1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell, and Scott Valentine
This was the 6th annual Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade, live from Walt Disney World in Florida. At least the parade segments were LIVE, and the focus of the special was not like today. Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke hosted, with Regis Philbin at Walt Disney World and Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine reporting from Disneyland in California.
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin, Sarah Purcell, and Scott Valentine
Magic Kingdom Parade Coverage
The parade started with the Clemson Tiger Marching Band, the Walt Disney World Marching Band, followed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse—celebrating Mickey’s 60th Birthday. The live coverage included multiple parade segments and Regis’s street-level guest interviews.
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell, and Scott Valentine. The Clemson Tigers Marching Band started the Events in Walt Disney World.
Mickey’s Birthdayland Tour
Joan Lunden took a group of kids to explore Mickey’s Birthdayland. The visit included stops at Mickey’s Playground, Grandma Duck’s Barn, the “Happy Birthday Mickey” show at Mickey’s Hollywood Theater, along with a tour of Mickey’s House.
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine. A trip to Mickey’s Birthdayland.
Caribbean Christmas with Minnie
We followed Minnie Mouse to a festive Caribbean Christmas celebration at the all-new Caribbean Beach Resort. Designed to feel like a tropical island escape, the resort features a pirate-themed pool and proximity to EPCOT Center.
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine. Disney’s New Caribbean Beach Resort
Oliver and Company Behind the Scenes
Backstage, we got an in-depth look at the making of Disney’s animated film Oliver and Company. Featured interviews included Roy E. Disney, animators Glen Keane, Mike Gabriel, Hendel Butoy, voice actor Cheech Marin, and Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg. The segment also explored the groundbreaking use of computer animation and teased the role of technology in future Disney films.
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
Disneyland Live & Splash Mountain Sneak Peek
The 1988 parade was the first to feature possible live coverage from both coasts. The Disneyland segment opened with the USC Trojan Marching Band. Scott Valentine introduced a wild 1980s-style music video for Splash Mountain, Disneyland’s newest thrill ride.
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
MGM Studios Sneak Peek
Regis Philbin took viewers behind the scenes at the under-construction Disney-MGM Studios, set to open in spring 1989. Regis explored Catastrophe Canyon, the sound effects studio, the animation studio, and the Great Movie Ride inside the Chinese Theater. Production was underway on the backlot, from Hollywood Boulevard to New York Street.
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin, Sarah Purcell, and Scott Valentine. Regis at the Disney MGM Studios Construction Site
Holiday Stage Show & Santa’s Arrival
Back at Magic Kingdom, the Holiday Stage Show entertained guests in front of Cinderella Castle before Santa Claus arrived down Main Street, U.S.A.
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin, Sarah Purcell, and Scott Valentine
Presidential Message
The special concluded with holiday greetings from President Ronald Reagan and President-Elect George H. W. Bush. Their closing message: “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and God Bless You,” followed by a stirring rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine Disney’s New Caribbean Beach Resort
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine. Regis at the Disney MGM Studios Construction Site
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine. Regis at the Disney MGM Studios Construction Site
1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Hosted by Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke with Regis Philbin Sarah Purcell and Scott Valentine. Regis at the Disney MGM Studios Construction Site