Follow Along as Cast Members Prepare for “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away”
We are days away from the debut of Magic Kingdom’s new nighttime parade!
Photo: Disney
Of course, we’re talking about “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away”! We’ve already caught a glimpse of the parade’s merchandise, costumes, grand finale float, and original song–but there’s still more to see!
Let’s follow along as cast members make their final preparations!
Follow Along – Disney Starlight Preparations
Disney Parks Blog shared a look at a full day of preparations for the new parade. Let’s jump in!
6:55AM – Rehearsal Planning
Entertainment leaders work through the “rhythm of rehearsals and readiness” before the day begins.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
7:15AM – Early Morning Rehearsals Begin
Early morning rehearsals begin. The parade’s choreographer, Cindy Wilson, started the choreography process last year. She brought performers and maintenance choreographers to workshops to perfect details and figure out what worked and what didn’t.
Now that the process is complete, and the opening team of performers have been selected, unit rehearsals have begun. Each “unit” performs with a Disney character.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Soso, a performer, is shown above practicing with fans that represent waves. Of course, she’s performing alongside Moana!
8:35AM: Prepare for Costume Fittings
Costuming cast members start preparing for costume fittings. While their work goes unseen by guests, it’s their attention to detail that ensures the costumes “dazzle” every night night on the parade route!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
9:20AM: Wig Try-Ons
Cosmetologists help performers try on their wigs. This team helps support the performers by creating makeup and face painting plans, making wigs, and more!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
10:40AM: Rehearsal Continues
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
11:10AM: Final Fittings Begin
Final fittings begin for Disney Starlight. Disney Live Entertainment and operational leaders collaborated to create incredible, functional costumes.
They had to work through common issues like quick changes and the need for safely-lit pieces.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
12PM: Performers Move Outside for Mid-Day Rehearsal
The performers move outside for rehearsal, to test their training and see how the parade “naturally travels.”
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
1:45PM: Main Street Cast Members Prepare
Main Street cast members also prepare for their role in the parade!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
2:30PM: Cast Costume Try-Ons Continue
75 new garment designs were created for Disney Starlight, which means more than 10,000 costume pieces were created. So, needless to say, try-ons take some time!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
3:05PM: Maintenance Choreographers Demonstrate New Moves
Maintenance choreographers assist the creative choreographers in teaching blocking, choreography, and more. They also help troubleshoot issues, answer questions, and help maintain the parade’s high quality.
4:25PM: Face Painting Tutorials
Since most performers do their own hair and makeup, they have training sessions with the cosmetology teams first!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
(If help is needed, the cosmetology team is always nearby to help!)
5:50PM: Merchandise Preparations
The merchandise team prepares for their duty: build anticipation before the parade begins! Before the floats take over the route, this team will walk through with show-inspired merchandise to immerse guests in Disney Starlight!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
6:25PM: Rehearsal Continues
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
7:15PM: Engineering Services Preserves the Magic
Of course, the Engineering Services team has a huge role in bringing Disney Starlight to life! They get the floats ready to go, configure the lighting and audio, develop charging solutions, and more.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Once the parade debutes, they will perform routine inspections to maintain the quality of magic!
7:55PM: Food & Beverage Cast Members Prepare
What’s a parade without something to snack on? The Food & Beverage cast members also have to prepare for their critical role in the parade experience.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
8:10PM: Entertainment Technicians Help Performers with New Tech
As technology advances, so do the parades! Entertainment technicians have to help performers into these new devices.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
9:00PM: Overnight Rehearsals Begin
Overnight rehearsals are required to test the parade route choreography, float maneuvers, lighting, and audio.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
10:30PM: Parade Captains Move Floats Into Park
The parade captains must guide the floats into the park as overnight rehearsals continue.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
11:10PM: Attraction Cast Members Sneak a Peek
This isn’t just our first time in years seeing a nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom–it’s the first time for cast members too!
So, naturally, they sneak a peek when they can.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
12AM: Performers See a Float Light Up
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
1:30AM: Parade Captains Watch Floats on Parade Route
(They’re seeing the floats parade down the route for the very first time!)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
2:20AM: Drivers Practice In New Floats
Learning from past parades, the new floats have brand new technology, standardizing the driving experience througout the parade.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
3:45AM: Parade Captains Teach New Drivers
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
4:25AM: New Float Drivers Continue Practicing
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
5:00AM: Entertainment Leaders Debrief Group
Leaders gather the cast to discuss progress, express gratitude, and keep the energy going!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
6:40AM: Custodial Cast Prepare Park
Custodial cast members working the third shift keep the park clean and ensure the parade route is ready for guests once again.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Phew! Talk about a full day. We can’t wait to see the parade when it finally debuts!
And we’ll keep updating you with the latest about the parade, so stay tuned to MickeyBlog.com.
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Photo: Disney
