2009 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Toy Story 3, World of Color, Celine Dion & More.

The Parade Returns with a New Name and Big Surprises

For the first time ever, the newly titled Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade was hosted by Kelly Ripa and Nick Cannon at Walt Disney World, while Ryan Seacrest brought holiday cheer from Disneyland. The celebration began in spectacular fashion with the Jonas Brothers performing from a custom-built stage that spanned the Magic Kingdom hub—even covering the iconic Partners statue.

Highlights from Coast to Coast

Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest introduced the USC Marching Band at Disneyland, which led the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade. At the same time, Lyman High School kicked off the festivities in Florida. Ryan also offered an early look at Toy Story 3, Disney’s first fully digital 3D animated feature.

In addition, Ryan toured the Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa, marking the first Disney Vacation Club resort on the West Coast. Just in time for the debut of World of Color, Ryan explored Paradise Bay, where Imagineers shared a sneak peek of the breathtaking nighttime show set to premiere in spring 2010.

A Season of Giving

Midway through the parade, Disney unveiled its major new campaign: Give a Day, Get a Disney Day. For every day you volunteer with an approved organization, Disney offered a free park ticket—a gesture of goodwill fitting for the season.

Star-Packed Performances and Appearances

Throughout the broadcast, musical stars brought holiday joy from every corner of the parks:

• The Jonas Brothers kicked off the program with “It’s Always Summer Time” from the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Hun.
• Demi Lovato kicked things off with “Wonderful Christmastime.”
• Celine Dion performed “Dn’t Save It All for Christmas Day” at the Grand Floridian, then returned with the Encore Choir for “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

• Stevie Wonder lit up Sleeping Beauty Castle with “That’s What Christmas Means to Me.”

• The Imagination Movers energized Town Square with “Give A Gift.”

• Yanni and the Yanni Voices debuted a powerful rendition of “O Holy Night.”
• Kris Allen delivered “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” from the Magic Kingdom stage.

• Tony Dovolani and Cheryl Burke from Dancing with the Stars danced through “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” on Main Street.
• Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Tiana, sang “Down in New Orleans” from New Orleans Square.

Also featured were performers from the National Cheerleaders Association, National Dance Alliance, Florida A&M University Strikers, and Tate High School Show Band of the South, celebrating Disney’s Magic Music Days.

Expanding the Magic with Disney Cruise Line

Samantha Brown took viewers aboard the Disney Wonder, previewing the cruise line’s exciting plans. Highlights included:

• Disney Magic returning to the Mediterranean
• Disney Wonder setting sail to Alaska and the Mexican Riviera
• Upgrades to Castaway Cay, such as Pelican Plunge and private cabanas
• A look ahead to the Disney Dream, which would debut in 2011 and feature the groundbreaking AquaDuck, the world’s first water coaster at sea.

Pixar, Princesses & Holiday Magic

Finally, the broadcast welcomed characters from Pixar’s UP and Toy Story 3, while Princess Tiana made her Disney Parks parade debut, rounding out a show filled with both tradition and innovation.

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