There were big changes at The Walt Disney Company in 2005. To begin, the appointment of Bob Iger as CEO marked a new era. Bob kicks off the 2005 DisneyChristmas Parade, honoring 50 years of Disney Park magic around the globe. This year’s theme is part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth, a worldwide event uniting Disney Parks from Anaheim to Tokyo.
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Kicked off by new CEO Bob Iger
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, also features Ryan Seacrest reporting from Disneyland. Meanwhile, the 50th Anniversary celebration continues coast to coast—marking a magical moment in Disney history.
New Attractions and Park Highlights
Kyle Petty checks out Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney MGM Studios, a high-speed thrill inspired by Disneyland Paris. Raven-Symoné explores the wild side atDisney’s Animal Kingdom, introducing viewers to the highly anticipated Expedition Everest, set to open in 2006.
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, also features Ryan Seacrest reporting from Disneyland. Meanwhile, the 50th Anniversary celebration continues coast to coast—marking a magical moment in Disney history.
Meanwhile, at Epcot, the spotlight is on Soarin’. Newly imported from Disney California Adventure, it offers guests a breathtaking hang-glider tour over California’s landscapes. In another highlight, Tiger Woods joins the 2005 Disney Christmas Parade by spending time with kids from the Tiger Woods Youth Foundation, taking them through park highlights and rides.
Star Power and Musical Performances
This year’s musical guests bring serious star power. Notably, performers include:
Diana Krall, delivering smooth seasonal jazz
MercyMe, with a heartfelt Christmas ballad
The Brian Setzer Orchestra, bringing a rockabilly holiday vibe
Lonestar, adding country charm to the stage
Paulina Rubio, with a festive Latin pop performance
Vanessa Williams, delivering elegance and grace
John O’Hurley, adding classic Disney cheer
Fantasia, performing her signature R&B style
Aly & AJ, representing the Disney Channel generation
And of course, the Cheetah Girls, who ignite the celebration with pop energy
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, also features Ryan Seacrest reporting from Disneyland. Meanwhile, the 50th Anniversary celebration continues coast to coast—marking a magical moment in Disney history.
A Truly Global Christmas
The 2005 Disney Christmas Parade is not just about what’s happening at Walt Disney World. Instead, it’s about showcasing a global celebration of Disney magic. Viewers are treated to glimpses of holiday traditions and decorations from Disney Parks around the world. As a result, the parade reinforces the unity and wonder shared by Disney fans everywhere.
With Everest, Soarin’, and the 50th Anniversary in full swing, the 2005 parade feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. Altogether, it’s packed with musical moments and magical milestones. Without a doubt, this year’s special lives up to the name—the Happiest Celebration on Earth.
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Kicked off by new CEO Bob Iger
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary Special Guests Julie Andrews
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary
2005 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa with Ryan Seacrest in Disneyland for Disneylands 50th Anniversary Raven Symone is at Disney Animal Kingdom for the new Expedition Everest, and Mickey’s Jammin’ Jingle Parade