There’s a new nighttime parade coming to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will debut this summer.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will be the first brand-new non-Holiday themed nighttime parade to dazzle us at the Magic Kingdom in many, many years. One of the most well-known Disney nighttime parades, SpectroMagic, debuted in 1991 for the Magic Kingdom’s 20th Anniversary. SpectroMagic ran through 2010, eventually being replaced by a return of the original Disney nighttime parade, The Main Street Electrical Parade, which ran through 2016. Since then, there has been no nighttime parade at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, although nighttime parades are a staple at Disneyland and California Adventure.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
Back in August 2024, Disney announced they were planning to bring a new nighttime parade to the Magic Kingdom, but since the announcement, we haven’t been told very much. Until NOW, that is!
Disney tells us that the Disney Live Entertainment team has been hard at work, designing floats in Florida, recording music in London, and overseeing parade construction across the U.S.
This week, Disney has given us a first look at some of the magical elements coming our way. They’ve released concept art for some of the planned floats and they’ve also released a GORGEOUS official poster Let’s break it all down.
Disney Starlight Official Poster Revealed!
As tradition dictates, every nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom gets its own iconic poster, and Disney Starlight is no exception! This stunning piece of artwork will be displayed below the Main Street, U.S.A. train station, where Disney fans can admire it before the parade begins.
The poster highlights a blend of classic Disney nostalgia and modern favorites, teasing the parade’s full lineup of floats and characters. And if you look closely, you might even spot a few characters Disney hasn’t officially announced yet!
I’m just dazzled by the new poster, and it has me really excited for this parade to premiere!
Coco Joins the Parade with a Spectacular Float!
Disney Starlight is bringing the vibrant, musical world of Coco to Magic Kingdom! The parade will feature a stunning new float, complete with larger-than-life Pepita, her wings spread wide above the parade route.
Meanwhile, Miguel will strum his guitar at the foot of a glowing marigold bridge, symbolizing the connection between the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead. And to top it all off? Sugar skull fireworks will light up the night sky!
Disney promises this will be an explosion of color, music, and light that fans won’t want to miss. I really love the movie Coco, and am so happy to see it getting a starring role in the new nighttime parade!
More Disney Starlight Floats & Must-See Details
Now that all the floats from the poster have been revealed, Disney has shared even more magical details about what’s coming! Here are some highlights:
Blue Fairy Leads the Way
The very first float in the parade will feature the Blue Fairy, waving her wand to illuminate the “first star you’ll see tonight.” This moment is a special nod to the iconic phrase from Wishes, a beloved former fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. Guests will be invited to wish upon this star as the parade begins!
Wishes is still my favorite Disney fireworks show–made me cry every single time. I still miss it, so I’m thrilled to see it get a little Easter egg in this new parade.
The concept art featuring the Blue Fairy also shows us that joining the parade lineup are Peter Pan, Wendy, and Elsa, each making an appearance on their own beautifully designed floats.
Isabela Madrigal from Encanto Swings into Magic Kingdom
Making her Magic Kingdom debut, Isabela will gracefully swing on floral vines, just like she does in Encanto! She’ll be joined by other members of the Madrigal family, bringing their magical casita to life on Main Street, U.S.A.
I love all the vibrant colors and beautiful colors from Encanto, and cannot wait to see these characters in Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away!
Moana’s Luminescent Float Makes Waves
Moana’s float will feature breathtaking glowing ocean waves, complete with her adorable sidekicks Pua and HeiHei. Keep an eye out for a manta ray, a beautiful nod to Gramma Tala’s spirit guiding Moana on her journey.
A Royal Waltz—Princesses & Princes Join the Parade
We all know that you simply CANNOT have a parade at Disney’s Magic Kingdom without featuring lots of Princesses and their Princes. One of the most anticipated floats in Disney Starlight is the Princess Float, which takes inspiration from the legendary Disney artist Mary Blair (best known for it’s a small world).
This elegant float will feature Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming.
Adding to the magic, the Royal Court Dancers will accompany the float, in a tribute to the classic Main Street Electrical Parade.
More Surprises Are on the Way!
While this first reveal has been packed with exciting details, Disney promises there’s even more magic to come! They’ve hinted at additional royal characters and surprises that will be unveiled in the coming months.
One thing’s for sure: Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is set to be a must-see experience when it debuts this summer at Magic Kingdom! Mom and I are going down for our annual Flower & Garden Festival trip the first week of May. I know that’s not yet “summer” but I’m hoping that MAYBE we will get a preview? It will probably be too early, but hey, we can always hope, can’t we?
Are you excited for Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away? Which float are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments! 😊
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always… keep dreaming!
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