Where to View Disney World’s Starlight Parade

The Magic Kingdom’s Main Street is practically humming with pixie dust and excitement – because after almost a decade, there is a new nighttime parade at Disney World. And whenever something new comes along, we have a lot to discover. In this article, we’re focusing on where to watch the parade, when to stake out your spot, and how quickly and easily you can leave. To learn more about the parade itself, see Five Things to Know About Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.

What’s the Parade Route for Disney Starlight Parade?

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away has officially debuted, and we have a plot twist! The parade route begins at Main Street and ends at Frontierland, which is the exact opposite of the other parades in the Magic Kingdom. Current performances are at 9:00 and 11:00 pm, with Happily Ever After lighting up the skies at 10:00. We do expect those times to move earlier in the winter months, so check your My Disney Experience.

This is the same route the Main Street Electrical Parade used, but let’s be honest, it was a long time ago, and many of us don’t remember the best viewing spots. (Or never saw that parade at all!) So, of course, Touring Plans sent testers into the field.

What’s Your Family’s Viewing Strategy for Disney Starlight Parade?

We recognize that each family has its own needs when choosing the perfect spot, so we rated on a few categories. And we also want to note that the floats are tall, with only Tinkerbell walking on ground level. If your goal is to enjoy the parade, and you aren’t worried about photos, you might not need to be in the front row.

• View: Obviously, the sweet spot for pictures is just across from Cinderella’s Castle. Unfortunately, that takes a determination our team did not have. We also value a straight shot where no bubble wands can block your view.
• Easy Exit: An exit strategy is sometimes critical. And I will say, the flip-flopped parade route does assist with this goal!
• Short Wait Time: Tickets to Disney are an investment, and many families want to spend every moment exploring the park. Waiting for three hours might not be an option.
• Comfort: A wall or, Hallelujah, a bench is vital for you to enjoy the parade. Snacks nearby – even better!
• Accessibility: Wheelchairs and ECVs are welcome everywhere, and there are three areas reserved for guests with wheels.

Where are the Best Places to Watch the Disney Starlight Parade?

Across from the Fire Station

Good for: Those looking for a View and Easy Exit. Anywhere in Town Square can be good, but we mean specifically, across from the bathrooms that are between the Fire Station and City Hall. Why? Zero hats or bubble wands photo-bombing your pictures. The view is the beginning of the parade, and it’s a straight shot. Plus, when the parade has passed by, you are halfway to the ferry before the crowds even start moving. Our tester was on the ferry by 9:27 – and the parade had a delayed start.

The trade-off: this spot feels obvious to many. Be there by 6:30 pm. (Maybe 7:00 if the parade isn’t quite so new anymore when you get a chance to see it.)

Liberty Square – At the Stockade

Good for: Those looking for a View. This might be the best view in the park that doesn’t involve the castle. First, it’s completely unobstructed views of the parade as it comes over the bridge into Liberty Square. Then, the floats turn right in front of you, giving epic side angles for photos and video. Plus, snacks are nearby, both the Market and Sleepy Hollow.

To exit efficiently, I followed the parade to the cut-through into Adventureland.

Main Street U.S.A.

Good for: Those looking for a View and Easy(ish) Exit, plus fireworks. If you are planning to see the Starlight Parade and Happily Ever After, Main Street is your spot. We camped out across from the Main Street Cinema, but anywhere on Main Street will work. The energy here is electric, especially when the lights drop and the first float sparkles into view. Arrive by 7:00 pm if you have a family, 7:30 if there are just a few of you.

If you don’t go much closer to the castle than the Cinema, exiting is pretty quick after either the 9:00 or the 11:00 pm parade. From this location, leaving after the fireworks will be worse than the parades.

Liberty Square and Frontierland

Good for: Those looking for Comfort and a View. If sitting is non-negotiable, head to Liberty Square and Frontierland. There are actual benches around the Hall of Presidents. And there are walls along the parade view that are at least better than standing.

Unfortunately, these spots are filled up hours before the parade begins. The good news is that anyone who creeps in front of the benches typically sits on the ground, so you should have a pretty direct view. Oh, and did I mention – Sleepy Hollow and the Market are close by for snacks?

Frontierland – near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Good for: Last-Minute Magic. Are you looking to squeeze in every last ride before parade time? Frontierland near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is your best bet. You can usually grab a spot 10-15 minutes before the parade begins. Especially for the 11:00 performance.

For the fastest exit, scoot over to Adventureland through the cut-through.

Where is the Accessible Viewing for Disney Starlight?

Good News! Magic Kingdom has added another area reserved for guests with wheelchairs and scooters. The newest location is in Frontierland across from the DVC lounge. As you are leaving Liberty Square and approaching the Country Bear Jamboree, look for the roped-off area on your right. There are also areas near the Ye Old Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square and the Fire Station.

These areas are small and do not accommodate all of your family (the exact number allowed appears to change). And these locations fill up early! So you might have more success on Main Street.

We are thrilled to have a new parade sparkling past the guests through Magic Kingdom!

What’s your parade viewing style? Are you an early bird camper or a last-minute spot grabber? Let us know what you think of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away- and share your secret viewing tips (if you’re willing to give them up).