Disney has released a new behind-the-scenes video offering a first look at the making of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, the all-new nighttime parade debuting at Magic Kingdom on July 20, 2025.
The video takes viewers inside the creative process, including the recording of the custom music, cast rehearsals, and a close-up look at the floats in development.
The floats themselves are designed as dynamic storytelling platforms, using lighting, video elements, and movement to create what Disney calls “dreamscapes.” Highlights include the Blue Fairy leading the parade, character units from Encanto, Frozen, Wish, Moana, Coco, and Disney Royals, all culminating in the grand finale float featuring Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Snow White, Rapunzel, Aladdin, and Mickey and Minnie.
Tara Anderson, Show Director from Disney Live Entertainment says, “So here we are in the studio today recording the music for Disney Starlight. The music is pretty much everything, right? It’s going to inspire our choreographer. It’s going to inspire all of our technical people. It’s where we start. You’ve got to have great music to have a great experience.”
Katie Marks, Producer, explains, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is a brand new nighttime parade coming to the Magic Kingdom, and we’ve been hard at work on building quotes and making a new custom music track.”
Composer Roger Butterley shares his personal excitement, “As a kid, I grew up going to Magic Kingdom and watching the original Main Street Electrical Parade. So to get to be a part of that legacy going forward was super exciting for me.”
Looking ahead, Tara Anderson says, “What guests are going to be able to get in this parade is a nod to the past, but also eyes firmly set on the future. So you’re going to hear melodies from older films, newer films, in a very magical, mystical way.”
Roger Butterley adds, “We have this wonderful original theme that was written for Disney Starlight. I hope when they hear this parade for the first time and see these beautiful floats coming down the street, I hope they dance. I hope they laugh and cry, feel all the emotions — all the things — and leave the park well.”
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