Originally airing on December 10, 1978, Christmas at Walt Disney World was part of The Wonderful World of Disney and offered a festive glimpse into the magic of the holidays at Walt Disney World.
The special follows an eccentric and whimsical “family,” the Clinkers—a silent mime duo portrayed by Robert Shields and Lorene Yarnell Jansson—as they travel from LAX to Orlando International Airport (MCO) for a holiday getaway at the Most Magical Place on Earth. Their mime-style journey is both quirky and uniquely 1970s, serving as the thread between musical numbers, celebrity appearances, and beautiful park footage.
Guest Stars and Musical Highlights
The special includes a range of musical performances and appearances by popular artists of the era.
- Phyllis Diller brings her signature humor in comedic skits.
- Danielle Spencer, known from What’s Happening!!, joins in on the Disney fun.
- Pablo Cruise performs their hit “Worlds Away,” adding a contemporary vibe to the program.
- Andrea McArdle, Broadway’s original Annie, delivers renditions of “O Holy Night” and “Home.”
In addition to modern songs, viewers were treated to classic carols like “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.”
A Stroll Through Walt Disney World
This one-hour special also serves as a magical tour of Walt Disney World during the holiday season. Viewers are taken through festively decorated areas of Main Street, U.S.A., catch glimpses of Cinderella Castle, and visit classic attractions like the Haunted Mansion.
A Time Capsule of Christmas Magic
While not as well-known today, this holiday TV special holds nostalgic value for fans of vintage Disney programming. It stands as a festive time capsule, showing how Walt Disney World celebrated the holidays in the late 1970s.
Whether you remember watching it live or you’re discovering it for the first time, it’s a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit—Disney-style.
Looking for More Magic? Magic Kingdom and the Magic of TV. The Magic of Christmas at Walt Disney World. The Magic of Christmas at Disneyland. 50 Years of Magic. The Magic of Walt Disney World 1972. The Magic of Disneyland 1968. Magic of Disney Animation.
