The 1985 Walt Disney World Easter Parade marked the first televised broadcast of this Disney Easter tradition. Airing on ABC on April 7, 1985, the parade took place at Magic Kingdom at 3:00 PM and was broadcast nationwide at 7:00 PM.
Hosted by Joan Lunden and Rick Dees, the first Walt Disney World Easter Parade was a musical, magical, and celebrity-filled event. The parade featured performances and appearances from The Oak Ridge Boys, who brought country music to Main Street, U.S.A. Legendary magician Doug Henning amazed audiences with mind-blowing illusions. Soap opera star Jack Wagner brought Hollywood flair, while the popular group New Edition performed for Disney fans. Comedy legend George Burns made a special appearance alongside 12 Radio City Rockettes, adding a touch of Broadway elegance to the show.
The success of the 1985 parade paved the way for an annual Easter television special. The Easter Parade telecast became an Easter Morning tradition throughout the late ‘80s and ‘90s.
Watch the First-Ever 1985 Parade
Relive the historic first broadcast of the 1985 Walt Disney World Easter Parade with our full video recap.
Direct Links to More Walt Disney World Parades
Christmas Day Parade. 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Happy Easter Parade 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Walt Disney World 4th of July Spectulactors 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
