Everything You Need to Know About Disney Starlight — Magic Kingdom’s New Nighttime Parade
If you’re in the middle of vacation planning Disney for your family, get excited — there’s a brand-new parade lighting up the night at Magic Kingdom!
Disney Starlight is the newest nighttime parade, and it’s full of music, glowing floats, and some seriously magical surprises. Whether you’re visiting this fall or dreaming about a trip in 2026, this is one of those must-see experiences your kids will be talking about long after you leave.
Let’s break down what Disney Starlight is all about — plus where to watch it, how to avoid the crowds, and how to make the most of it on your park day.
Whimsy the Train
What Is Disney Starlight?
Disney Starlight is a brand-new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom. It features glowing floats, your favorite Disney characters, original music, and a magical theme about dreams coming to life under the stars.
This is the first new nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom in years. It’s perfect for families who want to end their park day with something truly unforgettable.
Disney Starlight Parade
What You’ll See: Parade Highlights
Every part of Disney Starlight is designed to wow your whole family. Here are a few things to look out for:
The magical Casa Madrigal with Mirabel, Isabella, and Bruno from Encanto.
A special Frozen-themed float featuring Elsa’s memories
Miguel rocking the guitar on the magical Coco float.
Tons of Disney characters — Mickey, Minnie, Rapunzel, and more — all dressed in sparkling costumes.
The music is completely new and a little on the slower side. It’s a very dreamy score with nods to the original Main Street Electrical Parade at the end.
Coco Float
Parade Route
Disney Starlight runs in the opposite direction of the daytime parade in Magic Kingdom. The parade starts on Main Street, U.S.A., travels around the Central Hub in front of Cinderella Castle, moves through Liberty Square, and ends in Frontierland near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
This reversed route is important to know when picking a viewing spot! If you're near Main Street, you'll see the parade right when it begins. But if you're in Frontierland, you’ll have a little more time to grab snacks, visit the bathroom, or stake out a less crowded spot before it arrives.
✨ Pro Tip: If your kids tend to get tired in the evenings, watching near Main Street lets you see the parade first and then head out of the park before the big post-parade crowds. But if you're hoping for a more relaxed vibe, Liberty Square or Frontierland usually have shorter wait times and more breathing room.
Elsa on the Frozen Float
What Time Is Disney Starlight?
There are two showings of the Disney Starlight parade each night:
First parade: 9:00 PM
Second parade: 11:00 PM
Happily Ever After fireworks: 10:00 PM
How to Pick the Right Parade Time
The 9:00 PM parade is the more popular option, especially for families with younger kids. But that means it’s also the most crowded. If you want a front-row spot on Main Street, U.S.A., plan to grab your space at least an hour early. Watching in Liberty Square or Frontierland? You’ll usually be fine arriving about 45 minutes ahead of time.
The 11:00 PM parade is way less crowded — and it’s actually a hidden gem if your family can stay up late! By this time, the fireworks are over and the park is officially closed, so you won’t be missing out on any rides.
That said, Main Street gets tricky during the 11PM showing because most guests are heading for the exit after the fireworks. If you want an easy, crowd-free experience, watch from Liberty Square or deep into Frontierland. You can often roll up right at parade time and still get a great spot — sometimes even front row!
✨ Bonus: Watching from Frontierland lets most of the crowd leave before you, making your exit from the park smoother and less stressful.
Moana Float
Best Places to Watch the Parade
Finding the right spot can make a big difference. Here are a few great options for where to watch. (Pink dots are parade route and stars are recommended viewing spots.)
Main Street, U.S.A.: Classic view with Cinderella Castle in the background, but it gets crowded fast!
Main Street USA Starlight Viewing Spots
Liberty Square: Less packed, few seated spots, middle of the parade route
Liberty Square Starlight Viewing Spots
Frontierland: Least crowded, parade finishes here.
Frontierland Starlight Parade Viewing Spots
Tip: Try to find your spot 60 minutes before the parade starts, especially if you're traveling during a busy week like Fall Break.
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Can You Reserve a Viewing Spot?
At the time of writing, Disney hasn’t announced any Lightning Lane or dessert party packages for Disney Starlight — but that could change.
Keep an eye on the official Disney World website or app to see if a dining package or reserved viewing section becomes available. These are great options if you want guaranteed space and less waiting.
If you’re using my guide, I’ll keep it updated with new info and strategies as soon as Disney announces changes!
Finale float
How to Get the Best Parade Photos
Want to capture those magical moments? Here are a few simple photo tips:
Turn off your flash. It won’t help with nighttime lighting and might distract performers.
Use video mode to catch movement, music, and your kids’ reactions.
Hold your phone steady or rest your elbows on something to avoid blurry pics.
Take a few pics, then put the phone down. Sometimes the best memories are the ones you just watch.
Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip
Why Disney Starlight Is Worth Staying Up For
If you’re traveling with younger kids, it can be tempting to leave the park early — but this parade is worth staying up a little later.
Disney Starlight is a heartwarming, visually stunning show that brings your whole day at Magic Kingdom to a magical close. It’s the perfect way to say goodnight to the park. If you grew up watching the Main Street Electrical Parade, it’ll give you all the nostalgic vibes of childhood.
If vacation planning Disney is feeling overwhelming, remember this: with a little prep (and the right guide!), you can enjoy moments like this without stress.
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