NEWS: On with the Show! Episode 4 of ‘We Call It Imagineering’ Is Out Now!

“Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” a new nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom, is debuting this week! Disney Live Entertainment and Walt Disney Imagineering is sharing a look behind the scenes at the upcoming parade. Learn more below!

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member David Lightbody:

It’s “curtain up” for the newest episode of “We Call It Imagineering,” and this time we’re taking you backstage with Disney Live Entertainment. As the theatrical arm of Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Live Entertainment is the group that creates, produces, and delivers all the entertainment experiences at Disney destinations – and beyond! – the world over. We do everything from parades and character greetings to stage shows, special events, and nighttime spectaculars.

I’ve had the privilege of leading Disney Live Entertainment for the past seven years. Every day, I find myself surrounded by some of the most creative and inspiring entertainment professionals in the industry, including writers, directors, producers, designers, technical experts, costumers, and so many others.

I’m thrilled that in this episode, you get to spend some time with them, too, as we take you behind the scenes on the stunning new spectacular “Disney Tales of Magic” at Disneyland Paris, go up close on the design details in the new “Friendtastic!” parade for the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort 20^th Anniversary, and drop in on a “World of Color Happiness!” overnight rehearsal for the Disneyland Resort 70^th Celebration.

We’re also giving you your very first look at “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” the dazzling new nighttime parade debuting July 20 at Walt Disney World! You will see some of the incredible floats lighting up for the first time as the team works through programming and rehearsals, and you’ll meet Whimsy, an original character created just for “Disney Starlight.” We can’t wait for you to see the finished parade in the park. It’s an impressive theatrical spectacle!

Everything our team produces – be it large or small, indoors, outdoors, or at sea – we think of in terms of theatre. This idea goes back to Walt Disney, who often described Disneyland as a show with everyone being onstage. Live entertainment has been a key component of the Disneyland experience since day one, 70 years ago. The Disney characters were here on opening day, as was the Disneyland Band, and there was a grand parade down Main Street, U.S.A.

While Disney Live Entertainment has grown more sophisticated over the years, leading the entertainment industry with one innovation after another, those core elements continue to be part of our DNA. We delight in entertaining you with the familiar and then surprising you with new experiences and things you maybe didn’t expect.

Disney Live Entertainment introduced the first parade soundtrack to change as it follows each float down the route, the first nighttime electrical parade, the first computer-synchronized fireworks show, the first (and still only) fireworks at sea, the first daily operating drone show, and so much more!

Be sure to watch the Disney Live Entertainment episode of “We Call It Imagineering” for a look inside our latest productions and to hear from some of the people creating magic every day.

While you’re at it, check out (or revisit) the other episodes in the series, highlighting Audio-Animatronics technology, music production, and the brilliant ride systems Imagineering creates. And for even more peeks behind the scenes, you can follow Disney Live Entertainment on Instagram and check out Walt Disney Imagineering on Instagram and YouTube.

RELATED ARTICLE: Disney Releases Details for New Nighttime Parade Coming to Magic Kingdom

by Cindy E. Nykamp

All-new nighttime parade, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” is coming soon to Magic Kingdom. With vibrant visuals, unforgettable music, and cherished characters, “Disney Starlight” invites guests of all ages to dream big and celebrate the power of a wish. Disney has shared new details about the parade ahead of its debut. Learn more below.

1 – Parade Route & Showtimes Announced

Disney has shared that the parade will run twice a night at Magic Kingdom at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Unlike the other parades at the park, the parade will begin on Main Street U.S.A. and travel along the parade route towards Frontierland. Disney shared they hope this will allow for better guest flow at the end of the night.

2 – Other Scheduling Notices

One evenings when a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place, Disney Starlight will not be available. Also, the parade is also subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

3 – Opening Date

“Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” will make its debut on July 20, 2025 at Magic Kingdom.

Through the power of the Blue Fairy’s magic, guests will watch dreams and wishes come true throughout this star-kissed parade. As the lights dance from float to float, guests will see favorite classic and contemporary characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Pixar films – some for the very first time in a Disney Live Entertainment nighttime parade.

4 – Finale Float Announced

Guests can look forward to seeing beloved Disney characters throughout the parade in shining, shimmering splendor, all culminating in the parade’s finale. 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. We got a look at the outfits for Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy during the event and loved what we saw! Check out their looks below in the photo.

5 – Other Parade Floats

Disney characters guests can see in the parade include:

🧚🏻‍♀️ The Blue Fairy

🌙 Peter Pan & Wendy

⭐ Asha

🦋 La Familia Madrigal (Mirabel, Isabela, Bruno)

❄️ Elsa

👑 Aurora and Prince Phillip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming

🎸Miguel and Pepita

🐚 Moana

🚂 Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck,Snow White and Dopey, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Aladdin and Jasmine, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

6 – Disney Starlight Merchandise

During the event we also got a look at some of the upcoming merchandise! Guests can join in on the fun and sparkle with a “Disney Starlight” logo tee shirt, blanket, a Disney pin, a light up pair of Mickey Ears with a removable bow, and a light-up bubble wand that will dance along with the parade.  Take a look at the offerings below.

Guests can also enjoy a limited-edition popcorn mix, available exclusively at the Main Street Confectionary in Magic Kingdom starting on July 20. The popcorn is a “Star-Kissed mix of Bubble Gum and Blue Raspberry Candy Popcorn, M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies, mini-marshmallows, and white chocolate drizzle. We tried a sample of the popcorn and it’s a very sweet and rich.

We’re so excited for this nighttime parade!