Disney World Christmas Parade
From LoveToKnow Christmas
Whether you are in the park or watching the annual event on television, the Disney World Christmas parade is a spectacular holiday event that the whole family can enjoy.
Televised Christmas Parade
With the exception of 2000, the Disney World Christmas parade has been televised since 1983. The parade often airs on ABC, ABC affiliate, or Disney channels (check your local listings for exact times) on Christmas Day. Hosted for the last several years by television personalities Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, this parade entertains viewers at home who cannot be at the Disney World Resorts.
The parade features famous movie characters like Buzz Lightyear, Aladdin, and Ariel, along with popular Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, and all their friends. Popular shows from the Disney Channel, like Little Einsteins and JoJo’s Circus are represented as well. And no parade is complete without an appearance by Santa Claus himself.
Performances or special segments are often brought in from Disneyland Resorts in California, such as song and dance routines. Additionally, upcoming movies and attractions are often previewed for the viewing audience.
Famous performers and personalities appear in the Disney World Christmas Parade. The 2006 list of celebrities included:
- Beyonce
- Andrea Bocelli
- Mandisa
- Ty Pennington
- High School Musical stars Lucas Grabeel and Corbin Bleu
- Co-host Ryan Seacrest
Photos from the 2006 televised Christmas parade can be seen at TV Guide.
Animated floats with costumed characters and stars are a main feature of the parade. The host and co-host(s) often interview the celebrities and characters for home viewers.
The 2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Parade won a Daytime Emmy for “Outstanding Special Class Special.”
2007 Disney World Parade: Mickey’s Parade
Throughout the months of November and December, Magic Kingdom in Florida offers a special event called “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.” By purchasing an extra ticket, you are invited to participate in fun-filled holiday events, including use of the park attractions, stage shows, character meet and greets, and of course, a special lighted parade called Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
The parade features characters from movies, like Snow White, Cinderella, and classic Disney characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Chip ‘n’ Dale. Walt Disney World (WDW) recommends Frontierland as the best viewing spot, and to watch the second running of the parade for fewer crowds. More parade tips can be found at Explore The Magic.com.
Advance tickets to the Very Merry Christmas Party, which includes the parade, are available in advance for select dates. Tickets can be purchased through the website or by calling (407) W-DISNEY.
Daily park parades often include a touch of the holiday spirit as well, as they will add Santa into the parade and have floats enhanced with holiday decorations. The daily Magic Kingdom parade is free to everyone who enters the park.
Viewing Tips for Disney World Christmas Parade
Because the televised parade only happens once a year, you want to be sure not miss it. Use these tips for making sure you catch the Christmas parade:
- Double check the air time so that you do not have the wrong time zone.
- Set a timer on your television to change the channel several minutes before the program begins.
- Tape, TIVO, or DVR the program in case other holiday activities get in the way.
- Ask a friend to tape the program in case your cable, dish, or power goes out for any reason.
For additional viewing fun, make Mickey shaped pancakes for children to eat Christmas morning as they watch the parade on television.
If you are able to see the Disney World Christmas parade in person, several tips can help you get the most out of the parade:
- As aforementioned, go to the second parade time for fewer crowds. Use the first to ride attractions in the other end of the park.
- Get to the parade route early; an hour or even more, depending on crowds.
- Make sure small children have used the restrooms.
- Take a lightweight jacket or sweater. Florida temperatures can dip into the fifties at night.
- Remember to bring your camera and use a fast shutter speed, since the parade is moving.
Ask your hotel concierge for additional insider’s tips to viewing the park parades. Another good person to ask for parade viewing tips would be someone on the outdoor custodial staff, as they have had contact with the crowd that day and have most likely seen a number of parades from various places in the park.
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This page has been accessed 4,956 times. This page was last modified 21:44, 19 August 2007.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
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