Disney’s live entertainment productions are known around the world for their “wow” moments, and a Disney parade just added a new special-effects moment that ranks among the company’s most dazzling.
Walt Disney World introduced changes to Magic Kingdom‘s nighttime parade, which now includes a stunt performed by two classic characters. We have all the details on what changed, plus a before-and-after look at the differences. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including huge upgrades coming to a Disney World golf course and a Lightning Lane update for a popular Magic Kingdom ride.
READ MORE – Disney World Dates to Avoid If You Hate Crowds! – 2026 WORST Times to Visit
New Stunts in Disney World Nighttime Parade
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away debuted in July 2025 as Magic Kingdom’s first nighttime parade in a decade. The light-up floats feature vintage characters, like Pinocchio, as well as newer faces, like Asha from Wish.
Disney World Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Park Changes, Secrets Revealed
Get alerts on closures, park changes, exclusive discounts, and free printables. Trusted by 100,000+ Disney fans & planners.
One of the floats in Disney Starlight depicts a sparkling London cityscape, complete with Big Ben. The float carries Peter Pan and Wendy.
In this unit’s original choreography, Peter and Wendy danced on the float’s floor in a way that mimicked flying, but the performers never actually left the ground.
As of April 9, 2026, they can fly! Peter and Wendy take flight in the Disney Starlight parade thanks to a new rig installed on the float, plus, of course, just a little bit of pixie dust.
Peter and Wendy leap from the parade float’s floor, flying in circles and performing new aerial choreography. Their movement adds a whole new dynamic to this part of the parade and is a modern example of an instant classic Disney entertainment moment.
The vertically oriented photo above emphasizes how high the characters perform this stunt.
READ MORE – Disney World’s Cheapest Hotel is Affordable and Surprisingly Good For the Price
In addition to the films already mentioned, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away includes characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Moana, Coco, and Encanto.
Changes at Magic Kingdom
Sweeping changes are in store for Magic Kingdom, both very soon and in the park’s long-term future.
Just this week, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopened. The eight-month refurbishment was much-needed for the 28-year-old ride, which now has handheld blasters and a new character.
Next month will see lots of activity in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland with the May 3 reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the May 26 debut of Jessie’s Roundup, a new entertainment experience that doubles as a promotion for Toy Story 5.
Looking ahead, a construction site currently takes up a huge proportion of Magic Kingdom’s real estate as Imagineers prepare two large, new areas: Piston Peak National Park, themed to Pixar’s Cars, and Villains Land, a highly anticipated new realm devoted to Disney’s bad guys.
Disney is also wrapping up its top-to-bottom repainting of Cinderella Castle. Painters have spent the past few months restoring the castle to its 1971 white-and-blue look, replacing the pink-hued design introduced in 2020.
Don’t Miss the Latest Disney News
Don’t miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips.
