New Nighttime Parade at Magic Kingdom
Disney has announced that the newest nighttime parade at the Magic Kingdom, titled Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, will have its soft opening for guests on July 18. This event marks the first time the parade will be presented in front of an audience before its official debut.
A New Addition to Magic Kingdom
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is set to officially launch at Magic Kingdom on July 20. It will be the first nighttime parade to take place in the park in almost a decade. The parade promises to bring together beloved characters and stories from various Disney films and series.
Inspired by Beloved Characters
The floats in the parade will draw inspiration from several iconic Disney properties, including:
- Encanto
- Disney Princesses and Princes
- Moana
- Coco
- Wish
- Peter Pan
- Frozen
In addition to these familiar faces, the parade will feature a new original character—a train engine named Whimsy—as the final float. This unique addition adds a fresh element to the parade experience.
Exciting Details Revealed
During an episode of We Call it Imagineering, Disney shared more details about the parade. One of the highlights is the introduction of new animation featuring Jiminy Cricket, paying homage to the classic Spectromagic show. The parade will also include new costumes and a musical score that references past nighttime parades at Magic Kingdom.
Mickey Mouse and his friends will also be seen in new blue costumes adorned with starry details, adding a touch of magic to their appearances.
Soft Opening and Schedule
The soft opening of the parade will take place on July 18 at 9 p.m. According to an official release, this event will serve as a dress rehearsal with an audience. It is expected to be a full version of the parade, featuring all floats and performers. The parade will follow its already-announced route, starting at the front of Main Street, U.S.A., and ending in Frontierland.
While the release does not specifically mention a second performance of the parade at 11 p.m. on July 18, it is anticipated that there will be two performance times nightly once the parade officially debuts. To accommodate the second performance, Magic Kingdom’s closing time has been extended to 11:00 p.m. starting on July 20, 2025.
Final Thoughts
With its blend of nostalgia and innovation, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is sure to captivate fans of all ages. From the new character Whimsy to the updated costumes and musical elements, the parade offers a fresh way to experience the magic of Disney. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, this new nighttime spectacle is definitely worth checking out.
