David Duffy with Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie in their parade costumes in front of Finale Float for Disney Starlight nighttime parade concept art - image by Dani Meyering

Who’s in Magic Kingdom’s Disney Starlight Parade? Full Character List for Families

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Disney’s newest nighttime parade is here—and it’s a dream come true for families who love character sightings, glowing floats, and magical music. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away debuted this summer at Magic Kingdom and brings together some of Disney’s most beloved characters in one unforgettable celebration.

This all-new nighttime parade is full of heart, starlight, and surprises—including a brand-new train character named Whimsy who’s already stealing the show. There are so many new rides and attractions at Disney World, it's truly impressive!

So, is it worth keeping the kids up to see it? If your little ones light up at the sight of Disney characters, the answer is yes.

What to Know About the New Disney Starlight Parade (Including Characters!)

Bringing the characters of Starlight: Dream the Night Away to life was a massive creative effort by Disney Imagineers, blending classic animation inspiration with cutting-edge technology.

Peter Pan characters photography by Steven Diaz, Kenslie McGuire, Omark Reyes, and Matt Stroshane of Disney Starlight nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom
Peter Pan characters photography by Steven Diaz, Kenslie McGuire, Omark Reyes, and Matt Stroshane

Each character’s float began as a simple sketch before evolving into detailed models and fully realized set pieces. The design team worked to reflect each character’s story through music, lighting, and movement.

For example, Moana’s float uses thousands of LED light pixels to mimic ocean waves, while Miguel’s updated look in the Coco segment features vibrant lighting and culturally rich details that honor the film’s heart. Costumes were also carefully crafted using illuminated fabrics, keeping performers visible while maintaining the elegance of traditional Disney style.

Coco characters photography by Steven Diaz, Kenslie McGuire, Omark Reyes, and Matt Stroshane of Disney Starlight nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom
Coco characters photography by Steven Diaz, Kenslie McGuire, Omark Reyes, and Matt Stroshane

A standout creation is Whimsy, the brand-new starlight train who leads the grand finale. Inspired by vintage Disney animation and characters like Casey Jr., Whimsy is fully animated with expressive eyes, glowing steam effects, and a playful personality. The float carrying Mickey, Minnie, and other iconic couples trails behind him, serving as a heartfelt tribute to Disney magic across generations.

With GPS-triggered music syncing, character choreography, and nods to legendary Disney artists like Mary Blair, the parade is more than entertainment; it’s an emotional journey designed to light up the night and leave families smiling all the way home.

Every Character in the Starlight Parade

We’ve organized the full character lineup below. This info is helpful for parents deciding if their child’s favorite character is part of the show:

  • Blue Fairy

  • Pinocchio

  • Geppetto

  • Asha (Wish)

  • Mirabel, Isabela, and Bruno (Encanto)

  • Elsa (Frozen)

  • Aurora and Prince Phillip

  • Tiana and Prince Naveen

  • Belle and the Beast

  • Cinderella and Prince Charming

  • Miguel with Pepita (Coco)

  • Moana

  • Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, and Wendy

  • Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck

  • Snow White and Dopey

  • Rapunzel and Flynn Rider

  • Aladdin and Jasmine

  • Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

  • Whimsy, the all-new magical starlight train

Who’s in Magic Kingdom's Disney Starlight Parade? Full Character List for Families
Encanto characters photography by Steven Diaz, Kenslie McGuire, Omark Reyes, and Matt Stroshane

From classic princesses and adventurous duos to newer favorites like Asha and Mirabel, this parade spans generations of Disney storytelling.

Pro-tip: See if you can spot Hei Hei as Moana sails by, and look for Jiminy Cricket at the very end of the parade as a wink to SpectroMagic.

Is It Worth Staying Late?

This is one of the most character-packed nighttime parades Disney has ever done, so if your child loves spotting their favorites, it’s worth it. Seeing so many Disney stories come to life in one parade can feel like a highlight of the day.

The 9 PM show is a great option for families who might not be able to stay for the 10 PM fireworks. If that’s the case, aim for a spot on Main Street, U.S.A., where the parade begins. You’ll catch it early and can make your exit before the crowds build up.

And if your crew has the energy, the 11 PM performance tends to be less crowded, giving you more flexibility and space to enjoy the show.

Starlight Parade Route

The parade kicks off in Main Street, U.S.A., makes its way past the Cinderella Castle hub, continues through Liberty Square, and wraps up in Frontierland (following the same reverse route once used by SpectroMagic). This route has a few perks for families. Frontierland is typically less crowded, making it easier to grab a spot closer to showtime.

Read more: Insider Tips for Viewing Disney Starlight Parade

The parade is divided into themed segments, each with its own float design, music, and characters:

  • Pinocchio

  • Wish

  • Encanto

  • Frozen

  • Princess Couples

  • Coco

  • Moana

  • Peter Pan

  • Classic Disney Characters

  • Additional Princess Couples

  • Finale with Whimsy the Starlight Train

Imagineers didn’t just create a parade—they engineered a multi-sensory experience that breathes life into both legacy characters and new additions. For families and Disney fans, this new Disney Starlight parade seems like an instant classic, one that will be a favorite for many years.