Photo of a bunch of Mickey balloons - Walt Disney World Spring Header 2
  • On Jan 3, 2026
    Sarah from AL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi! We’re planning a large family first time visit the last week of January, and we were so hoping to see the starlight parade, but it’s not listed on the calendar that week! Will that change? Our trip feels less magical now.

    Have I got some great news for you, Sarah! I think your first-time visit to the Walt Disney World Resort vacation is about to get a little extra magical! 

    The Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade at Magic Kingdom Park is scheduled to be presented most nights during the last week of January. The only night the parade is not scheduled is Tuesday, January 27, as Magic Kingdom closes at 4:30 PM that day.

    The Disney Starlight parade will take place each night at 7:45 PM. There will be an additional presentation at 10:00 PM on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday that same week.

    Sarah, if you’re planning to attend one of the evenings with both 7:45 and 10:00 shows, I recommend the later showing. The later showing is slightly less crowded. I also recommend watching the parade from the area around the Main Street, U.S.A. main entrance to the park. I like to view from the area where the flagpole is located. That area then allows you to leave the park after viewing the parade without much congestion.

    Have a great first visit, Sarah! Don't forget to grab your complimentary "first-time visit" buttons! These are available at the front desk of your resort hotel and at Guest Relations at any of the theme parks!

    Dreams do come true!

    Jonathan

thumbnail image for Jonathan

Meet the Panelist: Jonathan, Pennsylvania

Hi, everyone!  My name is Jonathan.  I am a Disney-adoring husband, dad of three sons, and elementary school principal from Pennsylvania.  If you're visiting planDisney with questions about the Most Magical Place on Earth, then Hakuna Matata because you've come to the right group of people!  I'm happy to use my past Disney-travel experiences and knowledge to help you enjoy every moment of your vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort! Learn More About Jonathan

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for First Timers at Walt Disney World | planDisney Podcast - Season 2 Episode 2 Full Episode

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.