Walt Disney World’s Very Merry Christmas Parade (television) Now a Christmas tradition, a television special that first aired on Christmas day in 1983 on ABC, hosted by Joan Lunden and Mike Douglas. In 1984, it was Joan Lunden, Bruce Jenner, and Regis Philbin; in 1985 and 1986 it was Joan Lunden, Ben Vereen, and Regis Philbin. The 1999 parade was the first one to be taped at night. The parade was not televised in 2000, but it returned in 2001 with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa as hosts. Also known as Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade (2002-08). In 2009, it was retitled Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. In 2014 it was the Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration, and in 2015 the Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration. In 2018, it was titled the Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration, and in 2019, the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.
