In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Disney’s ambitious “Disney Decade” was well underway. As new attractions and theme parks opened, Disney capitalized on holiday broadcasts to showcase what was new. Like the Christmas and Easter parades, the 1989 Disney World 4th of July Spectacular served as both a celebration and a commercial, highlighting the latest offerings at Walt Disney World.
A Star-Spangled Broadcast in a Year of Firsts
Broadcast on July 3, 1989, the Fourth of July Spectacular spotlighted America’s 213th birthday with high-energy musical performances, patriotic tributes, and plenty of Disney synergy. Two months after opening on May 1, 1989, the brand-new Disney-MGM Studios served as a primary backdrop. The 1989 Fourth of July Special was hosted by Willard Scott and the reigning Miss America, Gretchen Carlson.
Featured Highlights from the 1989 Special:
- Washington Square, New York—at MGM Studios: The celebration opens with a patriotic salute to America from the backlot at Disney-MGM Studios. It’s a nostalgic look at the Streets of America before they were the Streets of America.
- Walt Disney All-Star Marching Band Parade at MGM Studios: Hosted by Willard Scott and Miss America Gretchen Carlson, the parade featured patriotic performances and characters, including the Kentucky Lions Marching Band, the Central Lee Hawks Band from Iowa, and the Mississippi Lions All-State Band. Later in the broadcast, the spotlight returns to MGM studios with the All-American cheerleading team.
- Walt Disney All-American Parade at Magic Kingdom: The Walt Disney World Band, with Mickey and Minnie, followed by the Spirit of America Singers. The parade continues through the broadcast.
- Main Street Electrical Parade: The nighttime classic lit up Main Street, continuing its television legacy from the 1988 broadcast.
- Disneyland’s Splash Mountain Opens: Though this was a Walt Disney World special, Disneyland’s new Splash Mountain got some on-air love. Family Ties, Marc Price takes us on the ride of a lifetime on Disneyland’s latest attraction, Splash Mountain. Set to open July 17, 1989. (Disneyland’s 34th anniversary)
Notable Musical Performance for the 1989 Special
- New Kids on the Block at Pleasure Island: The iconic boy band performed “The Right Stuff” to an energetic crowd, a nod to Pleasure Island’s nightlife appeal. Later in the broadcast, they return to perform “Hang Tough.”
- Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: Mickey Mouse Club members splashed into the summer fun weeks after the water park’s June 1st debut. That footage looks familiar, almost like it’s from another parade?
- The Temptations at Oscar’s Super Service: The legendary Motown group performed outside the studio entrance, bringing soul to the celebration.
- Janie Fricke at Theater of the Stars: Country music icon Janie Fricke sang from the open-air theater at MGM Studios.
- The Mannequin Dancers come alive on Pleasure Island. The dancers create some “indoor” fireworks, highlighting the variety of entertainment available on Disney’s Pleasure Island.
- Carol Channing at Cinderella Castle: Broadway legend Carol Channing performed at the Magic Kingdom.
- Sandi Patti & Mickey Mouse & Fireworks Finale: Sandi Patty returned to close out the show with a soaring rendition during the live “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks.
Sam’s 10 Observations from the 1989 Broadcast
- MGM Studios Takes Center Stage: Opened just two months earlier, the Studios was prominently featured as the show’s newest attraction.
- Typhoon Lagoon Debuts: The water park officially opened June 1, 1989, and its newness is showcased with familiar-looking Mickey Mouse Club footage.
- Cross-Park Promotion: Disneyland’s Splash Mountain received airtime even in this Walt Disney World-focused broadcast.
- Pleasure Island Spotlight: Disney leaned into its new nightlife district, putting New Kids on the Block front and center.
- Musical Variety: From Motown (The Temptations) to Broadway (Carol Channing) to Pop (New Kids on the Block) and Country (Janie Fricke), the show had something for everyone.
- Miss America Returns: Gretchen Carlson, Miss America 1989, co-hosted with Willard Scott.
- Pre-Recorded Elements: Like past specials, only the fireworks aired live. Most performances were recorded earlier.
- Carol Channing’s Castle Moment: This was a rare Magic Kingdom appearance from a Broadway star, which added vintage charm.
- Backlot NYC Set Usage: The opening scene creatively used the still-developing MGM Studios backlot.
- Sandi Patty’s Patriotic Anchor: As in 1988, Sandi Patty closed with a stirring fireworks accompaniment.
Experience the 1989 Disney World 4th of July Spectacular and watch how the magic of new parks, performances, and patriotic flair came together in true Disney fashion.
Looking for more nostalgia? Try the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parades, Happy Easter Parades. 4th of July Spectaculars and the Disney Family Albums.
