Raise your hand if you’ve ever been completely swept away by a Disney parade. Now imagine that joy and wonder unfolding beneath the stars, in a stunning, high-tech celebration of dreams, light, and magic. That’s exactly what’s coming to Walt Disney World this summer with Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away — and we’ve got all the sparkling details.
A New Kind of Nighttime Spectacle
First announced at D23 EXPO last August, Disney Starlight is the next evolution in Disney’s legendary nighttime parades, debuting at Magic Kingdom on July 20. While the parade itself promises a cascade of lights, music, and character-filled wonder, it’s much more than just a visual feast. It’s a journey through some of Disney’s most beloved stories — brought to life with state-of-the-art lighting, video effects, and choreography that transform Main Street, U.S.A. into a dreamscape of possibility.
A Parade That Dances With Light
The creative minds behind Disney Starlight have crafted floats unlike any seen before. These aren’t just moving set pieces — they’re fully illuminated stages of storytelling. From curved LED panels on the Encanto float to an entirely light-based Blue Fairy created from shimmering pinpoints, every element is designed to move, glow, and evolve in real time as the parade rolls on.
One of the show’s most talked-about moments will be the grand finale: a whimsical train inspired by the Main Street Electrical Parade, pulling characters like Goofy, Pluto, Donald, and Daisy, followed by iconic scenes with Rapunzel, Aladdin and Jasmine, Snow White and Dopey, and more — all leading up to the ultimate Disney dreamers, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, dressed in dazzling new nighttime costumes.
Disney Starlight features a brand-new original theme that blends majestic orchestration with subtle nods to classic Disney Parks melodies.
The Soundtrack of a Dream
What’s a Disney parade without unforgettable music? Disney Starlight features a brand-new original theme that blends majestic orchestration with subtle nods to classic Disney Parks melodies. According to Show Director Tara Anderson, the music is designed to echo the feelings you get standing on Main Street with Cinderella Castle in view — hope, wonder, and pure Disney magic.
Choreography That Tells a Story
Choreographer Cindy Wilson took inspiration from each film represented in the parade to craft unique movements that match each scene’s energy and emotion. Dancers will perform alongside floats with precision timing, matching their movements to the dynamic lighting and musical cues. Every step is part of the story.
Exclusive Merchandise and Magical Treats
You can celebrate the parade with exclusive Disney Starlight merchandise available throughout the park. Expect logo tee shirts, glow-in-the-dark Mickey ears with removable bows, bubble wands that sync with the parade, cozy blankets, and commemorative pins.
And for those who love to snack their way through Disney, there’s a sweet surprise: a new Disney Starlight-themed popcorn mix debuting July 20 at the Main Street Confectionary. This limited-edition treat includes bubble gum and blue raspberry candy popcorn, M&M’s, mini marshmallows, and a white chocolate drizzle — all star-kissed and parade-ready.
Who Will You See in Disney Starlight?
Here’s the full list of characters lighting up the night:
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The Blue Fairy
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Peter Pan and Wendy
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Asha (from Wish)
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La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabela, Bruno)
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Elsa
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Princess & Prince Pairings: Aurora and Phillip, Tiana and Naveen, Belle and the Beast, Cinderella and Prince Charming
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Miguel and Pepita
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Moana
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Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy
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Snow White and Dopey
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Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
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Aladdin and Jasmine
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Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
Built By Disney Legends, Inspired By the Greats
Many of the creatives behind Disney Starlight also worked on classic parades like Main Street Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic. You’ll feel the echoes of these fan-favorite shows — but brought to life with today’s cutting-edge technology and a fresh artistic vision.
Lighting the Way Forward
What sets Disney Starlight apart isn’t just the nostalgia or the innovation — it’s the heart. Every float, costume, song, and dance step is part of a larger mission: to touch the hearts of every guest who watches. As Tara Anderson puts it, “We need to touch every heart.” That’s the magic behind the magic.
So mark your calendars. July 20 will be a night to remember — the official debut of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. Whether you’re watching it for the characters, the tech, the music, or the memories, one thing’s for sure: this is a Disney parade like no other.
Berry Place 28
Vlogger, Podcast Host, Ice Cream Aficionado
A life long thrill seeker, Berry Place 28 has always been captivated by entertainment and theme parks. BP28 was a former Cast Member for Disney, many years ago, who now enjoys vlogging at Disneyland and covering the history, rides and attractions that Walt Disney created. In addition, he enjoys covering Knott’s Berry Farm, SeaWorld, and other theme parks and local attractions. Berry Place 28 was named after the “Berry Place” market that Walter and Cordelia Knott opened in 1928 and after Mickey Mouse which was created in 1928.