1989 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Star Tours, Splash Mountain & More

A Coast-to-Coast Holiday Spectacular

In 1989, Disney took the Christmas Day Parade coast-to-coast again, blending festive celebration with exciting sneak peeks. The focus remained on the parade, with no celebrity musical acts, but plenty of Disney magic.

Hosts and Opening Highlights

Our parade hosts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, are joined by Joan Lunden, Alan Thicke, Kermit the Frog, and Regis Philbin at Walt Disney World in Florida. From Disneyland in California, it’s Growing Pains’ Joanna Kerns, Family Ties’ Mark Price, and Major Dad’s Whitney Kershaw.

The parade starts in Florida with the University of Florida Gator Marching Band, setting the tone for a coast-to-coast Disney celebration.

Star Tours & Disney MGM Studios Highlights

Alan Thicke gives us a thrilling look at Tomorrowland’s new Star Tours attraction. Kermit the Frog hosts a magical behind-the-scenes segment at Disney-MGM Studios, where we preview The Little Mermaid, including animation progress and production insight.

Christmas also arrives at MGM Studios with the New Mickey Mouse Club spreading cheer, and Santa’s Elves take a warm-weather vacation to Typhoon Lagoon.

Disneyland’s 35th Anniversary & Splash Mountain

At Disneyland, we celebrate the park’s 35th anniversary with a brand-new parade filled with updated floats, music, and surprises. Scott Valentine and the California hosts take us on a fun and energetic journey down Splash Mountain—an opening highlight for Disneyland’s big year.

EPCOT Wonders & Presidential Introductions

Joan Lunden visits EPCOT Center’s new Wonders of Life Pavilion, featuring the motion-simulator attraction Body Wars. Meanwhile, Michael Eisner introduces a nationwide initiative to vote for EPCOT’s “Person of the Century,” tying real-world inspiration to Disney storytelling.

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