Opening Date for New Disney World Starlight Nighttime Parade & More Details

One of the most highly anticipated summer events at Walt Disney World this summer is the new Magic Kingdom Starlight nighttime parade. This is the first nighttime parade, outside of special events, to come to Magic Kingdom in years!

The parade’s opening date likely should have coordinated with the start of other summer events at the resort like Cool Kid Summer, the updated Little Mermaid show, and the new Disney Villains show at Hollywood Studios. But better late than never, we now have the official opening date!

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Disney Starlight Parade Opening Date

It’s official, we have an opening date for the new “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” parade. The parade will kick off on July 20th, 2025. This is much earlier than many were speculating and isn’t too far behind the beginning of summer. This is great news for those planning a trip to Walt Disney World this summer!

This will be the first nighttime parade at Walt Disney World in nearly 10 years that’s not part of a ticketed event and it is going to be a major draw for guests visiting this summer. There’s also a selection of new merchandise coming to Walt Disney World as well in honor of the new parade.

Character Costumes for Starlight Parade

Here’s a close-up look at the costumes that will be worn by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy in the new Starlight Parade. The color scheme here is extremely well done.

What is Disney Starlight About?

As far as the story goes, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” transports guests into the stories of Disney characters using the power of the Blue Fairy’s Magic. The parade is inspired by the “rich history of nighttime parades at Magic Kingdom” with Disney confirming the parade will include a few easter eggs.

This inspiration extends to the float designs, music, and choreography. Several members of the creative team working on the parade have also worked on favorites like “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “SpectroMagic” so you will see inspiration from those electrical parades present. According to Disney, the Starlight Parade will “recall the nostalgia of nighttime spectaculars with new innovative lighting.”

The parade is also inspired by some of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ earliest animated features with a parade float paying homage to Disney Legend and artist Mary Blair’s original concept artwork for “Cinderella.” This float will feature a “gleaming fountain of light that overflows to illuminate a cosmic ballroom” which is just one piece of the “constellation” of classic and contemporary stories from the parade.

Finale Float Inspired by Main Street Electrical Parade

The finale float is inspired by the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade train and includes a procession of special Disney moments.

If you look closely you can see Goofy, Pluto, Donald, and Daisy Duck at the beginning of the train. Followed by Snow White and Dopey in a mine car, Aladdin and Jasmine on a magic carpet ride, and Rapunzel and Flynn Rider on a lantern boat with Mickey and Minnie Mouse bringing up the rear in another train car.

Characters Included in Disney Starlight Parade

There will be a mix of classic and contemporary characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Pixar films with some appearing for the very first time in a Disney Live Entertainment nighttime parade.

These confirmed characters include: The Blue Fairy, Peter Pan & Wendy, Asha, La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabela, Bruno), Elsa, Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming, Miguel and Pepita, and Moana.

Disney: Starlight Parade Includes Light Up Costumes

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This parade sounds like a show-stopper and we can’t wait to see it debut at Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World fans have long been envious of all the nighttime parades that come to Disneyland (like Paint the Night this summer for the Disneyland 70th Celebration!) and it’s about time to show Magic Kingdom some love.

First image via Disney Parks Blog.

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