2023 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade Taping Video and Photo Report

Celebrate 40 Years of Disney Holiday Magic

It’s hard to believe that 40 years have passed since Joan Lunden and Mike Douglas hosted the very first Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade broadcast live in 1983. Since then, the parade has become an iconic holiday tradition, bringing festive cheer from Main Street, U.S.A. to millions of viewers around the world.

On November 12, 2023, just 43 days before Christmas, Magic Kingdom hosted a daytime taping of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade in preparation for the upcoming 2023 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Celebration. This year’s taping is especially significant, marking the 40th anniversary of the Christmas Day event.

2023 Disney Christmas Parade Taping: What We Saw

Instead of the usual “Festival of Fantasy” parade, guests visiting the park on November 12 experienced something extra magical. Today’s special presentation featured a full run of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade—exactly as it will appear during the Christmas Day broadcast.

This video captures the entire parade as it was filmed, with a perfect view straight down Main Street U.S.A. to Cinderella Castle. If you look closely, you’ll even spot the production cameras set up near the midway point of the street, just beside the side alley.

A Must-Watch Holiday Moment

This full-length video is your front-row seat to the 2023 Disney Christmas Parade. With Mickey and Minnie leading the charge on the opening float, it’s a joyful celebration filled with holiday music, magical characters, and Disney holiday spirit.

Thanks for watching and celebrating 40 years of Disney Christmas magic with us!  Be sure to check our archives for more Christmas Day Parades.

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

PARADE PHOTO REPORT