2004 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Disneyland 50th, Expedition Everest, Dream Come True & More

Celebrating Innovation, Imagination, and the Holidays

According to Disney CEO Michael Eisner, the 2004 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade represents everything that defines Disney: creativity, imagination, and the power to unite families. That message kicks off a coast-to-coast holiday celebration, blending Disney magic with festive fun and sneak peeks at what’s coming next.

Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa return to host the annual holiday special. Meanwhile, Tom Bergeron reports from Disneyland. Special guests Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo also check in from California. The countdown to Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary is well underway.

Behind the Magic: Disney Parks & Previews

Kermit and Miss Piggy introduce highlights from Disneyland’s Christmas Fantasy Parade, while Gonzo looks at the park’s revamped Tomorrowland, which includes:  An all-new Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster. In addition, we get a look at the new Dreams Come True Fireworks, celebrating classic Disney attractions.

Meanwhile, Zach Braff, the voice of Chicken Little, shares a behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s latest animated feature.

Julie Andrews, Disney Legend and Honorary Ambassador for Disneyland’s 50th, previews the all-new 50th Anniversary Parade, including a look at the music and opening float.

Over at Walt Disney World, Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House visits several attractions with his friends, including Mickey’s PhilharMagic, The Living Seas at Epcot, and a safari adventure at Animal Kingdom.

Regis explores Cirque Du Soleil at Downtown Disney, including a behind-the-scenes look at a rehearsal.

Thrill Rides at Walt Disney World

Eric Von Detten checks out thrill rides across Walt Disney World:

• Mission Space and Test Track at Epcot
• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror at Disney MGM Studios

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights now lights up New York Street at Disney MGM Studios.  While the Stars and Motorcars Parade makes a festive appearance at the Magic Kingdom.

We’re also treated to a first look inside Walt Disney Imagineering, previewing the upcoming Expedition Everest attraction and the latest audio-animatronic breakthrough—Lucky the Dinosaur.

Musical Guests and Holiday Magic

This year’s musical lineup is especially dazzling:

• Mariah Carey headlines the show with a signature holiday performance.

• Kelly Clarkson takes center stage at Sleeping Beauty Castle.

• Ashanti performs from the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade.

• Diana DeGarmo, from American Idol, shares a heartfelt number.
• Disney Channel stars Raven-Symoné, Christy Carlson Romano, and Bear add festive cheer.
• Juanes, Wynonna, Jesse McCartney, and SHeDAISY round out the performances.

From previews of Disneyland’s milestone anniversary to a sneak peek at Expedition Everest, the 2004 Disney Christmas Parade mixed nostalgia, excitement, and the timeless joy of the season.

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