PHOTOS - Filming the 2023 Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

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Filming the 2023 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade at Magic Kingdom

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Posted: Sunday November 12, 2023 12:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is hosting the production of the 40th Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade this weekend.

Filming the 2023 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade at Magic Kingdom

Crews have been shooting throughout the weekend, with Derek Hough and Julianne Hough once again hosting the show, along with country music artist Mickey Guyton.

Filming the 2023 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade at Magic Kingdom

Guests at Magic Kingdom today were surprised with two performances of Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, including Mrs Clause and Santa Claus on the finale float.

Filming the 2023 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade at Magic Kingdom

The 2023 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade show will air on ABC at 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST/9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. PST, December 25, 2023.

Filming the 2023 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade at Magic Kingdom

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BrianMar 30, 2024

I would also like to see snowcapped turrets and a little garland worked in. But I'll certainly take the OG Dreamlights back. It's really so stunning in person.

yensidtlaw1969Mar 30, 2024

Oh I agree that projections are insufficient. I just think the Dreamlights weren't quite all that, even at their best. I would also be plenty thrilled with a winter overlay that's closer in line with what Disneyland does. Of course their castle is much smaller and easier to decorate in this way, but the snow-capped roofs make such a tremendous positive difference in both the daytime and nighttime look (their icicles could use some work though, they don't look so hot during the day)

wdwmagicMar 30, 2024

They did get pretty quick at the install in later years, and it was a true wow moment for guests when lit. Projections don't come close.

MisterPenguinMar 29, 2024

Everything's an LED!! Everything's an LED!!

bmr1591Mar 29, 2024

Putting a ton of LEDs in the walls of the castle would make perfect dreamlights, not be an eyesore during the day, and let them be used for other shows.

aladdin2007Mar 29, 2024

Just me but I would rather them restore the castle back to its original colors instead of covering it in lights.....granted the lights are seasonal...but just saying in terms of money being spent...........I guess though it will be eons before we ever see it happen. :rolleyes:

mattpetoMar 29, 2024

They need to do something to bolster their Christmas offerings. And Halloween. Really surprised Villains didn’t make it back, they went with Enchantment for an AH draw instead.

yensidtlaw1969Mar 29, 2024

This may be an unpopular opinion, but the Dreamlights never quite earned their keep for me. They take forever to install, muck up the face of the castle during the day, and look kind of cool at night but not as sophisticated as I think they should. I wish they'd just find a way to run Fiber Optics all over the castle, take a season to install them properly, and then keep them permanently to be used mainly just at Christmas Time. Maybe an occasional punctuating moment of magic in a Fireworks show or the Kiss Goodnight. Something that you wouldn't know was there unless you really looked for it, but could still make the castle sparkle on command.

CntrlFlPeteMar 29, 2024

I assume they would just projection map the castle these days. about six weeks of people complaining that a crane ruined their once in a lifetime trip ;)