For 15 years, the Walt Disney World Easter Parade brought a unique blend of Disney magic and springtime joy into homes across America. From 1985 to 1999, this televised celebration aired annually on ABC, offering more than just a parade—it was a vibrant showcase of new attractions, celebrity appearances, and unforgettable performances.
While today’s Disney holiday specials often focus on pre-recorded concerts, the Easter Parade era captured something rare: a live Disney Parks experience unfolding in real-time, with Main Street, U.S.A., as its stage.
Let’s take a nostalgic journey through every year of this beloved broadcast—from its grand debut to its bittersweet farewell.
The Early Years: 1985-1989
1985: The First Walt Disney World Easter Parade
The first-ever Walt Disney World Easter Parade aired on April 7, 1985, hosted by Joan Lunden and Rick Dees. This inaugural broadcast set the stage for what would become a beloved tradition. The parade included George Burns, The Oak Ridge Boys performances, magician Doug Henning, and even a guest appearance from the Radio City Rockettes. The event was a mix of Disney magic and musical entertainment, kicking off what would become an annual staple on ABC. Watch it here
1986: The CBS Crossover Year
Disney experimented with a CBS Easter Parade crossover special for one year, splitting airtime between Walt Disney World and New York City’s Fifth Avenue parade. Robby Benson and Ana Alicia hosted from Magic Kingdom, while Ken Kercheval and Susan Howard reported from New York. This format was not well received, and by 1987, the Walt Disney World Easter Parade returned as a full Disney production on ABC. Watch it here.
1987: Snow White’s 50th & a Caribbean Celebration
Hosted by Joan Lunden and Ben Vereen, the 1987 parade celebrated 50 years of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with a special tribute. Meanwhile, Alan Thicke hosted a beach party aboard the Big Red Boat, bringing a Caribbean twist to the festivities. Regis Philbin took viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of Disney’s gardens, showcasing topiaries that would later influence the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Watch It Here.
1988: Mickey’s Birthdayland & EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion
The 1988 parade was all about Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday. Mickey’s Birthdayland debuted at Magic Kingdom, featuring a petting zoo and a special Mickey-themed celebration. Regis Philbin introduced audiences to EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion, showcasing the soon-to-open Maelstrom ride. Meanwhile, Illuminations was getting ready to debut as EPCOT’s new nighttime spectacular. Watch It Here.
1989: Roger Rabbit & Disney-MGM Studios Preview
The 1989 Easter Parade featured Joan Lunden and Alan Thicke, with Regis Philbin on Main Street. The highlight was Roger Rabbit bursting from a giant Easter egg, a nod to his skyrocketing popularity after Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988). This parade also gave viewers a first look at Disney-MGM Studios, set to open just weeks later on May 1, 1989. Watch It Here.
The 1990s: Expanding the Easter Parade Formula
1990: DuckTales, Rescue Rangers & Disney-MGM Studios Fun
The 1990 parade leaned into the Disney Afternoon craze, with DuckTales and Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers performances. Regis Philbin toured the newly opened Splash Mountain, while Howie Mandel took viewers behind the scenes of Disney-MGM Studios’ Backlot Tour. Watch it Here
1991: Betty White, Mary-Kate & Ashley & Easter at Disneyland
The 1991 parade included a segment from Disneyland’s Easter Celebration, with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen joining the fun. Betty White visited Disney-MGM Studios, while Regis Philbin covered the new attractions at Typhoon Lagoon. Watch It Here.
1992: Euro Disney & Fantasmic Preview
With Euro Disney (Disneyland Paris) opening in April, the 1992 parade featured a special segment on the park’s grand opening. Regis Philbin also previewed Fantasmic!, which was set to debut soon at Disneyland. Watch it Here.
1993: Aladdin’s Royal Caravan & Joey Lawrence at EPCOT
The 1993 parade featured Aladdin’s Royal Caravan at Disney-MGM Studios, celebrating Aladdin’s success (1992). Joey Lawrence took viewers on an EPCOT tour, and Splash Mountain was highlighted as Magic Kingdom’s newest thrill ride. Watch it Here.
1994: Nancy Kerrigan, Barbie, & Bill Nye
Olympic skater Nancy Kerrigan performed in front of Cinderella Castle, while Barbie made a grand entrance at EPCOT to promote her new show. Bill Nye brought science fun to the parade, and Antonio Sabato Jr. hosted guest interviews. Watch it Here.
1995: Mickey Mania, Blizzard Beach & Pocahontas
The Mickey Mania Parade debuted at Magic Kingdom, celebrating Mickey Mouse’s history. Goofy and Max toured the brand-new Blizzard Beach, and Disney previewed Pocahontas, which was set to release that summer. Watch it Here.
1996: Toy Story Parade & Disney Institute
Toy Story got its parade at Disney-MGM Studios, celebrating Pixar’s first feature film. Regis Philbin toured the Disney Institute, and the Lawrence Brothers visited all three Disney water parks. Watch it Here.
1997: Castle Cake, Test Track & Celebration, FL
The Cinderella Castle Cake overlay stole the show for Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary. J.D. Roth previewed Test Track, and Roy Disney spoke about Celebration, FL, Disney’s new planned community. Watch it Here.
1998: Animal Kingdom Preview & Mulan
Michael Eisner introduced Disney’s Animal Kingdom, set to open in April 1998. Viewers got a behind-the-scenes look at Mulan and Glenbrook South High School Marching Band performed. Watch it Here
1999: The Final Parade with Britney Spears & 98 Degrees
The final Easter Parade aired in 1999, featuring Britney Spears, 98 Degrees, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s upcoming debut. This was the last live Easter parade, marking the end of an era. Watch it here.
The End of a Disney TV Era
After 1999, Disney discontinued the Easter Parade broadcasts, shifting toward stage performances and promotional holiday specials. While the Easter Parade may no longer be televised, these parades remain a nostalgic piece of Disney history.
A Personal Note & Disclosure
Watching the Walt Disney World Easter Parade was a family tradition we looked forward to every Easter morning. While Disney has moved away from these broadcasts, I have worked to preserve them. These videos and blog posts are presented as a historical reference, and no copyright infringement is intended.
