales of your favorite characters, where all dreams come true. Get your Walt Disney World® tickets and head over to Magic Kingdom© in summer 2025 for this unforgettable experience. See you in WDW, our dearest Disney dreamers!

Mickey Mouse welcoming guests in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World
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