1998 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Fantasmic, Buzz Lightyear & More

Hosts and Opening Highlights

After a one-year detour with “A Magical Walt Disney World Christmas,” 1998 returned to the classic Very Merry Christmas Parade format. This year’s hosts were Caroline Rhea and Richard Kind, kicking things off from the Magic Kingdom with music and holiday cheer.

Special correspondents across the resort joined them. Wayne Brady reported from the deck of the new Disney Magic cruise ship, offering a tour of its luxurious offerings. Over at Epcot’s Future World, ‘N Sync performed a festive holiday set. Meanwhile, Martina McBride delivered a heartfelt holiday performance from the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland, and Donny Osmond appeared at Disney MGM Studios to showcase the new nighttime spectacular Fantasmic!. Justin Cooper offered updates from Animal Kingdom, which had just opened earlier that year.

Disney Park Highlights and Debuts

This year’s broadcast included full coverage of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade, filled with Disney characters, holiday floats, and magical moments.

A key highlight was the television debut of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, a new interactive attraction in Tomorrowland. Richard Kind took viewers on a tour of the ride, giving audiences their first glimpse at its galactic gameplay.

Over at Disney MGM Studios, Donny Osmond introduced audiences to Fantasmic!, the park’s new nighttime extravaganza blending music, fireworks, fountains, and classic Disney characters in an unforgettable show. Donny also delivered a memorable performance of a Mulan musical medley in front of the Chinese Theater, marking one of the special’s most iconic musical moments.

Music, Magic & Merriment Around the Resort

The celebration also featured a festive performance by Martina McBride inside the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland, bringing heartfelt holiday music to the park in an intimate setting. ‘N Sync energized the crowd with their performance from Epcot, marking one of the band’s early Disney appearances.

Justin Cooper spotlighted exciting additions to Animal Kingdom, Disney’s newest theme park. He even ventured inside the Tree of Life with an exterminator to investigate some unexpected bugs.  Though Justin assures viewers that despite the creepy crawlies, it’s still a lot of fun.

Meanwhile, Wayne Brady explored the Disney Magic, Disney’s first cruise ship. His segments showed off the ship’s design and hinted at Disney Cruise Line’s growing ambitions.

The broadcast also included a behind-the-scenes look at the new Cirque du Soleil show coming to Downtown Disney, offering a preview of the artistry that would eventually evolve into La Nouba.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returned to Residential Street at MGM Studios, dazzling audiences with millions of synchronized holiday lights and music.

Closing Notes and Coming Attractions

Before the program ended, Donny Osmond teased the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, set for May 1999. It was a fitting way to end a show that balanced new Disney innovations with nostalgic magic.

As with recent years, the program concluded with a Presidential Christmas greeting from President Bill Clinton.  Offering wishes of peace and joy to families across the country.

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