1999 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Millennium Celebration, ‘NSYNC & More

A Christmas Night Special with a New Format

For the first and only time, the 1999 Disney 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.

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’s Millennium 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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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