Walt Disney World has announced that the Disney Starlight nighttime parade will have a soft opening performance tonight, July 18th, two days ahead of its previously announced debut. This soft opening not only creates a “surprise and delight” moment for guests visiting Magic Kingdom this evening, but it also gives Cast Members a chance to experience a live setting before an anticipated influx of guests on Sunday. As a reminder, the all-new parade will officially debut to the public on July 20th, but guests will have an opportunity to watch an early performance soon!
Disney Starlight Parade Soft Opening
According to Walt Disney World, the parade will be performed at 9pm only tonight at Magic Kingdom. No word on if there will be a soft opening tomorrow, July 19th as well. Stay turned for our video and photos of the parade later this evening!
The soft opening allows performers and technicians a chance to work through the parade in front of guests, while also offering crowd control Cast Members an opportunity to get some reps in ahead of the crowd crush that will likely be opening night. Of course, now that a soft opening has been announced, there will be a flood of guests heading to Magic Kingdom tonight, but hopefully not nearly as many as have been planning for opening night.
When it debuts on July 20th, the Disney Starlight parade will be shown at 9pm and 11pm.
As always, it’s important to remember that the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade is an outdoor offering, and it will be subject to weather cancellation or delay.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is the first nighttime parade at Walt Disney World in nearly a decade. The all-new parade will feature moments from Wish, Encanto, Frozen, Peter Pan, Coco, Moana, and more!
The very first float sets the tone for the star-kissed constellation of Disney dreams, all brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy. To paraphrase a fan-favorite Magic Kingdom nighttime spectacular, that’s actually the “first star you’ll see tonight.” You’ll be invited to wish upon this very bright star to kick off the parade. Keep an eye out for Peter Pan, Wendy and Elsa on their own floats too!
Isabela will make her Magic Kingdom debut alongside her fellow Madrigal family members in the Encanto portion of “Disney Starlight.” In true Isabela fashion, she’ll swing on floral vines just like she does in the film.
Main Street, U.S.A. will also “make way” for a Moana float, complete with gorgeous, luminescent waves. While Moana takes center stage, if you look closely, you’ll notice Pua, HeiHei, and even a manta ray representing Gramma Tala joining her journey.
The “Disney Starlight” princess float is influenced by Disney Legend and artist Mary Blair. This float will feature beloved princes and princesses like Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming.
But what you don’t see in the artwork are the royal court dancers who will bookend this princess segment – one of many references to the classic “Main Street Electrical Parade.”
All the joy, wonder, and magic culminates in the parade’s finale, where a whimsical train, inspired by the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade float, emerges to take dreamers of all ages on a ride through the stars.
Swirling ribbons of starlight reveal Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck leading a procession of Disney moments that includes Snow White and Dopey in a twinkling minecar, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider floating toward a gleaming lantern on their boat, and Aladdin and Jasmine taking a magic carpet ride.
Closing out the celebration are the original dreamers, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, draped in sparkling new looks. Together, the duo sends us off, reminding us to believe in the power of wishing upon a star.
For everything we know about Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, check out our dedicated page below with all of the latest news, info, and photos!
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
