November always sets the tone for a different kind of energy at Walt Disney World. The parks start to shift gears, and guests feel that the seasonal buzz kicks in, as schedules begin to look a little different from what they did just a week before.
Some of those changes are tiny. Others make fans immediately raise an eyebrow. This year, one particular entertainment shuffle has already sparked conversation among parkgoers who love Disney’s newest nighttime parade.
A Look at Disney’s Parade Tradition
Parades are one of those traditions that define a day at the Magic Kingdom. Guests line up early for that perfect curbside view, characters wave from towering floats, and music fills Main Street, U.S.A. It’s one of the most “Disney” things you can experience.
Festival of Fantasy continues to hold the crown as the park’s signature daytime parade. It marches through the park daily, bringing along Maleficent’s fiery dragon and colorful scenes from classic stories. Thankfully, for fans who plan around parade times, Festival of Fantasy won’t see any interruptions this November.
But all eyes aren’t just on the daytime spectacle anymore.
The New Nighttime Favorite Steals Hearts
Disney debuted the Disney Starlight Parade earlier this year, arriving in July 2025, and immediately capturing the attention of guests. Packed with glowing effects, LED-lit floats, and fan-favorite characters shimmering under the night sky, it has quickly become one of those “you have to see it” offerings.
Videos of the parade have been everywhere online, and many guests say it feels like the most modern parade Disney has delivered in years. That fresh new energy is precisely why fans are watching any scheduling shifts closely.
November Brings New Priorities
As the calendar flips to November, Magic Kingdom transforms at lightning speed. Fall decorations fade, holiday touches begin to appear, and evening entertainment starts to reflect the season. This is a month where Disney adjusts its rhythm, and sometimes that means regular entertainment steps aside for limited-time offerings.
That brings us to one of the most significant seasonal shifts each year.
Christmas Party Season Takes Over Nights
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns each November, and it still stands as one of the most beloved after-hours events at Walt Disney World. Shorter wait times, exclusive entertainment, magical snowfall on Main Street, and festive character meet-and-greets all draw fans in year after year.
The party also features its own parade, making it one of the most extensive entertainment offerings of the season. Because of this, the regular nighttime parade schedule is adjusted to accommodate.
Starlight Parade Takes Nights Off
Disney has confirmed that the Starlight Parade will not run on select nights in November, as the holiday event will take center stage. Guests planning visits may want to double-check their dates, because the parade will not run on:
(November 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30)
If catching this new nighttime parade is high on your list, planning around these dates becomes essential.
A Festive Alternative
If you happen to visit on a party night, there is still a parade—just a holiday-themed one. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party includes its own lineup of festive floats, toy soldiers, reindeer, and Santa, creating a beautiful seasonal alternative.
Yes, it requires a separate ticket, and those aren’t cheap. Still, lower crowds and free holiday treats make the deal even sweeter. There’s something special about enjoying cookies and cocoa while snowflakes drift across Main Street, U.S.A., even in Florida.
Navigating This November Change
Disney’s holiday season is magical, and with that magic comes small operational trade-offs. This November, the Starlight Parade steps back on select nights, but fans still have plenty to enjoy. Whether you prioritize the new parade or lean into holiday cheer, there’s no shortage of nighttime magic at Magic Kingdom this month.
