For the first and only time, the 1999Disney Christmas Parade aired on Christmas night rather than in the morning. With a fresh primetime feel, the special introduced a new emphasis on musical performances from Disney recording artists and a resort-wide celebration of the upcoming millennium.
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
Hosted by Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan, with segments by Wayne Brady, the parade featured performances by Harry Connick Jr., 98 Degrees, SHeDAISY, James Ingram, and ‘NSYNC, now becoming a Disney holiday staple.
Celebrating the Future at Epcot
The parade leaned heavily into Epcot’sMillennium Celebration, highlighting new experiences and attractions for 2000. Viewers joined ‘NSYNC as they toured the Millennium Village, where 28 countries were added to World Showcase as part of the festivities. The broadcast also highlighted the Tapestry of Nations parade, a rhythmic nighttime spectacular symbolizing global unity.
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration
The special also took us inside the control center for IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth, which would become one of Epcot’s most beloved nighttime shows. Innoventions featured several futuristic demos as Disney encouraged guests to “Celebrate the Future Hand in Hand.”
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration
Performances and Special Appearances
Wayne Brady guided viewers through multiple behind-the-scenes segments, including a Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster tour at Disney MGM Studios. With his VIP passes and comedic flair, Wayne offered a playful look at the park’s high-energy attractions. He also joined the street party at Downtown Disney, where the lights, shops, and restaurants buzzed with holiday magic.
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration
Elsewhere, Harry Connick Jr. opened the special at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, adding a jazzy holiday note to the eerie MGM Studios location. 98 Degrees took their talents to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, giving viewers a musical moment in the park’s lush backdrop.
Parade Magic and Park Highlights
The Main Street Electrical Parade made its triumphant return to the Magic Kingdom, and though the special didn’t show the full parade, its presence was felt as a nod to Disney’s rich past. Meanwhile, a quick visit to Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island, gave audiences a tropical holiday greeting from the new Disney Magic ship.
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration
Other highlights included:
The continued tradition of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at MGM’s Residential Street.
A preview of new millennium-themed merchandise and decor across the parks.
A celebratory atmosphere as Disney prepared to ring in the year 2000 in signature style.
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade ‘Nsync
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade 98 Degrees
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade SHeDAISY
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade James Infram
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady guests Harry Connick Jr
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady The New Buzz Light year Space Ranger Spin
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady The New Buzz Light year Space Ranger Spin
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration Members of ‘nsync take us on a tour of what’s new at Epcot
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration Members of ‘nsync take us on a tour of what’s new at Epcot
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration Members of ‘nsync take us on a tour of what’s new at Epcot
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration Members of ‘nsync take us on a tour of what’s new at Epcot
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration Members of ‘nsync take us on a tour of what’s new at Epcot
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration Members of ‘nsync take us on a tour of what’s new at Epcot
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration Members of ‘nsync take us on a tour of what’s new at Epcot
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration Members of ‘nsync take us on a tour of what’s new at Epcot
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Epcot is ready for a Millennium Celebration Members of ‘nsync take us on a tour of what’s new at Epcot
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan Main Street Electrical Parade
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan New Rock and Roller Coaster
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan New Rock and Roller Coaster
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan New Rock and Roller Coaster
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady new Disney Quest
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady
1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade was Hosted By Susan Sullivan and Mitchell Ryan with Wayne Brady