Latest news with #DisneyStarlight
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Disney World's New Nighttime Parade Highlights The Past While Showcasing The Future Of Evening Entertainment
From singing with Miguel and dancing with Mirabel to joining Mickey and friends aboard Whimsy, ... More 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away' brings beloved characters to life under the stars. The brand new nighttime parade debuts July 20 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World's new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream The Night Away, has officially debuted at Magic Kingdom. The new parade is the first to make its way down Main Street, U.S.A. since 2016, when The Main Street Electrical Parade finished its run at the park before moving back to the Disneyland Resort. The new nighttime entertainment offering features 10 floats, has a new musical score and dozens of characters and performers that bring the parade to life. What makes Disney Starlight unique is that it highlights parades of the past through music and theatrics while showcasing new technology. New technology in Disney Starlight From singing with Miguel and dancing with Mirabel to joining Mickey and friends aboard Whimsy, ... More 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away' brings beloved characters to life under the stars. The brand new nighttime parade debuts July 20 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Disney World's new nighttime parade features all-new floats themed to classic Disney animated movies like Pinocchio and Peter Pan, plus new favorites like Encanto and Frozen 2. But hidden beneath the twinkling lights is a powerhouse of technology that brings Disney Starlight to life. Katie Marks, producer at Disney Live Entertainment, said, 'We really wanted to look at some of those new technologies and understand how they could work for the storytelling." The use of video is a large part of Disney Starlight, which is partially inspired by other nighttime parades at Disney Parks around the world, like Paint The Night at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. One area where video truly shines during Disney Starlight is during the Encanto-themed float. Right in the middle of the float is a larger-than-life version of the 'Magic Candle' that holds the blessing of the Madrigal family. The candle is actually a 360-degree screen, which is quite impressive. Besides screens, there are thousands of lights on each float to make them shine along the parade route from Main Street, U.S.A. to Frontierland. 'One of the great features of this parade is that we're really able to control every single pixel that you see on every single float, which is a real milestone for us in terms of electrical parades at the Magic Kingdom,' explained Marks. And the same programmability for the floats exists for the performer's costumes as well. Highlighting eras of the past during Disney World's new nighttime parade From singing with Miguel and dancing with Mirabel to joining Mickey and friends aboard Whimsy, ... More 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away' brings beloved characters to life under the stars. The brand new nighttime parade debuts July 20 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Disney Starlight features nods to past Magic Kingdom parades. 'The last time that we built [a parade]Just before the parade makes its way around the park, there's an announcement that includes the start of the music from The Main Street Electrical Parade, which some fans may recognize. The biggest, literally, nod to The Main Street Electrical Parade, though, is Disney Starlight's final float, a massive train, named Whimsy, that chugs along the parade route with Goofy as its conductor. The float features multiple characters, but has a very distinct look that nostalgia seekers will find comforting. On the last float, which boasts the logo for Disney Starlight, Jiminy Cricket appears in digital form on a screen. This is a nod to SpectroMagic, where the character appeared on the back of the final float as a small Audio-Animatronics figure. The seamless blending of technology, nostalgia, music, and characters is what makes a nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom captivating for so many guests. Starlight does this well, especially as the technology disappears into the background and all guests see are stunning floats and favorite characters.
Travel Weekly
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
'Starlight' nighttime parade debuts at Walt Disney World Resort
A nighttime parade returned to the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida this weekend. Peter Pan and Wendy in the 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" parade. Photo Credit: Steven Diaz, Disney "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" officially debuted on July 20, traveling through the park from Main Street, USA to Frontierland. The parade features characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Pixar films, including Peter Pan and Wendy, a number of princesses and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. It also includes a train float inspired by the Main Street Electrical Parade. The "Moana" float in the 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away' parade. Photo Credit: Steven Diaz, Disney The parade, which is subject to weather-related cancellations, typically runs twice each night, at 9 and 11.
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
Disney World closes iconic attractions to make way for new land
Walt Disney World is closing several iconic attractions beginning Monday to make room for a brand-new land. Frontierland's Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom will shut down on July 7 as Disney prepares to bring a national park-themed area called Piston Peak to life. Rivers of America has been a staple of Frontierland and Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom since Disney World opened in 1971. The Liberty Belle steamboat and Tom Sawyer Island were added in 1973, offering guests a narrated ride through scenes of early American frontier life. Visitors could also take a raft to explore Tom Sawyer Island, inspired by Mark Twain's beloved novel. Last month, Disney announced that Piston Peak National Park will be the "largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom," continuing the storytelling tradition that has flowed through Liberty Square and Frontierland since opening day. Inspired by the American frontier and the majestic Rocky Mountains -- stretching from British Columbia to New Mexico -- Piston Peak will transport guests into a wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, roaring rivers and dramatic geysers. Visitors will be able to explore a "visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more," all inspired by Disney and Pixar's "Cars" universe and its "wheelderness." Disney's Imagineers are even basing Piston Peak's architecture on that of the real-world "Parkitecture" style, which focuses on blending buildings with the surrounding natural landscape harmoniously. And Piston Peak isn't the only major project underway. Disney also confirmed that Imagineers are hard at work on the first-ever land inspired by Disney villains. Located beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the land will feature two major attractions, themed dining, shopping, and a darkly magical aesthetic on an "incredibly twisted grand scale." Additionally, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom is set to reopen next year with new magic, while later this summer, Disney Starlight will make its grand debut on Main Street on July 20. Meanwhile, The Beak and Barrel will welcome pirates of all ages to join in the adventure.
Gizmodo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Walt Disney World Finally Gets a Nighttime Parade This Summer
Also at Disney World, spooky season starts early: there's a new Disney Villains show, and tickets to Magic Kingdom's Halloween party are on sale now. With summer vacations on the horizon, Disney Experiences are popping off at their bi-coastal theme parks, Disney Cruises, and international destinations. Walt Disney World is getting a nighttime parade featuring new Pixar and Disney Animation Studios favorites, while Mickey Mouse and the Fab Five get dapper outfits to shine along with Starlight. Spooky fun is already beginning with the Disney Villains getting their own show at WDW's Hollywood Studios and Halloween party tickets going on sale. Over at Disneyland, the 70th anniversary party is in full swing with fun festive foods and more. At Disneyland Paris, the theme park dances the summer away with a new music festival. And Disney Cruises prepares to set sail with the fleet's newest ship in this week's theme park news. Walt Disney World – Starlight This summer brings an all-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, which will debut July 20, 2025. The Magic Kingdom Park exclusive will bring back nighttime parades to the Walt Disney World resort and will feature classic and new Disney and Pixar fandom faves along the parade route on Main Street. The sparkling floats will light up the night and of course we're excited to see the updates to Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Daisy's costumes for the summer premiere. Walt Disney World – Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After There has been a need for more indoor shows as Walt Disney World's humid summer gets underway, so why not some chilling tales from the Disney Villains to beat the heat? We're excited to check out Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After for a fun musical romp through villain showstoppers and more. Walt Disney World – Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Haunted Mansion's Butler Broom extends the invitation for what's sure to be a swinging wake. New this year will be a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse spooky meet and greet at the Town Square Theater. For those of us with little tots, the Storybook Circus will get a 'happy haunt' transformation to help the smallest of Disney fans ease into the spirit of the season—since it is Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween after all. Along with popular returning faves, the event will run August 15 to October 31. Tickets here. Disney Imagineering tour of Epcot's Moana: Journey of Water Delight in one of our favorite walkthrough attractions at Walt Disney World to keep summer visitors cool with Imagineering's fun-fact filled behind the scenes look at Moana: Journey of Water. Disneyland 70th Food This summer, aside from watching all the nighttime shows and scavenger hunting with the key to Disneyland, we'll be eating our way through the parks. Our current fave dish is the 70th celebration Mickey Waffles at Schmoozies which are like confetti cake in flavor and have a creamy strawberry center that's not to be missed. Disneyland France – Disney Music Festival Disneyland Paris makes a debut as a music festival destination from now until September 7 with the Disney Music Festival. The event will combine all genres of music with experiences inspired by Pixar and Disney Animation favorites, with hubs dedicated to various genres of music. That includes a mariachi band with Coco's Miguel in Frontierland, jazz with Mary Poppins in Town Square, rock n' roll with Elvis Stitch in Discoveryland, and more characters getting in on the fun. I want to know to know the story of DJ Chip and Dale, who just by the looks of their outfits look like they mean house music business. Disney Cruise – The Disney Destiny The comic book action and fairytale magic of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel heroes and villains will soon take over the Disney Destiny, the newest ship set to embark on ocean adventures in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The Destiny will begin its trips later this year on November 20 with 4-5 night cruises taking off from the port of Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. We're excited for the ship's epic looking Hercules show and the gorgon battle teased in the image above. Duffy and Friends Celebrate 20 years at Tokyo DisneySea The iconic international bear Duffy and his friends are turning 20. The celebration is hittingTokyo DisneySea for seaside fun this year with special food, entertainment and merch. I hope we get some stateside soon! We need LinaBell and other plushes for those of us collecting. Star Wars BDX Droids on a World Tour – Tokyo Disneyland International Disney fans can meet the Star Wars droids which will be featured in Jon Favreau's The Mandalorian and Grogu until June 30 at Tokyo Disneyland. Spider-Man themed land breaks ground at Shanghai Disney Resort The Marvel Cinematic (theme park) Universe expands at Shanghai Disneyland with a new Spider-Man inspired land which will host new shows, dining, and attractions. Notably there will be a high-octane coaster that will swing you around on a heroic action encounter with Spidey. Land broke on May 18 for the area which will neighbor the recently opened Zootopia land. Makes sense, the Wonderful World of Disney insects living next to animals and all.
USA Today
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
I got engaged at Disney World! Here's some magical tips to keep in mind
I got engaged at Disney World! Here's some magical tips to keep in mind Here's what you should know before you propose at the most magical place on Earth. Show Caption Hide Caption Disney launches new Florida resident ticket deal Walt Disney World has announced the launch of a new ticket deal for Florida residents just in time for the summer. Fox - 35 Orlando As a little girl, I always dreamed about what it would be like to be proposed to in front of Cinderella castle, and I know I'm not the only one. So here's a former Disney World photographer's guide on how to propose to your Disney princess or prince in the most magical place on Earth. For many Disney adults, Disney World, specifically Magic Kingdom, is the epitome of a fairytale come to life. So it's no wonder that so many, including myself, dreamed about what it would be like to have the love of their life propose to them at their favorite place on earth. As someone who used to be a Photopass photographer at the Magic Kingdom and, more recently, as someone who got engaged in the Magic Kingdom, I have all sorts of tricks and tips I WISHED I could've bestowed on all the poor unfortunate souls who could've made their proposals even better. But, fear not, while I may not be a magical fairy godmother, I wrote this guide to make sure your favorite Mouseketeer has the engagement of their dreams. Please tell your photographers before you pop the question While it's a wonderful surprise, your photographer shouldn't be the one you're surprising! Warn the photographer and let them know you're going to propose, or have someone in your party do so. This way, the photographer can mentally prepare for what's about to happen and plan out the poses and shots they want to take. Photographers can also make the moment even more magical by taking Magic Shots, which is a photo that is digitally-enhanced to include Disney characters, balloons or famous Disney snacks and more. Additionally, if the photographer has the time, they can take you to other locations in the park near their station. More Disney news: Disney World reveals start date for new Disney Starlight nighttime parade Prepare for the heat As a Miami native, I'm no stranger to the heat. However, something about Orlando's heat and humidity is significantly worse than anywhere in South Florida. We ended up having to leave the park right after he proposed because I wasn't feeling well, and the heat was getting to me despite the copious amounts of water I was drinking. To avoid any of these issues, I would suggest doing the following: Propose first thing in the morning when you get to the park. Take a break at the hotel when temperatures are at their highest and propose when you come back refreshed and ready. Sunsets at the parks are always gorgeous and look great in photos. Bring a change of clothing if your partner is the kind of person who likes to stay at the park from open to close. Finally, don't forget to pack the following: Sunscreen Sun protection, like baseball caps Portable fans Cooling towels Water bottles Photo ops Photopass photographers are stationed all over the Walt Disney World Parks. Many are stationed in front of the castle, but you can find photographers in front of the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Belle's castle. For $99, guests can also sign up for a private, 20-minute session called Capture Your Moment, where photopass photographers will follow you around the park and conduct your own personal photoshoot. Sessions booked between May 26 and September 1 will receive a $20 discount, according to Disney World's website. Capture your moment can be booked at the following parks: Animal Kingdom EPCOT Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom Don't bring the real ring One of the brilliant things my fiancé did was that he didn't bring my actual ring to the parks! I'm a very clumsy person, and I lose almost anything, so I know I would've been petrified to carry around my actual ring. So, instead, my darling fiancé proposed to me with a $20 ring featuring a heart-shaped moonstone in the center, which he purchased on Amazon. It was the only ring I wore throughout the engagement, and I was so proud to show it off whenever I told a cast member we were engaged. Additionally, I was able to wander throughout the park and ride the attractions without worrying that I might lose my very expensive engagement ring. Don't just propose in front of the castle Personalize your engagement! A castle proposal isn't the end-all be-all of Disney proposals. Tailor your engagement to what your fiancée likes about Disney. You can propose just about anywhere! You can even propose during a hot air balloon ride at Disney Springs, but make sure to have a backup plan in case it's shut down. And they lived happily ever after... Be sure that this is the kind of proposal your partner wants! There are always people around the parks, and proposals, especially the ones that take place on Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom, which is the street that leads to the famous castle, tend to draw an audience. But, as long as you've done your homework and made sure this is what your partner wants, your Beloved is sure to adore the proposal no matter what. So here's to you and your future happily ever after! Good luck! Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
