1996 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade: Castle Cake, Toy Story, Singing Character Voices & More

Hosts and Opening Highlights

The 1996 Disney Christmas Parade brought a fresh look to the Christmas Day tradition. Joan Lunden and Regis Philbin were replaced by new hosts: Suzanne Somers (Step by Step) and Jerry Van Dyke (Coach), along with JD Roth and Brianne Leary from Walt Disney World Inside-Out. The focus shifted to more musical performances and themed parade stops.

The parade began with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald, unveiling Cinderella Castle’s transformation into a pink birthday cake for Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary.

“Live from the Walt Disney World Resort in sunny Orlando, Florida—celebrating 25 years of Disney magic—it’s the 1996 Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade.”

A Parade Celebration in Three Acts

Walt Disney World celebrated its 25th Anniversary with:

• The debut of the Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary Parade at Magic Kingdom.
• The Toy Story Parade from Disney MGM Studios.
• A holiday-themed edition of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade.

Classic Disney floats returned alongside new performances—including a stop in front of the Castle for Aladdin and a rousing “Be Our Guest” with Broadway’s Gary Beach as Lumière.

Musical Performances & Disney Legends

• Sandi Patti performed “Remember the Magic” from the Princess Float on Main Street USA.
• Ernie Sabella (voice of Pumbaa) sang “Hakuna Matata” as part of a character performance.

• Sam Wright (voice of Sebastian) performed “Under the Sea” from Main Street.

• Gary Beach (Voice of Lumiere) led a grand Beauty and the Beast performance from the parade route.

Disney’s animated voices brought the soundtrack of the parks to life, adding a fresh energy to this year’s parade.

Behind the Scenes & Special Features

• 101 Dalmatians Backstage Pass: Brianne Leary gave viewers a tour of the attraction at MGM Studios.
• Backlot Tour with Lisa Ann Walter: The Life’s Work star took us past Catastrophe Canyon, the Golden Girls house, and more.

• Toy Story Parade returned with characters and floats from Pixar’s first feature.
• A look at the all-new Mickey’s Toontown Fair at Magic Kingdom offered a preview of the expanded land.

Presidential Greetings & Grand Finale

Before the finale, President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton shared a holiday message.

The parade concluded with:

• A reflective tribute to 25 years of Walt Disney World with “Can You Remember.”
• Santa Claus’ grand arrival.
• A stirring rendition of “Joy to the World” by the Florida Choir in front of Cinderella Castle.

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

For more from Walt Disney World’s 25^th Anniversary, check out: WDW 25^th Anniversary Remembering the Magic. Walt Disney World’s 25^th Anniversary Party. Walt Disney World Wishing You Were Here. The Vacation Planning VHS. Resort Television. Inside-Out Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary Special.