JUST REVEALED: Close-Up Look at the NEW Disney Starlight Parade Coming to Magic Kingdom

If you are a huge Disney fan like we are, you’ve probably seen every episode of “We Call It Imagineering” online.

Disney started the video series on YouTube to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at new and nostalgic Disney favorites. It’s even how many got a first look at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure animatronics! Now, a new episode has been released and it includes a look at the upcoming nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom — Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.

Episode 4 is called “On With the Show!” and talks about the importance of entertainment in the Disney theme parks across the world. Then, we get to see something pretty special — a close-up look at the Disney Starlight floats!

Along with that, Disney revealed an all-new character for the parade named Whismy. Pretty fitting, right? Disney previously announced the finale float would be a train with several iconic characters…but the train itself IS a character. Yes, that’s Whimsy! You can see the smiling face on the front.

Tara Anderson, a Show Director at Disney, talked through the previously announced order of the parade. It’ll feature:

The Blue Fairy
Peter Pan and 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

As far as the music goes, Disney decided to bring the electronic and orchestral music together, inspired by past nighttime parades in the park.

Senior Art Director Danny Dillon helps create the stunning floats you see! He talks through the design process in the episode, including how he turned “Blue Sky” ideas into reality. In a teaser for the episode, we got to see how massive these floats are and how they move backstage!

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The episode even gives a look behind the curtain on how costumes are created! It’s all in the details, especially when it comes to lights and synchronization. They even revealed a nod to Mary Blair, the legendary Imagineer known for designing “it’s a small world” and many other Disney projects.

It wouldn’t be a Disney project without animation, and you’re NOT READY to hear the incredible detail that you can spot at the end of the parade. Disney revealed Jiminy Cricket will be prominently displayed, waving goodbye to guests. Yes, that’s a direct nod to SpectroMagic!

Watch the entire episode below to see some of the float lights in action!

Disney Starlight officially begins on July 20th and performs twice each night at 9 PM and 11 PM. Despite the parade taking place at night, Annual Passholders will need a Park Pass Reservation — learn more about this change here. Also, for anyone visiting during the holiday season, Disney confirmed that the parade will NOT happen on nights when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is taking place.

We’ll be at Magic Kingdom on opening night, so stay tuned to AllEars to see the parade!