Walt Disney World’s 15th Anniversary with Betty White and Friends

Walt Disney World’s 15th birthday wasn’t just a theme park celebration but a star-studded television event. Originally airing as part of The Disney Sunday Movie on November 9, 1986, the two-hour special featured musical numbers, celebrity appearances, and a look at Walt Disney World in its fifteenth year.

A Celebration Like No Other

The special was directed by Marty Pasetta and hosted by two TV legends—Betty White and Bea Arthur. The cast of performers was nothing short of iconic, including Diahann Carroll, Ray Charles, The Everly Brothers, The Monkees, Emmanuel Lewis, Dolly Parton, and Harry Shearer. This impressive lineup brought music, comedy, and heartfelt tributes to Disney fans watching at home.

It was not just a celebration of Walt Disney World; the special also honored the U.S. Constitution, with appearances by President Ronald Reagan, Senator Edward Kennedy, former Chief Justice Warren Burger, and Charlton Heston. This blend of entertainment and patriotism added a unique layer to the anniversary broadcast.

From the Parks to Your Screen

While the television special aired in 1986, the in-park celebration lasted a whole year—from October 1, 1986, to September 30, 1987. During this time, guests visiting the Magic Kingdom enjoyed a new 15th Anniversary Parade and daily prize giveaways. A new car was given away daily, and guests received surprise prizes as they entered the park.

The celebration helped kick off a new era of growth for the resort, with Disney-MGM Studios already in the early stages of development and new resort experiences on the horizon.

Watch the Broadcast

Licensing restrictions required the removal of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” performance from the YouTube version. If it’s available in your region, you can watch it below.

For more Disney anniversaries. 

• Disneyland. 10th. 25th. 30th. 35th. 40th. 50th. 50th-anniversary media event. 60th featuring Elton John.
• Walt Disney World. 10th. 20th. 25th Party, inside-out 25th, 25th Witching you Were here, Remembering the Magic 25th.