Next to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade is one of the most beloved and watched holiday parades in Disney’s ® history. Welcomed into the homes of millions every Christmas day, this parade combines performers, Disney ® characters and a joyful spirit from both Magic kingdom ® at Walt Disney World ® and Disneyland ®. And this year, as the park’s gear up for another merry stroll into our hearts on Christmas day Best of Orlando is delving into the history of the parade and why it is a must watch every year.

The cheerful parade first aired in 1983 as Walt Disney World’s Very Merry Christmas Parade. Since then the parade has aired every year except for one in 2000. In that time, the show has seen several hosts including Regis Philbin, Alan Thicke, Kelly Ripa, Joan Lunden and many more. The parade is typically taped in late November/early December at the parks, but don’t worry -- you’ll still feel the holiday cheer when you watch it on Christmas Day!

No date has been confirmed yet for when Walt Disney World ® will start taping for the parade but rumor has it that it will be Dec. 6 – 8. The schedule supposedly will include a practice, performance and taping of the parade on Dec. 6; morning practice followed by performance and taping on Dec. 7 and a rain back up day on Dec. 8. We also don’t know yet who will be the host, nor who will perform but if it is anything like year’s past you can expect some big names in Hollywood to turn up for the holiday cheer.

Meanwhile, Disneyland has already taped their segments of this year’s parade. Their portion of the show will include hosting duties by Nick Cannon and performances by Demi Lovato, star of Disney Channel’s hit show, “Liv and Maddie” Dove Cameron, Jordin Sparks and Jason Derulo. The cast of the Disney Channel Original Movie, Teen Beach Movie” will also appear with a special medley.

Similar to last year’s parade, viewers can expect the same joyful performances from celebrities and even Disney’s ® most beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n Dale and more. Listen as stars perform their own hits and a few classic holiday tunes you won’t forget as they stroll along in their elaborate floats down Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom ®.

Make sure you tune in to ABC on Christmas Day to see the Disney Parks Annual Christmas Day Parade. In the meantime you can get into the holiday spirit with plenty of jolly festivities at Walt Disney World ® including the Candlelight Processional at Epcot ®, Obsorne Family Spectacle of Lights at Hollywood Studios ®, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade and much more with discounted tickets right here on Best of Orlando.

Orlando, FL - 12/02/13