The 1998 ``Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade'' Prepares for Christmas Delivery on ABC; a Traditional Holiday Favorite Not to Miss!

Business Wire, Nov 17, 1998

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photo is available in a Smart News Release(TM)

on Business Wire's Home Page at www.businesswire.com.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Nov. 17, 1998--

16th Annual Holiday Telecast to Air Dec. 25

From 10 a.m. to Noon (EST) on ABC Television

Hosts Caroline Rhea ("Sabrina the Teenage Witch")

and Richard Kind ("Spin City")

Joined by Justin Cooper ("Brother's Keeper")

and Wayne Brady ("Whose Line Is It Anyway?")

Along With Special Musical Guests

`N Sync, Martina McBride and Donny Osmond

The magic of the holidays returns once again with the 16th annual Christmas Day television extravaganza -- the 1998 "Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade," scheduled to be broadcast direct from the Walt Disney World Resort in sunny Florida on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, at 10 a.m. (EST) on ABC Television.

Hosted by ABC favorites Caroline Rhea ("Sabrina the Teenage Witch") and Richard Kind ("Spin City"), this enchanting two-hour yuletide celebration unwraps the wonderment of the season with a spectacular opening musical production number spanning all four theme parks in the Walt Disney World Resort -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney- MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The joyous festivities continue with the "Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade" as viewers join hosts Rhea and Kind as they visit some of the all-new attractions throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, including a sneak-peek tour of Tomorrowland's newest ride, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, based on characters from the lovable film "Toy Story"; and the Disney-MGM Studios' newest nighttime sensation, Fantasmic!, a remarkable festival of lasers, lights, classic Disney music and dazzling special effects that take guests inside the dreams of Mickey Mouse.

The holiday special will also take an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the newest spellbinding production (titled "La Nouba") from the world-renowned circus troupe Cirque du Soleil at Downtown Disney West Side, scheduled to open to the public on Dec. 23, 1998.

Next, rising talent Justin Cooper ("Brother's Keeper") will take viewers on the adventure of a lifetime through Walt Disney World's newest theme park, Disney's Animal Kingdom. There, Cooper learns "It's Tough to Be a Bug" in the new A Bug's Life attraction, along with setting off on a wild odyssey through the African safari and back in time on Countdown to Extinction.

Throughout the "Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade," special guest Wayne Brady ("Whose Line Is It Anyway?") will take to the high seas with Santa and his elves for some fun and laughs on board the Disney Magic, the premiere vessel in the amazing new Disney Cruise Line.

The "Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade" also gets in tune for the holidays with special performances by today's hottest music stars, including pop's newest sensation, `N Sync, who will be singing their latest chart-topping single, "A Little More Time (God Must Have Spent)," and "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" from their new holiday album "Home for Christmas."

Multi-award-winning country-music superstar Martina McBride will also be on hand performing "Wrong Again" from her best-selling album "Evolution," and "Let It Snow" from her new seasonal album "White Christmas," along with Donny Osmond, who will be reprising his role as the singing voice of Shang from the acclaimed Disney motion picture "Mulan" (performing two of the film's popular songs -- "True to Your Heart" and "I'll Make a Man out of You").

Of course, it wouldn't be a Disney Christmas without Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy, plus everyone's favorite characters from "The Little Mermaid," "The Lion King," "Beauty and the Beast" and the rest of the Disney gang -- and they are all here to share in the festivities of the traditional Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade on Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom.

Filled with elves, dancing Christmas trees, snowmen, colorful floats, marching bands and a special visit from Santa Claus himself, the "Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade" is sure to delight audiences of all ages!

The holiday splendor and magic of the "Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade" begins at 10 a.m. (EST) on Christmas Day, only on ABC Television!

To obtain more exciting information on the "Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade," viewers may access the World Wide Web at www.Disney.com.