Annual Passholders can no longer book a Park Pass for the debut of Magic Kingdom’s brand-newDisney Starlight: Dream the Night Awaynighttime parade.Disney Worldfirst announced it last year at the D23 Expo in Brazil. It is the first time that Magic Kingdom will host a dedicated nighttime parade since the Main Street Electrical Parade was discontinued in 2016 (though it is still held at Disneyland).
Back then, Disney only announced that the parade would premiere in Summer 2025, but new details have now surfaced. Taking inspiration from Magic Kingdom’s history of nighttime parades and early Disney movies, the event has quickly become one of the most anticipated among fans. It will also feature characters from new and classic movies.
Disney has recently confirmed that the Starlight parade will premiere on July 22, 2025. However, according toDrew Smith,Annual Pass Reservations for July 20 are already fully booked. Magic Kingdom is unavailable for the date on both the website and the Disney Experience app. This means Passholders who still want to see the parade on its debut night need to make a theme park reservation at one of the other three parks and then hop to the Magic Kingdom (if it’s not full yet). Additionally, beginning July 20, Passholders will be required to make a theme park reservation to visit Magic Kingdom on any day, including after 2 p.m. Reservations will not be required for visits to the other parks. These changes were likely made due to high demand.
What Will Disney Starlight Parade Be Like?
The parade will take place on Main Street, U.S.A., just like previous parades. As usual, there will be themed merchandise for sale, including T-shirts with the logo of the parade, pins, Mickey Ears, and a light-up bubble. Guests can also buy snacks inspired by the parade at Main Street Confectionery.
Disney Starlight will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the Main Street Electrical Parade using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love. All of this is brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, in addition to beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios filmsPeter Pan,Encanto,Frozen, and more.
— Davi Lightbody, SVP Disney Live Entertainment
Apparently, the parade is divided into units inspired by different movies. The opening unit is based on both the Blue Fairy from Peter Pan and the opening of the Main Street Electrical Parade. The Blue Fairy will be followed by units inspired by Peter Pan, Wish, Encanto, Frozen, Disney Princesses, Coco, Moana, and then a final unit, also inspired by the Main Street Electrical Parade, will feature Mickey and Friends. For now, these characters are confirmed to join the parade (though not necessarily in this order):
Disney has also shared on social media some information and behind-the-scenes footagefrom the Disney Starlight parade’s production:
According to the company, the goal of the parade is to transport guests into the stories of both classic and new Disney characters, showing them how dreams come true. It is also thecontinuation of the legacy of Disney’s nighttime parades, blending nostalgia with innovation and magic to deliver an experience unlike anything that has come before.
Disney
Disney is a conglomerate and media company that owns a variety of television stations like ABC, Disney Channel, and Disney XD. They are also owners of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises and own the ever-popular Disney theme parks found all around the world.
