Walt Disney World has announced a soft opening for its highly anticipated Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away nighttime parade. This early performance, scheduled for tonight, July 18, 2025, offers guests a sneak peek at the first nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom in nearly a decade. In this article, we’ll explore the details of the soft opening, what guests can expect, and how this event sets the stage for the parade’s official debut.
Details of the Soft Opening
The Disney Starlight parade will have its soft opening performance at 9:00 PM on July 18, two days ahead of its official debut. This unannounced early showing provides an opportunity for Cast Members to rehearse in a live setting while offering guests a surprise experience.
Key Information
- Date and Time: July 18, 2025, at 9:00 PM
- Location: Magic Kingdom
- Purpose: Allows performers, technicians, and crowd control teams to prepare for the official debut on July 20.
While Disney has not confirmed additional soft opening performances, the early showing is expected to draw significant interest from park guests.
What to Expect from the Parade
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is a celebration of Disney’s most beloved stories, brought to life through dazzling floats, music, and performances.
The parade features characters and scenes from films such as Encanto, Frozen, Moana, Coco, and more.
Parade Highlights
- Opening Float: The Blue Fairy leads the procession, inviting guests to wish upon a star.
- Character Appearances: Look for Peter Pan, Elsa, Moana, and the Madrigal family from Encanto.
- Princess Float: Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, this float showcases iconic Disney couples like Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming.
- Finale: Mickey and Minnie Mouse close the parade in sparkling new outfits, accompanied by a whimsical train reminiscent of the Main Street Electrical Parade.
The parade will be performed at 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM on its official debut night, July 20, and is subject to weather conditions.
Why Soft Openings Are Important
Soft openings serve multiple purposes for Disney. They allow Cast Members to fine-tune the performance in a real-world setting, ensuring that all elements of the parade run smoothly. Additionally, they provide an opportunity to manage crowd flow and address any logistical challenges before the official debut.
Conclusion
The soft opening of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away marks an exciting moment for Magic Kingdom guests and Cast Members alike. This early performance not only offers a glimpse of the magic to come but also ensures that the parade’s official debut will be a seamless and memorable experience. Whether you’re attending the soft opening or planning to visit on July 20, the Disney Starlight parade promises to be a highlight of Walt Disney World’s entertainment lineup!
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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.
