The 1997 Walt Disney World Easter Parade aired on ABC on March 30, 1997. It featured themed floats, musical performances, and a first look at exciting new attractions. Hosted by Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel from Boy Meets World and J.D. Roth from Walt Disney World Inside Out, the parade captured the spirit of Disney’s 25th Anniversary celebration.
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One of the most memorable visuals from the 1997 parade was the Cinderella Castle Cake overlay. To celebrate 25 years of Walt Disney World, Cinderella Castle was transformed into a giant pink birthday cake, complete with icing swirls and candy decorations. The spectacle was unforgettable, creating one of the most iconic images in Disney’s history.
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A Glimpse of Test Track – Two Years Before Opening
J.D. Roth took viewers behind the scenes of Test Track, which was still under construction at EPCOT. This segment suggested that the attraction would open in Fall 1997, but Test Track wouldn’t officially open until April 1999. J.D. and a group of lucky guests got an exclusive preview ride, making this one of the earliest public showcases of what would become EPCOT’s fastest attraction.
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A Celebration of Celebration, Florida
The parade featured a segment on Celebration, Florida, Disney’s real-life planned community. Roy Disney described it as a modern realization of Walt’s EPCOT dream, blending technology with small-town charm.
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Disney’s Wide World of Sports Makes Its Debut
J.D. Roth also introduced the brand-new Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, which was set to open in May 1997. The facility would serve as the Atlanta Braves’ spring training home and host competitions in over 30 sports.
Magic Kingdom’s “Remember the Magic” Parade
The 25th Anniversary celebration continued with a preview of Magic Kingdom’s newest parade, Remember the Magic, featuring Mickey and friends in a grand spectacle.
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Disney Cruise Line Takes Shape
A segment on the Disney Cruise Line offered a first look at concept art and construction footage of Disney Magic, the fleet’s first ship. While the broadcast claimed the ship would set sail in March 1998, it didn’t officially launch until August 1999.
Classic Disney Easter Fun
The parade itself was full of Disney characters, springtime floats, and musical numbers, including a Country Bear Jamboree-themed segment and a special barbershop quartet tribute to Bub Thomas, one of the original Dapper Dans.
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The broadcast ended with a glimpse of Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island, though at the time, there were no visible signs of construction or guest facilities.
Watch the Full 1997 Parade
Relive the 1997 Walt Disney World Easter Parade and experience the excitement of Disney’s 25th Anniversary celebration.
Direct Links to More Walt Disney World Parades
Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Happy Easter Parade 1985, 1986, 198h7, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999
Walt Disney World 4th of July Spectulactors 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992