1988 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Oliver, MGM Preview, Mickey 60 & more.

Hosts and Opening Highlights

The 1988 Very Merry Christmas Parade opened with a musical number that covered all of Walt Disney World.  Disney characters and cast members performed a rendition of “We Need a Little Christmas,” including a spin on the lyrics: “It’s Christmas here at Disney World.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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