Disney Starlight Evening Parade is drawing colossal crowds to Magic Kingdom within the evenings, with Primary Side road packed ~2 hours early for top places. Our information covers perfect & worst perspectives, so you’ll be able to spend much less time ready, see the parade and Thankfully Ever After fireworks, make a handy guide a rough go out, or {photograph} it from the number one location. Those field-tested pointers & tips can help you display up half-hour or much less and nonetheless rating a impressive last-minute spot for Starlight.
That is Walt Disney Global’s first evening parade in kind of a decade, and primary new evening parade since I used to be a child. And I’m now not younger. In consequence, the parade course is full of other people. We can not overstate simply busy Primary Side road in Magic Kingdom is within the evenings for Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away and the Thankfully Ever After fireworks.
Let’s get started with a caution: this isn’t going to switch anytime quickly. In case you’re pondering you’ll be able to “wait out” the crowds and seek advice from in October or December 2025, and even someday in Iciness 2026, you’re wrong. As a vacationer vacation spot, Walt Disney Global has a gradual movement of first-timers and rare guests. Understand that one 3rd of tourists to Walt Disney Global nonetheless have now not noticed Pandora: The Global of Avatar and it’s been open for almost a decade.
Suffice to mention, Starlight goes to have that “new parade scent” for a very long time. This shouldn’t in point of fact come as a wonder to lovers, as even the mediocre Disney Appeal used to be nonetheless drawing huge crowds in opposition to the top of its run as Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary wound down. Starlight is far better than that. For the most efficient view, visitors are recently tenting out roughly two hours prematurely to look Starlight’s previous showtime.
Something we do be expecting to look trade to some extent is how early visitors stake out spots. At the moment, locals and hardcore lovers are arriving very early–previous than important. In contrast, consciousness of Starlight amongst moderate visitors nonetheless isn’t excessive and many of us nonetheless don’t even know there’s a midnight parade in Magic Kingdom (that may sound asinine given the PR push, however in case you’re studying this, you’re now not the common visitor).
That is an peculiar dynamic and it’s arduous to mention the way it’ll play out. Diehards will forestall appearing up as early, while common visitors will arrive previous. Now not a complete ~2 hours, as a result of their holiday time is effective, but additionally now not final minute. We noticed this again when Primary Side road Electric Parade returned to Magic Kingdom, in addition to with the debuts of Thankfully Ever After and Disney Appeal, in addition to the go back of the previous.
This isn’t intended to scare you out of staring at Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away. The evening parade is de facto value it, and as we discussed above, you don’t want to turn up 2+ hours prematurely to pre-claim after which camp out. Nice spots may also be more uncomplicated to get if you recognize what you’re doing, which is the entire level of this information.
Actually, I’ve already noticed Starlight over a dozen occasions from greater than 10 other viewing places. This information has been devised in response to my firsthand reviews with seeing Starlight in-person at Magic Kingdom on some very busy nights early in its run (even in excessive crowds, motivated visitors can catch Starlight as much as 4 occasions in line with evening). The ones reviews have been likewise knowledgeable by means of staring at Primary Side road Electric Parade and SpectroMagic masses of occasions again within the day. Right here’s the whole thing you want to grasp…
Showtimes for Disney Starlight Evening Parade
Earlier than we dig into viewing pointers, let’s get started with the fundamentals. Disney Starlight is gifted two times nightly, and recently rolls down the parade course beginning at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Right here’s the overall Magic Kingdom midnight time table:
- Starlight Parade: 9 pm
- Thankfully Ever After: 10 pm
- Starlight Parade: 11 pm
- Park Remaining: 11 pm
Those occasions do shift right through the yr in response to sundown and park ops, so you’ll want to take a look at the day by day leisure time table in case you’re visiting lengthy after that is revealed.
The remainder of the information must stay kind of correct–timing is the large person who’s matter to switch, and can most definitely trade once August or September 2025, and once more in November 2025.
Opposite Parade Course for Starlight
Starlight starts on Primary Side road U.S.A. and travels alongside the parade course in opposition to Frontierland to permit for higher visitor drift on the finish of the evening. That is in keeping with what Magic Kingdom in the past did for Primary Side road Electric Parade and SpectroMagic, and in contrast to maximum different parades.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away travels within the “opposite” route, up Primary Side road in opposition to Frontierland for each performances. The explanation for this opposite course is lovely easy: it permits for the parade to go visitors nearer to the go out, after which the ones visitors to go out the park in a orderly model.
There’s a stable movement of visitors in a position to go away their spots as Starlight passes, which means crowd drift regulates itself naturally. This is far better than the opposite, which is how the primary Paint the Evening performs out at Disneyland, with a visitor cavalcade trailing the parade that’s so full of folks that it seems to be just a little unsafe!
Starlight + Thankfully Ever After
The above hour gaps between midnight leisure plus shuttle time of Starlight method it’s kind of 9:30 p.m. as soon as the parade clears the Central Plaza in entrance of Cinderella Fort. Because of this, many visitors strategically choose Starlight spots that can also be just right for Thankfully Ever After at 10 p.m. Even as soon as the showtimes shift ahead, this dynamic will exist since the hole will nonetheless be identical.
That is logical, and it leads to the Hub/Central Plaza being a long way and away the busiest viewing house for Starlight. That’s since you aren’t tenting out 90 mins to two.5 hours for simply Starlight, however a blended 2-3 hours for each. Whilst that is definitely one possibility, it’s now not essentially what we advise.
As an alternative, we’d advise staking out a lower-demand spot in opposition to the entrance of the park and following Starlight up alongside the course. You’ll now not be swimming upstream on this case as long as you’re rather with reference to the again of the parade. That is the way in which the group instantly in the back of Starlight will drift.
The exodus within the different route happens with just a little of a lag, so you’ll be able to “draft” at the parade deeper into the park and safe a primary spot for Thankfully Ever After with relative ease. (See Absolute best & Worst Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Spots.)
You could imagine taking this a step additional, securing a place in The town Sq. close to Primary Side road Theater and instantly heading up the parade bypass hall as soon as Starlight passes. You’ll then arrive deeper onto Primary Side road close to the Plaza sooner than the parade even passes, and rather simply paintings your approach into the Central Plaza.
One day, this bypass does convert to one-way visitors out of the park, however that shouldn’t be the case at this level. A identical manner works at the different facet of The town Sq. and going throughout the Emporium (now you recognize why that hall used to be widened).
What I will not overemphasize with any of those approaches is that you want to be in a position to transport as quickly because the parade passes. Don’t spend 5-10 mins collecting your staff. That can lead to preventing the group as you’ll be swimming upstream.
Alternatively, there’s nonetheless a fair higher manner…
Previous vs. Later Starlight
The primary efficiency of Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away is at all times busier than the second one efficiency. It’s now not even a remotely shut name. This must make sense, as Magic Kingdom’s core demographic is households with babies, and staying till after 11 p.m. is a large ask for lots of of them. Even many visitors with out youngsters don’t notice that the second one parade is considerably much less crowded.
In case you most effective remove something from this viewing information, it’s that you just must watch the second one Starlight Evening Parade as a substitute of the primary if in any respect conceivable. That’s the number one tip, as that’s the unmarried best possible and most suitable choice for spending much less time tenting out. Now not most effective are the crowds simply two times as massive for the primary parade (even if that might trade over the years), however additionally they arrive two times as early.
So as a substitute of staring at Starlight after which Thankfully Ever After, turn the script and watch Thankfully Ever After after which Starlight. (The largest drawback of this manner isn’t doing an end-of-night trip, no less than with the present 9-10-11 time table, until you’re in point of fact competitive!)
The parade course hits capability for the primary parade and visitors are a number of rows deep, while that doesn’t occur for the second one Starlight. Even already, there were occasions the place it’s worthwhile to rating a entrance row spot for Starlight because the parade is stepping off, particularly in Liberty Sq. and Frontierland.
While many visitors arrive 90 to 120 mins sooner than the primary efficiency, that isn’t even conceivable for the second one. There isn’t that a lot time at the clock as soon as Thankfully Ever After ends. Because of this the ‘mud settles’ at the parade course round 10:30 pm, which is concerning the earliest other people will get started tenting out for the second one appearing.
Something to notice this is that the imbalance between the primary and 2d parade will trade over the years. This may increasingly happen as showtimes transfer ahead due to previous sundown occasions in wintry weather. It additionally occur as phrase will get out about the second one efficiency being much less crowded–someday, Walt Disney Global will nearly definitely get started making parkwide bulletins with this information at round ~8 p.m. In spite of everything, the dynamic will trade all through Birthday party Season, as call for spikes and the parade course hits capability for the primary efficiency.
What Time(s) to Stake Out Starlight Spots
The parade course in point of fact begins filling in about 90 mins prematurely of the primary efficiency, and that is recently the ‘candy spot’ if you wish to have a place on Primary Side road. This may increasingly trade over the years as crowd ranges lower and build up, particularly as soon as Magic Kingdom is open past due fewer nights every week all through Birthday party Season.
The primary house to replenish is the Central Plaza in entrance of Cinderella Fort (nearer to 120 mins), adopted by means of up and down Primary Side road USA (90 mins), after which The town Sq. (no less than an hour). Frontierland and Liberty Sq. are slowest to replenish, with spots to be had for the primary parade 45 mins sooner than Starlight steps off.
Simply remember the fact that it takes longer for the parade to get to Tiana’s Bayou Journey than it does Primary Side road Theater, so 60 mins in The town Sq. vs. 45 mins in entrance of Pecos Invoice finally ends up being about the similar. And the ones previous viewpoints additionally permit extra time to put for Thankfully Ever After or, then again, beating the post-parade crowd out of the park or to sights with shorter waits.
For the second one parade, you’ll be able to arrive a lot later. The preferred spot will replenish instantly after Thankfully Ever After and Primary Side road will develop into busy ~half-hour prematurely, however The town Sq. incessantly has a scattering of entrance row spots after that, every so often up till quarter-hour sooner than the second one parade steps off. Over in Frontierland and Liberty Sq., you could discover a high spot in a while sooner than the parade arrives.
Actually, I’ve been in a position to discover a impressive location ~10 mins sooner than the parade arrived. This isn’t atypical, particularly in case you’re keen to face. You’ll stroll as much as a just right view rather final minute on many nights for the second one performances, while you’ll be a number of rows deep and feature your view obstructed in case you take a look at that with the primary efficiency.
It’s not tricky in any respect to have a tight view despite the fact that you arrive proper because the parade does. It most definitely gained’t be entrance row in case you’re on Primary Side road, nevertheless it may well be in Liberty Sq. or Frontierland. I’ve scored nice spots arriving after 11:15 p.m. on the finish of the parade course.
Absolute best & Worst Images Spots for Starlight
My all-time #1 spot for just about any parade is true in the back of the flagpole with a view up Primary Side road (aka Christmas Tree Level). That is hardly ever a secret, and is the most popular vantage of 9 out of 10 photographers. And there are numerous Disney fan photogs available in the market. That is nonetheless some of the first stops to replenish, although Christmas Tree Level is an objectively terrible spot for Starlight because of the opposite parade course.
The underlying thought is similar for Starlight, it’s only a other spot because of the opposite course. My ‘secret’ hack for securing parade spots has lengthy been to camp out off to the facet the place a rope will move up someday to create a viewing house in the street. This occurs in each The town Sq. (in entrance of the Emporium) and the Central Plaza (Crystal Palace facet) as a result of Starlight loops round each, growing viewing spaces in what would another way be side road.
This hack most often works smartly at tourist-centric Walt Disney Global, however locals and photographers are smartly acutely aware of this trick. In consequence, the road segment fills up early, too. Beneath is how this seems to be within the Central Plaza:
Except you’re a photographer, we don’t counsel this spot within the Central Plaza. Sure, it gives an image very best view with Cinderella Fort within the background. However it comes with critical downsides.
The primary is that its the quickest to replenish for the primary parade, as area is very restricted on this house. This implies arriving no less than 2 hours prematurely, after which doing this awkward tune and dance. If the rope isn’t up but (it gained’t be), you’re simply status on the street like a dummy, impeding crowd drift. This annoys different visitors.
That’s assuming Forged Contributors can help you stand there 2 hours prematurely. In the event that they don’t (and so they most definitely gained’t), you’re then doing a distinct (however similarly awkward) tune and dance with different visitors who’re additionally “competing” for this spot. Now we have already noticed tensions flare right here and visitors change heated phrases, which then turns into doubly awkward as they’re probably camped out subsequent to each other for a pair hours. Now not precisely the perfect vibe for taking part in a parade!
It’s no higher after the fireworks. Whilst the spot is objectively more uncomplicated and not more time-consuming to safe, the larger downside is the Magic Kingdom mass exodus. There’s a stable movement of visitors seeking to go out the Central Plaza…and this wall of visitors seeking to reinforce their positions, insurrection police taste.
Now we have additionally noticed tensions flare between common visitors seeking to go out and this line of photographers, however I suppose the upside is that the road is unified and now not antagonistic with one any other, and the disenchanted visitors are nonetheless exiting the realm. Both approach, don’t hassle with this until you’re a critical photographer.
I’d argue that it isn’t even important for many photographers (save for the ones in need of maximum or all of Cinderella Fort). I in point of fact like this spot when the usage of a large perspective lens, however would now not hassle if the usage of the rest above 35mm. There are more uncomplicated choices.
Absolute best & Worst Viewing Spots for Starlight
Whilst the Cinderella Fort view within the Central Plaza is the only best spot for seeing Starlight, the whole lot of Primary Side road is an in depth 2d. The excellent news is that there’s a lot more area up and down Primary Side road, so there’s each extra capability and decrease call for.
The dangerous information is that it’s nonetheless very talked-about. And in truth, the hall of Primary Side road is just a little overvalued for viewing Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away. It’s the primary segment to replenish and despite the fact that you place within the arduous ‘paintings’ for a entrance row spot, you nonetheless may have your view obstructed.
It’s because the parade isn’t coming instantly in opposition to you on Primary Side road. The parade is most effective coming near you in case you flip sideways, through which case you’re taking a look previous different visitors who’re in keeping with you. This creates a doubtlessly awkward dynamic the place visitors attaining out with their telephones or cameras, and even simply leaning out, can in part block your view.
Because of this, in case you will have to watch from the Primary Side road curb, we advise hanging a trash can between you and the Educate Station. It’s a less than excellent resolution, however will give you just a little of a buffer. Clearly, this additionally method sitting/status subsequent to a trash can, which may also be tense in case you’re there for an hour-plus and persons are continuously throwing away their trash. Except your identify is Oscar.
On the subject of Primary Side road viewing, my favourite spots are both in the back of Companions (principally Starlight’s model of Christmas Tree Level, with the exception of with the Educate Station as a background as a substitute of Cinderella Fort) or close to Casey’s Nook (in the back of a trash can).
Each have the benefit of lengthy approaches and the parade then curving previous the course. In the back of Companions is indisputably higher from this standpoint, nevertheless it’s additionally in upper call for for the primary parade because of Thankfully Ever After viewing.
I’d most effective counsel those places for the second one parade; they replenish too rapid for the primary. Since Starlight debuted, I’ve been in a position to attain either one of those spots not up to half-hour sooner than showtime. I’ve attempted sooner than the primary parade, and each have been overall nonstarters even 2 hours prematurely.
My #1 viewing advice for Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away is across the bends in The town Sq..
I’d strongly counsel being at the outer perimeter of The town Sq. versus the interior circle. You additionally wish to be at some of the curved sections, versus the straightaway immediately below the Educate Station. That is vital since the parade curls round The town Sq., so maximum spots alongside the outer perimeter will provide you with an extended view of the parade. You notice it coming near and crossing immediately in entrance of you. Higher for taking part in and for images.
Along with seeing the floats as they not far away and are available in opposition to you, offering facet and entrance angles of the floats from a distance, you’ll additionally see any other ‘layer’ of floats at the different facet of The town Sq.. This provides larger intensity to the parade and makes it extra relaxing.
In case you watch Starlight from the Primary Side road Theater facet, this additionally makes for a fast go out to overcome the mass exodus, in case you so want. Or, as discussed above, you’ll be able to take the bypass within the different route and in finding your self deeper in Magic Kingdom sooner than issues get chaotic.
Despite the fact that technically a part of Primary Side road versus The town Sq., this advice comprises the overall ‘bend’ that’s immediately in entrance of the Emporium. This spot may also be busier for the primary parade, nevertheless it must be simple to clutch a Thankfully Ever After fireworks in the midst of Primary Side road again by means of the Emporium after which shifting to the curb for the parade.
This makes for a decrease stakes 1-2 punch of the fireworks adopted by means of the parade, versus the wrong way round. Possibly most significantly, this makes for a fast and simple go out after the parade passes at park final. You must be capable to beat the push and be on a bus, boat, or monorail by means of round 11:30 p.m., which is tricky from spots additional down Primary Side road or in Frontierland and Liberty Sq..
Right through the parade course, I want places the place the curvature of the parade course is such that the floats are heading directing in opposition to you and go in entrance of you. For essentially the most phase, this similar thought in fact applies within the Central Plaza–I simply wouldn’t counsel it for the primary parade because it fills up so rapid.
Any other just right spot like that is in Liberty Sq. in entrance of the previous Riverboat Touchdown, or at the reverse facet throughout from Corridor of Presidents. Lots of the spots on this house are lovely just right–you simply don’t have a perfect backdrop.
There also are a couple of sections of this course that most effective permit a pair rows of viewing. It’s a identical tale in spaces of Frontierland; there also are spots there that let for increased viewing. Simply be certain that the place you’re status is in fact parade viewing and now not a crowd drift hall (search for tape at the floor).
You’ll most definitely in finding numerous recommendation in different places that Liberty Sq. and Frontierland are the most efficient Starlight spots as a result of they’re the least crowded. That is technically true, however once more, you’re ready longer for the parade to reach.
Because of this you can’t beat the mass exodus. You additionally can not safe a great place for Thankfully Ever After. In spite of everything, you can’t beat the group deeper into Magic Kingdom to trip Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate, TRON Lightcycle Run, or different headliners (with the exception of Tiana’s Bayou Journey, however that isn’t high-demand at evening within the first position).
Those are all issues to provide vital weight to in case you’re staring at the primary Starlight efficiency. It’s now not simply how lengthy you wait sooner than the parade steps off, it’s overall time dedication and the way your parade spot units you up for what comes subsequent. In case you’re staring at the second one Starlight, there’s in truth no level settling for a subpar spot given the benefit of securing higher spots.
A technique that Frontierland or Liberty Sq. could make sense for the second one parade is in case you race to a trip instantly after Thankfully Ever After after which clutch a final minute spot for Starlight.
You may be able to knock out Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate, at which level it’s too past due to go back to Primary Side road. Scoring a place in Liberty Sq. is more uncomplicated at that time, each in relation to navigating the parade course and being purchased just a little of additional time till the floats arrive.
I’m additionally a large fan of a pair particular spots in Frontierland and Liberty Sq.. The primary is immediately reverse Sleepy Hole, proper at the different facet of the bridge. This will come up with a blank shot of the parade coming around the bridge with Cinderella Fort within the background (see above).
The opposite is anyplace in Frontierland that’s increased. There are a number of such spots, together with in entrance of Nation Endure Jamboree. As an added bonus, those perspectives in the back of the primary row of other people supply sufficient clearance that you’ll be able to watch the parade manner from a distance, and take footage that experience Cinderella Fort within the background (see under).
In spite of everything, a few suggestions. The primary is that you just don’t want to sweat Starlight an excessive amount of. If all of this sounds overwhelming, or in case you’re now not a parade consumer however nonetheless wish to test it out, you’ll be able to get a “dangerous” again row spot comfortably on the final minute and now not omit a lot.
As lined in our Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away Evaluation, this parade has a horrible floor sport. This in part turns out useful, as lots of the floats are massive and increased, bearing in mind a perfect view even from a distance. So even ~5 rows deep, you’re seeing 95% of what issues simply wonderful.
My final piece of recommendation could be grabbing one thing to consume whilst looking forward to Starlight. Everybody goes to advise sending a runner to Casey’s Nook or Sleepy Hole for warm canines or waffles. And that’s sage knowledge–I’d counsel likewise. However this weblog is all about deeper cuts, and zigging once they zag. So my recommendation is doing that, but additionally sending a runner over to Auntie Gravity’s in Tomorrowland for Salted Caramel Comfortable Serve. This ice cream hits the spot, and the fast line plus the strolling will nonetheless take much less time than Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Primary Side road.
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Your Ideas?
Have you ever attempted staring at Starlight Evening Parade at Magic Kingdom? Do you have got favourite and least favourite viewing spots? Like or dislike those we’ve beneficial? First as opposed to 2d appearing Starlight? Do you settle or disagree with our review on crowds and the effort of securing spots for the primary parade? Any questions? Listening to your comments–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please proportion your ideas under within the feedback!
Disney Starlight Evening Parade is drawing colossal crowds to Magic Kingdom within the evenings, with Primary Side road packed ~2 hours early for top places. Our information covers perfect & worst perspectives, so you’ll be able to spend much less time ready, see the parade and Thankfully Ever After fireworks, make a handy guide a rough go out, or {photograph} it from the number one location. Those field-tested pointers & tips can help you display up half-hour or much less and nonetheless rating a impressive last-minute spot for Starlight.
That is Walt Disney Global’s first evening parade in kind of a decade, and primary new evening parade since I used to be a child. And I’m now not younger. In consequence, the parade course is full of other people. We can not overstate simply busy Primary Side road in Magic Kingdom is within the evenings for Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away and the Thankfully Ever After fireworks.
Let’s get started with a caution: this isn’t going to switch anytime quickly. In case you’re pondering you’ll be able to “wait out” the crowds and seek advice from in October or December 2025, and even someday in Iciness 2026, you’re wrong. As a vacationer vacation spot, Walt Disney Global has a gradual movement of first-timers and rare guests. Understand that one 3rd of tourists to Walt Disney Global nonetheless have now not noticed Pandora: The Global of Avatar and it’s been open for almost a decade.
Suffice to mention, Starlight goes to have that “new parade scent” for a very long time. This shouldn’t in point of fact come as a wonder to lovers, as even the mediocre Disney Appeal used to be nonetheless drawing huge crowds in opposition to the top of its run as Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary wound down. Starlight is far better than that. For the most efficient view, visitors are recently tenting out roughly two hours prematurely to look Starlight’s previous showtime.
Something we do be expecting to look trade to some extent is how early visitors stake out spots. At the moment, locals and hardcore lovers are arriving very early–previous than important. In contrast, consciousness of Starlight amongst moderate visitors nonetheless isn’t excessive and many of us nonetheless don’t even know there’s a midnight parade in Magic Kingdom (that may sound asinine given the PR push, however in case you’re studying this, you’re now not the common visitor).
That is an peculiar dynamic and it’s arduous to mention the way it’ll play out. Diehards will forestall appearing up as early, while common visitors will arrive previous. Now not a complete ~2 hours, as a result of their holiday time is effective, but additionally now not final minute. We noticed this again when Primary Side road Electric Parade returned to Magic Kingdom, in addition to with the debuts of Thankfully Ever After and Disney Appeal, in addition to the go back of the previous.
This isn’t intended to scare you out of staring at Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away. The evening parade is de facto value it, and as we discussed above, you don’t want to turn up 2+ hours prematurely to pre-claim after which camp out. Nice spots may also be more uncomplicated to get if you recognize what you’re doing, which is the entire level of this information.
Actually, I’ve already noticed Starlight over a dozen occasions from greater than 10 other viewing places. This information has been devised in response to my firsthand reviews with seeing Starlight in-person at Magic Kingdom on some very busy nights early in its run (even in excessive crowds, motivated visitors can catch Starlight as much as 4 occasions in line with evening). The ones reviews have been likewise knowledgeable by means of staring at Primary Side road Electric Parade and SpectroMagic masses of occasions again within the day. Right here’s the whole thing you want to grasp…
Showtimes for Disney Starlight Evening Parade
Earlier than we dig into viewing pointers, let’s get started with the fundamentals. Disney Starlight is gifted two times nightly, and recently rolls down the parade course beginning at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Right here’s the overall Magic Kingdom midnight time table:
- Starlight Parade: 9 pm
- Thankfully Ever After: 10 pm
- Starlight Parade: 11 pm
- Park Remaining: 11 pm
Those occasions do shift right through the yr in response to sundown and park ops, so you’ll want to take a look at the day by day leisure time table in case you’re visiting lengthy after that is revealed.
The remainder of the information must stay kind of correct–timing is the large person who’s matter to switch, and can most definitely trade once August or September 2025, and once more in November 2025.
Opposite Parade Course for Starlight
Starlight starts on Primary Side road U.S.A. and travels alongside the parade course in opposition to Frontierland to permit for higher visitor drift on the finish of the evening. That is in keeping with what Magic Kingdom in the past did for Primary Side road Electric Parade and SpectroMagic, and in contrast to maximum different parades.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away travels within the “opposite” route, up Primary Side road in opposition to Frontierland for each performances. The explanation for this opposite course is lovely easy: it permits for the parade to go visitors nearer to the go out, after which the ones visitors to go out the park in a orderly model.
There’s a stable movement of visitors in a position to go away their spots as Starlight passes, which means crowd drift regulates itself naturally. This is far better than the opposite, which is how the primary Paint the Evening performs out at Disneyland, with a visitor cavalcade trailing the parade that’s so full of folks that it seems to be just a little unsafe!
Starlight + Thankfully Ever After
The above hour gaps between midnight leisure plus shuttle time of Starlight method it’s kind of 9:30 p.m. as soon as the parade clears the Central Plaza in entrance of Cinderella Fort. Because of this, many visitors strategically choose Starlight spots that can also be just right for Thankfully Ever After at 10 p.m. Even as soon as the showtimes shift ahead, this dynamic will exist since the hole will nonetheless be identical.
That is logical, and it leads to the Hub/Central Plaza being a long way and away the busiest viewing house for Starlight. That’s since you aren’t tenting out 90 mins to two.5 hours for simply Starlight, however a blended 2-3 hours for each. Whilst that is definitely one possibility, it’s now not essentially what we advise.
As an alternative, we’d advise staking out a lower-demand spot in opposition to the entrance of the park and following Starlight up alongside the course. You’ll now not be swimming upstream on this case as long as you’re rather with reference to the again of the parade. That is the way in which the group instantly in the back of Starlight will drift.
The exodus within the different route happens with just a little of a lag, so you’ll be able to “draft” at the parade deeper into the park and safe a primary spot for Thankfully Ever After with relative ease. (See Absolute best & Worst Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Spots.)
You could imagine taking this a step additional, securing a place in The town Sq. close to Primary Side road Theater and instantly heading up the parade bypass hall as soon as Starlight passes. You’ll then arrive deeper onto Primary Side road close to the Plaza sooner than the parade even passes, and rather simply paintings your approach into the Central Plaza.
One day, this bypass does convert to one-way visitors out of the park, however that shouldn’t be the case at this level. A identical manner works at the different facet of The town Sq. and going throughout the Emporium (now you recognize why that hall used to be widened).
What I will not overemphasize with any of those approaches is that you want to be in a position to transport as quickly because the parade passes. Don’t spend 5-10 mins collecting your staff. That can lead to preventing the group as you’ll be swimming upstream.
Alternatively, there’s nonetheless a fair higher manner…
Previous vs. Later Starlight
The primary efficiency of Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away is at all times busier than the second one efficiency. It’s now not even a remotely shut name. This must make sense, as Magic Kingdom’s core demographic is households with babies, and staying till after 11 p.m. is a large ask for lots of of them. Even many visitors with out youngsters don’t notice that the second one parade is considerably much less crowded.
In case you most effective remove something from this viewing information, it’s that you just must watch the second one Starlight Evening Parade as a substitute of the primary if in any respect conceivable. That’s the number one tip, as that’s the unmarried best possible and most suitable choice for spending much less time tenting out. Now not most effective are the crowds simply two times as massive for the primary parade (even if that might trade over the years), however additionally they arrive two times as early.
So as a substitute of staring at Starlight after which Thankfully Ever After, turn the script and watch Thankfully Ever After after which Starlight. (The largest drawback of this manner isn’t doing an end-of-night trip, no less than with the present 9-10-11 time table, until you’re in point of fact competitive!)
The parade course hits capability for the primary parade and visitors are a number of rows deep, while that doesn’t occur for the second one Starlight. Even already, there were occasions the place it’s worthwhile to rating a entrance row spot for Starlight because the parade is stepping off, particularly in Liberty Sq. and Frontierland.
While many visitors arrive 90 to 120 mins sooner than the primary efficiency, that isn’t even conceivable for the second one. There isn’t that a lot time at the clock as soon as Thankfully Ever After ends. Because of this the ‘mud settles’ at the parade course round 10:30 pm, which is concerning the earliest other people will get started tenting out for the second one appearing.
Something to notice this is that the imbalance between the primary and 2d parade will trade over the years. This may increasingly happen as showtimes transfer ahead due to previous sundown occasions in wintry weather. It additionally occur as phrase will get out about the second one efficiency being much less crowded–someday, Walt Disney Global will nearly definitely get started making parkwide bulletins with this information at round ~8 p.m. In spite of everything, the dynamic will trade all through Birthday party Season, as call for spikes and the parade course hits capability for the primary efficiency.
What Time(s) to Stake Out Starlight Spots
The parade course in point of fact begins filling in about 90 mins prematurely of the primary efficiency, and that is recently the ‘candy spot’ if you wish to have a place on Primary Side road. This may increasingly trade over the years as crowd ranges lower and build up, particularly as soon as Magic Kingdom is open past due fewer nights every week all through Birthday party Season.
The primary house to replenish is the Central Plaza in entrance of Cinderella Fort (nearer to 120 mins), adopted by means of up and down Primary Side road USA (90 mins), after which The town Sq. (no less than an hour). Frontierland and Liberty Sq. are slowest to replenish, with spots to be had for the primary parade 45 mins sooner than Starlight steps off.
Simply remember the fact that it takes longer for the parade to get to Tiana’s Bayou Journey than it does Primary Side road Theater, so 60 mins in The town Sq. vs. 45 mins in entrance of Pecos Invoice finally ends up being about the similar. And the ones previous viewpoints additionally permit extra time to put for Thankfully Ever After or, then again, beating the post-parade crowd out of the park or to sights with shorter waits.
For the second one parade, you’ll be able to arrive a lot later. The preferred spot will replenish instantly after Thankfully Ever After and Primary Side road will develop into busy ~half-hour prematurely, however The town Sq. incessantly has a scattering of entrance row spots after that, every so often up till quarter-hour sooner than the second one parade steps off. Over in Frontierland and Liberty Sq., you could discover a high spot in a while sooner than the parade arrives.
Actually, I’ve been in a position to discover a impressive location ~10 mins sooner than the parade arrived. This isn’t atypical, particularly in case you’re keen to face. You’ll stroll as much as a just right view rather final minute on many nights for the second one performances, while you’ll be a number of rows deep and feature your view obstructed in case you take a look at that with the primary efficiency.
It’s not tricky in any respect to have a tight view despite the fact that you arrive proper because the parade does. It most definitely gained’t be entrance row in case you’re on Primary Side road, nevertheless it may well be in Liberty Sq. or Frontierland. I’ve scored nice spots arriving after 11:15 p.m. on the finish of the parade course.
Absolute best & Worst Images Spots for Starlight
My all-time #1 spot for just about any parade is true in the back of the flagpole with a view up Primary Side road (aka Christmas Tree Level). That is hardly ever a secret, and is the most popular vantage of 9 out of 10 photographers. And there are numerous Disney fan photogs available in the market. That is nonetheless some of the first stops to replenish, although Christmas Tree Level is an objectively terrible spot for Starlight because of the opposite parade course.
The underlying thought is similar for Starlight, it’s only a other spot because of the opposite course. My ‘secret’ hack for securing parade spots has lengthy been to camp out off to the facet the place a rope will move up someday to create a viewing house in the street. This occurs in each The town Sq. (in entrance of the Emporium) and the Central Plaza (Crystal Palace facet) as a result of Starlight loops round each, growing viewing spaces in what would another way be side road.
This hack most often works smartly at tourist-centric Walt Disney Global, however locals and photographers are smartly acutely aware of this trick. In consequence, the road segment fills up early, too. Beneath is how this seems to be within the Central Plaza:
Except you’re a photographer, we don’t counsel this spot within the Central Plaza. Sure, it gives an image very best view with Cinderella Fort within the background. However it comes with critical downsides.
The primary is that its the quickest to replenish for the primary parade, as area is very restricted on this house. This implies arriving no less than 2 hours prematurely, after which doing this awkward tune and dance. If the rope isn’t up but (it gained’t be), you’re simply status on the street like a dummy, impeding crowd drift. This annoys different visitors.
That’s assuming Forged Contributors can help you stand there 2 hours prematurely. In the event that they don’t (and so they most definitely gained’t), you’re then doing a distinct (however similarly awkward) tune and dance with different visitors who’re additionally “competing” for this spot. Now we have already noticed tensions flare right here and visitors change heated phrases, which then turns into doubly awkward as they’re probably camped out subsequent to each other for a pair hours. Now not precisely the perfect vibe for taking part in a parade!
It’s no higher after the fireworks. Whilst the spot is objectively more uncomplicated and not more time-consuming to safe, the larger downside is the Magic Kingdom mass exodus. There’s a stable movement of visitors seeking to go out the Central Plaza…and this wall of visitors seeking to reinforce their positions, insurrection police taste.
Now we have additionally noticed tensions flare between common visitors seeking to go out and this line of photographers, however I suppose the upside is that the road is unified and now not antagonistic with one any other, and the disenchanted visitors are nonetheless exiting the realm. Both approach, don’t hassle with this until you’re a critical photographer.
I’d argue that it isn’t even important for many photographers (save for the ones in need of maximum or all of Cinderella Fort). I in point of fact like this spot when the usage of a large perspective lens, however would now not hassle if the usage of the rest above 35mm. There are more uncomplicated choices.
Absolute best & Worst Viewing Spots for Starlight
Whilst the Cinderella Fort view within the Central Plaza is the only best spot for seeing Starlight, the whole lot of Primary Side road is an in depth 2d. The excellent news is that there’s a lot more area up and down Primary Side road, so there’s each extra capability and decrease call for.
The dangerous information is that it’s nonetheless very talked-about. And in truth, the hall of Primary Side road is just a little overvalued for viewing Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away. It’s the primary segment to replenish and despite the fact that you place within the arduous ‘paintings’ for a entrance row spot, you nonetheless may have your view obstructed.
It’s because the parade isn’t coming instantly in opposition to you on Primary Side road. The parade is most effective coming near you in case you flip sideways, through which case you’re taking a look previous different visitors who’re in keeping with you. This creates a doubtlessly awkward dynamic the place visitors attaining out with their telephones or cameras, and even simply leaning out, can in part block your view.
Because of this, in case you will have to watch from the Primary Side road curb, we advise hanging a trash can between you and the Educate Station. It’s a less than excellent resolution, however will give you just a little of a buffer. Clearly, this additionally method sitting/status subsequent to a trash can, which may also be tense in case you’re there for an hour-plus and persons are continuously throwing away their trash. Except your identify is Oscar.
On the subject of Primary Side road viewing, my favourite spots are both in the back of Companions (principally Starlight’s model of Christmas Tree Level, with the exception of with the Educate Station as a background as a substitute of Cinderella Fort) or close to Casey’s Nook (in the back of a trash can).
Each have the benefit of lengthy approaches and the parade then curving previous the course. In the back of Companions is indisputably higher from this standpoint, nevertheless it’s additionally in upper call for for the primary parade because of Thankfully Ever After viewing.
I’d most effective counsel those places for the second one parade; they replenish too rapid for the primary. Since Starlight debuted, I’ve been in a position to attain either one of those spots not up to half-hour sooner than showtime. I’ve attempted sooner than the primary parade, and each have been overall nonstarters even 2 hours prematurely.
My #1 viewing advice for Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away is across the bends in The town Sq..
I’d strongly counsel being at the outer perimeter of The town Sq. versus the interior circle. You additionally wish to be at some of the curved sections, versus the straightaway immediately below the Educate Station. That is vital since the parade curls round The town Sq., so maximum spots alongside the outer perimeter will provide you with an extended view of the parade. You notice it coming near and crossing immediately in entrance of you. Higher for taking part in and for images.
Along with seeing the floats as they not far away and are available in opposition to you, offering facet and entrance angles of the floats from a distance, you’ll additionally see any other ‘layer’ of floats at the different facet of The town Sq.. This provides larger intensity to the parade and makes it extra relaxing.
In case you watch Starlight from the Primary Side road Theater facet, this additionally makes for a fast go out to overcome the mass exodus, in case you so want. Or, as discussed above, you’ll be able to take the bypass within the different route and in finding your self deeper in Magic Kingdom sooner than issues get chaotic.
Despite the fact that technically a part of Primary Side road versus The town Sq., this advice comprises the overall ‘bend’ that’s immediately in entrance of the Emporium. This spot may also be busier for the primary parade, nevertheless it must be simple to clutch a Thankfully Ever After fireworks in the midst of Primary Side road again by means of the Emporium after which shifting to the curb for the parade.
This makes for a decrease stakes 1-2 punch of the fireworks adopted by means of the parade, versus the wrong way round. Possibly most significantly, this makes for a fast and simple go out after the parade passes at park final. You must be capable to beat the push and be on a bus, boat, or monorail by means of round 11:30 p.m., which is tricky from spots additional down Primary Side road or in Frontierland and Liberty Sq..
Right through the parade course, I want places the place the curvature of the parade course is such that the floats are heading directing in opposition to you and go in entrance of you. For essentially the most phase, this similar thought in fact applies within the Central Plaza–I simply wouldn’t counsel it for the primary parade because it fills up so rapid.
Any other just right spot like that is in Liberty Sq. in entrance of the previous Riverboat Touchdown, or at the reverse facet throughout from Corridor of Presidents. Lots of the spots on this house are lovely just right–you simply don’t have a perfect backdrop.
There also are a couple of sections of this course that most effective permit a pair rows of viewing. It’s a identical tale in spaces of Frontierland; there also are spots there that let for increased viewing. Simply be certain that the place you’re status is in fact parade viewing and now not a crowd drift hall (search for tape at the floor).
You’ll most definitely in finding numerous recommendation in different places that Liberty Sq. and Frontierland are the most efficient Starlight spots as a result of they’re the least crowded. That is technically true, however once more, you’re ready longer for the parade to reach.
Because of this you can’t beat the mass exodus. You additionally can not safe a great place for Thankfully Ever After. In spite of everything, you can’t beat the group deeper into Magic Kingdom to trip Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate, TRON Lightcycle Run, or different headliners (with the exception of Tiana’s Bayou Journey, however that isn’t high-demand at evening within the first position).
Those are all issues to provide vital weight to in case you’re staring at the primary Starlight efficiency. It’s now not simply how lengthy you wait sooner than the parade steps off, it’s overall time dedication and the way your parade spot units you up for what comes subsequent. In case you’re staring at the second one Starlight, there’s in truth no level settling for a subpar spot given the benefit of securing higher spots.
A technique that Frontierland or Liberty Sq. could make sense for the second one parade is in case you race to a trip instantly after Thankfully Ever After after which clutch a final minute spot for Starlight.
You may be able to knock out Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate, at which level it’s too past due to go back to Primary Side road. Scoring a place in Liberty Sq. is more uncomplicated at that time, each in relation to navigating the parade course and being purchased just a little of additional time till the floats arrive.
I’m additionally a large fan of a pair particular spots in Frontierland and Liberty Sq.. The primary is immediately reverse Sleepy Hole, proper at the different facet of the bridge. This will come up with a blank shot of the parade coming around the bridge with Cinderella Fort within the background (see above).
The opposite is anyplace in Frontierland that’s increased. There are a number of such spots, together with in entrance of Nation Endure Jamboree. As an added bonus, those perspectives in the back of the primary row of other people supply sufficient clearance that you’ll be able to watch the parade manner from a distance, and take footage that experience Cinderella Fort within the background (see under).
In spite of everything, a few suggestions. The primary is that you just don’t want to sweat Starlight an excessive amount of. If all of this sounds overwhelming, or in case you’re now not a parade consumer however nonetheless wish to test it out, you’ll be able to get a “dangerous” again row spot comfortably on the final minute and now not omit a lot.
As lined in our Disney Starlight: Dream the Evening Away Evaluation, this parade has a horrible floor sport. This in part turns out useful, as lots of the floats are massive and increased, bearing in mind a perfect view even from a distance. So even ~5 rows deep, you’re seeing 95% of what issues simply wonderful.
My final piece of recommendation could be grabbing one thing to consume whilst looking forward to Starlight. Everybody goes to advise sending a runner to Casey’s Nook or Sleepy Hole for warm canines or waffles. And that’s sage knowledge–I’d counsel likewise. However this weblog is all about deeper cuts, and zigging once they zag. So my recommendation is doing that, but additionally sending a runner over to Auntie Gravity’s in Tomorrowland for Salted Caramel Comfortable Serve. This ice cream hits the spot, and the fast line plus the strolling will nonetheless take much less time than Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Primary Side road.
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Your Ideas?
Have you ever attempted staring at Starlight Evening Parade at Magic Kingdom? Do you have got favourite and least favourite viewing spots? Like or dislike those we’ve beneficial? First as opposed to 2d appearing Starlight? Do you settle or disagree with our review on crowds and the effort of securing spots for the primary parade? Any questions? Listening to your comments–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please proportion your ideas under within the feedback!
