1997 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Animal Kingdom, Disney Magic Ship, ESPN & More

Opening Moments and Hosts

The 1997 holiday special opens with Santa placing a final present under a tree before declaring, “I’m going to Disney World!” He arrives at the Magic Kingdom by train and is greeted by Mickey and Minnie for a festive musical number on Main Street, USA.

This year’s broadcast introduced a new name: A Magical Walt Disney World Christmas. It’s also the first year the show was not promoted as a live telecast. Hosted by Melissa Joan Hart and Ben Savage, the special featured appearances from the Backstreet Boys, The Harlem Globetrotters, and Disney voice talents including Ernie Sabella (Pumbaa), Paige O’Hara (Belle), and Jodi Benson (Ariel).

New Parades and Special Features

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade returned with Main Street festivities.
• The Hercules Parade marched through Disney MGM Studios with musical numbers and themed floats.
• Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians, and classic Disney characters made special appearances.

Melissa Joan Hart checked in from MGM Studios’ annual Goosebumps Christmas party, while Ben Savage rode Tower of Terror and explored the studio backlot.

 

Animal Kingdom Sneak Peek

One of the biggest highlights was a first look at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

 

• Imagineer Joe Rohde gave a tour of Safari Village and the Tree of Life, carved with over 300 animal figures.
• Paul Comstock explained the horticultural planning that created immersive natural habitats.

• Rick Barongi previewed Kilimanjaro Safaris, showcasing giraffes, zebras, and African landscapes.

• DinoLand U.S.A. was introduced as a tribute to dinosaurs in science and pop culture.

Ernie Sabella performed “Hakuna Matata” as part of the Animal Kingdom preview.

Music & Entertainment Highlights

• Paige O’Hara sang “As Long As There’s Christmas” from Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.

• Backstreet Boys performed “As Long as You Love Me” from the Tomorrowland Terrace.
• Jodi Benson sang “Part of Your World” on Main Street USA—well, almost!

ESPN Sports Desk Debut

For the first time, ESPN joined the celebration. Stuart Scott reported on the Harlem Globetrotters vs. Santa’s Elves basketball showdown at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

Around the World and On the Seas

• Holiday greetings arrived from each country in EPCOT’s World Showcase.
• Viewers got their first look at the Disney Magic, Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural ship, under construction in Italy.
• Downtown Disney featured the grand opening of the Virgin Megastore, with appearances by Richard Branson, Gloria Estefan, and Wolfgang Puck.
• The Osborne Lights returned to MGM Studios’ Residential Street.

Presidential Message & Street Party Finale

As was now tradition, President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton shared a holiday message. The celebration closed with a street party finale on Main Street, though Santa Claus was absent, having arrived at the start of the broadcase.

Looking for more nostalgia? Try the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parades, Happy Easter Parades. 4th of July Spectaculars and the Disney Family Albums.