Disney fans were eagerly anticipating Magic Kingdom’s first nighttime parade in over a decade. Starlight: Dream the Night Away was set to debut this Sunday, but guests at Magic Kingdom today are getting a special treat.Credit: DisneyWithout much notice or fanfare, Disney announced that the Starlight Parade will have a soft opening tonight at Magic Kingdom. The parade will only be performed at 9 p.m. on July 18.Not only does the soft opening give guests an unexpected treat, but it also gives cast members in the parade a chance to experience a live audience before its official opening on Sunday. This is also an opportunity for cast members in crowd control to work out any kinks before the parade goes live.Credit: DisneyDisney expects large crowds for the parade’s debut on Sunday, so this will give all the cast members a chance to work in front of a slightly smaller audience before its official debut. Disney did not announce if there would be a second soft opening on Saturday, July 19.When the Starlight Parade debuts on Sunday, it will include two showtimes at 9 and 11 p.m. Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After will run between the parades at 10 p.m.This isn't concept art. This is real lights. pic.twitter.com/gEVKtjz0uj— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 11, 2025Starlight will take a different route, starting at Main Street, U.S.A., and ending at Frontierland, unlike other parades at Magic Kingdom. Disney created this parade route to help expedite guests leaving the park after the parade is finished.Disney Starlight was first announced last August at the D23 Expo. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will feature parade floats with the Disney Princess, Coco, Encanto, Frozen, Moana, or the released concept art suggests. Since then, Disney has also released some of the music that will be included in the parade.If you happen to be anywhere in Disney World tonight, head over to Magic Kingdom and you’ll have a chance to see Disney history with the park’s newest parade.What are you most looking forward to seeing at Disney’s Starlight Parade? Let us know in the comments. The post Breaking: Disney Quietly Announces Starlight Parade Will Have Soft Opening at Magic Kingdom Tonight appeared first on Inside the Magic.