Hosts and Parade Highlights
Our hosts, Joan Lunden and Regis Philbin, kick off the festivities on Christmas Morning 1993 with not one, but two parades from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom: The Very Merry Christmas Parade and from Disney MGM Studios, The Aladdin Royal Caravan. Robbie Benson, the voice of the Beast, joins us as the Main Street USA reporter.
Joining our hosts this year are correspondents in each park. Kathy Lee Gifford at MGM Studios introduces the Aladdin Royal Caravan parade and gives us a look backstage. Bill Nye, the Science Guy, reports from EPCOT Center, previewing upcoming EPCOT94 innovations.
Magic Kingdom Parade & Performances
The 225-piece Ohio State University Marching Band leads off the live parade festivities at Magic Kingdom, followed by Mickey and Minnie Mouse and the Walt Disney World Royal Band. The Royal Band precedes Cinderella’s carriage in a festive holiday procession. Goofy even appears atop Cinderella Castle during a musical number on the castle stage with dancing reindeer.
Santa’s Elves take a vacation at Typhoon Lagoon, where they perform a tropical-themed number. Robbie Benson checks in from Frontierland with tips on the best places to watch the parade in-park.
Winter Park High School continues the festivities on Main Street USA, followed by the Disney Afternoon float.
MGM Studios & Movie Magic
At MGM Studios, Kathy Lee provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney creates television magic. She also shares how many people work to bring a real TV production to life.
Regis previews the upcoming Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, showcasing a thrilling drop from 13 stories in an eerie Hollywood hotel. The Aladdin Royal Caravan parade kicks off with vibrant performances from MGM Studios.
EPCOT94 Sneak Peeks with Bill Nye
Bill Nye explores future technology at EPCOT94’s Innoventions, showcasing handwriting recognition, contactless thermometers, new toothbrushes, and early video calling technology. He also previews Mickey’s Splashtacular at the Fountain of Nations and The Magic World of Barbie—a new show introduced in the parade.
Bill later explores World Showcase, visiting Morocco to highlight global diversity. He introduces John Davidson, who closes the broadcast with a holiday performance from EPCOT’s American Gardens Theatre.
Grand Finale
John Davidson wraps up the 1993 Disney Christmas Parade with a heartfelt performance from EPCOT. The program blends magic from across the parks, showing how Walt Disney World celebrated the holidays during the early ‘90s.
Looking for more nostalgia? Try the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parades, Happy Easter Parades. 4th of July Spectaculars and the Disney Family Albums.
