Disney Starlight Updates: Here's Everything We Know

Raise your hand if you love a Disney parade! I know I do! Announced last August at D23 EXPO, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” is the new nighttime parade coming to Walt Disney World this summer.

While we’re eagerly awaiting to see “Disney Starlight” light up the streets of Magic Kingdom, I had the chance to speak with the creative team behind the magic to share everything we have to look forward to soon.

When is “Disney Starlight” coming to Magic Kingdom?

It's official! Just announced: you can dream the night away at Magic Kingdom when “Disney Starlight” debuts July 20. And, you don’t have to wait to see a sneak peek of the poster coming soon to the Magic Kingdom train station!

Will there be “Disney Starlight” merchandise?

Of course! Sparkle along with the show with a “Disney Starlight” logo tee shirt, blanket, a Disney pin, a light up pair of Mickey Ears with a removable bow, and a light-up bubble wand that will dance along with the parade. 

“Disney Starlight” Light Up Mickey Ears 2

And, for the snackers, a dreamy new popcorn mix is coming soon!

Themed to celebrate the debut of “Disney Starlight,” this new offering will be available exclusively at the Main Street Confectionary in Magic Kingdom starting the first night of the new parade. Guests can enjoy a star-kissed mix of Bubble Gum and Blue Raspberry Candy Popcorn, M&M’S® Milk Chocolate Candies, mini-marshmallows, and white chocolatey drizzle.

How were the “Disney Starlight” floats designed?

Designing floats for a nighttime parade adds another layer to the live entertainment production process. This first look at the floats reveals these are more than just static structures – they are storytelling stages on wheels.

When we think about what this storytelling looks like at night, we think about creating these landscapes – or dreamscapes, as we think about them – out of light. How do we use this medium to portray movement, color, and imagery that we would normally see in a more scenically driven float during the daytime? Today’s technology gives us more options than ever to use lighting and video elements as a storytelling tool.

For instance, our Blue Fairy magic, seen throughout the parade, is made completely from points of light; the use of a curved LED panels on the Encanto float gives us the opportunity to create magic and movement that a static image would not provide. This is the exciting technology and art of the “Disney Starlight” floats.

And speaking of exciting, here’s a moment we’ve been eagerly waiting for: the reveal of the grand finale float of “Disney Starlight.”

Disney Starlight Finale Float WDW Magic Kingdom

All the joy, wonder, and magic culminates in the parade’s finale, where a whimsical train, inspired by the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade float, emerges to take dreamers of all ages on a ride through the stars.

Swirling ribbons of starlight reveal Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck leading a procession of Disney moments that includes Snow White and Dopey in a twinkling minecar, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider floating toward a gleaming lantern on their boat, and Aladdin and Jasmine taking a magic carpet ride.

Closing out the celebration are the original dreamers, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, draped in sparkling new looks. Together, the duo sends us off, reminding us to believe in the power of wishing upon a star. Which of the finale friends are you most excited to see?

Disney Starlight Costumes Mickey Minnie Goofy Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle

What music will we hear in “Disney Starlight”?

A parade without music is like a canvas without color. Show Director Tara Anderson said it perfectly: “You’ve got to have great music to have a great experience.”

We have an original theme written specifically for “Disney Starlight” that truly embodies all the majestic and fantasy feelings you get watching a parade come down Main Street, U.S.A. with Cinderella Castle in the background. For Disney fans, this new theme may have some surprises that sound familiar – be sure to listen closely for some Disney Parks favorites woven into the score.

Is "Disney Starlight” rehearsing now?

While floats set the stage, and music sets the tone, our performers bring the energy and excitement. Choreographed by Cindy Wilson, who drew inspiration from each of the films represented in the parade, as well as a mix of different dance styles. Every eight-count is meticulously timed to coordinate with the music and lights as they animate across the costumes and floats.

Every float built, every note in the music you hear, every performer learning the choreography for the first time – it all plays a part in building the excitement and anticipation as we get closer to the final production.

I’ll leave you with a final quote from Tara. Anyone who has worked with her can attest that this is really something she says throughout every project as we prepare for guests to see all the hard work come to fruition, and I think it really embodies what motivates the team behind the “Disney Starlight” parade: “We need to touch every heart.”

What is “Disney Starlight” about?

“Disney Starlight” transports guests into the stories of our beloved Disney characters. Through the power of the Blue Fairy’s magic, you’ll watch dreams and wishes come true. As the lights dance from float to float, you’ll see favorite classic and contemporary characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Pixar films, some for the very first time in a Disney Live Entertainment nighttime parade!

Brought to life by the creative hands and hearts at Disney Live Entertainment, "Disney Starlight” is the perfect continuation of our legacy of nighttime parades, with bits of nostalgia sprinkled throughout a dazzling procession that raises the bar for the future.

This idea holds true for every part of this parade, not only in the float design, but in the music, choreography, and more. With several members of the creative team having worked on fan-favorites such as “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “SpectroMagic,” you will see the inspiration from ever-iconic electrical parades of years past. “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” recalls the nostalgia of nighttime spectaculars with innovation lighting the way for a magical experience like never before.

What Characters Can We See in “Disney Starlight?”

From the moment the Blue Fairy’s magic wand lights up the night, dreams will come to life with an enchanting order of floats with these fantastic friends: