Magic Kingdom guests can look forward to a new addition this summer with the debut of the Disney Starlight Nighttime Parade. After much anticipation, Disney has announced an official starting date for this year-round parade, which is set to reintroduce an evening spectacle to the park after several years. Here’s everything you need to know about this new entertainment offering.
Official Debut Date for Disney Starlight Nighttime Parade
✨ Dream big, dream bright! 🌟 Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away debuts on July 20th at Walt Disney World! ✨ pic.twitter.com/e4QB3o0pdO
— Walt Disney World (@WaltDisneyWorld) May 27, 2025
Disney Starlight Nighttime Parade will officially launch on July 20th, 2025, at Magic Kingdom. This marks the first regular nighttime parade at the park since 2016, when the Main Street Electrical Parade concluded its run. The introduction of Disney Starlight has been a long-awaited announcement for many guests, promising to bring a renewed sense of magic to evenings at the park.
What to Expect from the Starlight Parade
The Disney Starlight Nighttime Parade is themed “Dream the Night Away” and will include a series of ornate floats, each designed to showcase beloved Disney characters and stories. Some of the elements viewers can expect include:
Parade Floats
The parade will present intricately designed floats paying homage to different Disney films. Concept art has already teased designs inspired by Peter Pan, Moana, Encanto, and Coco, along with floats featuring Disney Princesses and their stories.
Costumes
Cast Members participating in the parade will wear elaborate, illuminated costumes. These outfits are inspired by the vibrant artistic legacy of Disney and designed to harmonize with the parade’s theme and lighting effects.
Original Music
Disney Starlight also features a new, original theme song that enhances the emotional and visual experience of the parade.
Behind-the-Scenes Preparations
Planning and development for Disney Starlight began with its announcement during the 2024 D23 Expo. Since then, Disney has progressively revealed details, including concept art for select floats and insights into costume creation. Various teams have been hard at work over the last year to ensure that the parade offers a fresh and immersive experience for guests.
Rehearsals and casting for performers began in late 2024, with performers and designers collaborating to bring life to the imaginative floats and musical sequences.
Anticipation of a Long-Term Parade
While Disney Starlight debuts this summer, its addition to Magic Kingdom’s year-round entertainment lineup signals a return to regular nighttime parades. For many visitors, this offers a nostalgic nod to previous offerings and sets the stage for continued enhancements to the park’s evening atmosphere.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re planning your summer visit or looking to experience the magic later, the Disney Starlight Nighttime Parade offers a new reason to enjoy the charm of Magic Kingdom at night.
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
