This post is all about the new Magic Kingdom nighttime parade, Disney Starlight.
It’s official! Just announced: you can dream the night away at Magic Kingdom when “Disney Starlight: Dream The Night Away” opens July 20. And, you don’t have to wait to see a sneak peek of the poster coming soon to the Magic Kingdom train station!
Will there be “Disney Starlight” merchandise?
Of course! Sparkle along with the show with a “Disney Starlight” logo tee shirt, a light up pair of Mickey Ears, a Disney pin, blanket, and a light-up bubble wand that will dance along with the parade.
And, for the snackers, a dreamy new popcorn mix is coming soon! Themed to celebrate the debut of “Disney Starlight,” this new offering will be available exclusively at the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom starting the first night of the new parade. You can enjoy a star-kissed mix of Bubble Gum and Blue Raspberry Candy Popcorn, M&M’S® Milk Chocolate Candies, mini-marshmallows, and white chocolatey drizzle.
How were the “Disney Starlight” floats designed?
Designing floats for a nighttime parade adds another layer to the live entertainment production process. This first look at the floats reveals these are more than just static structures – they are storytelling stages on wheels.
When Disney thinks about what this storytelling looks like at night, they think about creating these landscapes – or dreamscapes, as they think about them – out of light.
How do they use this medium to portray movement, color, and imagery that we would normally see in a more scenically driven float during the daytime? Today’s technology gives more options than ever to use lighting and video elements as a storytelling tool.
For instance, the Blue Fairy magic, seen throughout the parade, is made completely from points of light; the use of a curved LED panels on the Encanto float gives Disney the opportunity to create magic and movement that a static image would not provide. This is the exciting technology and art of the “Disney Starlight” floats.
And speaking of exciting, here’s a moment we’ve been eagerly waiting for: the reveal of the grand finale of “Disney Starlight” led by Goofy. Which of the finale friends are you most excited to see?
What music will we hear in “Disney Starlight”?
A parade without music is like a canvas without color. Show Director Tara Anderson said it perfectly: “You’ve got to have great music to have a great experience.” We’ll hear an original theme written specifically for “Disney Starlight” that truly embodies all the majestic and fantasy feelings you get watching a parade come down Main Street, U.S.A. with Cinderella Castle in the background. For Disney fans, this new theme may have some surprises that sound familiar – be sure to listen closely for some classic Disney Parks favorites woven into the score.
Is “Disney Starlight” rehearsing now?
While floats set the stage, and music sets the tone, the performers bring the energy and excitement. Choreographed by Cindy Wilson, who drew inspiration from each of the films represented in the parade, as well as a mix of different dance styles, every eight-count is meticulously timed to coordinate with the music and lights as they animate across the costumes and floats.
Every float built, every note in the music you hear, every performer learning the choreography for the first time – it all plays a part in building the excitement and anticipation as we get closer to seeing the final production.
Here’s a final quote from Tara that embodies what motivates the team behind the “Disney Starlight” parade. “We need to touch every heart.”
“Disney Starlight,” we can’t wait to see this new Magic Kingdom nighttime parade – July 20 is going to be the dreamiest night! Until then, please also enjoy this blog post that shows concept art for the Encanto, Moana, and Coco floats!
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