Walt Disney World Independence Day Spectacular (1990)

This is the 1990 Walt Disney World Independence Day Spectacular and what a spectacular it is! Unlike previous Independence Day broadcasts, this one has no host. This is the third time the parade aired and the second on Fox networks. Disney already had a Christmas and Easter broadcast but unlike those other parades, this broadcast celebrated America. Interestingly, this is the first time the parade format was dropped from this broadcast in favor of a more performance-oriented show.

This broadcast contains several song performances by popular stars of the time as well including New Kids on the Block, Glydis Knight, and Jermain Jackson. There's also park shows including the Disney Afternoon, Dick Tracy, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The latter two both having come fresh off of live recent action film releases. Samuel E. Wright performs his two songs from The Little Mermaid, the Disney characters recite the Preamble to the United States Constitution, and Regis & Kathy Lee put on a show about America and patriotism. You will not believe today's Walt Disney Company used to be like this.

The date this program aired varied from year to year and even by network. This third Independence Day Parade broadcast aired on July 4 on Fox stations. It was the shortest-lived parade broadcast, only running 6 years. The final Independence Day show aired in 1992.

Unlike the other parades, the Independence Day Parade didn't have a regular host, but usually concluded with Sandi Patty singing the Star-Spangled Banner during the fireworks display for the finale.

Original air date July 4, 1990

Posted for historical purposes. This channel is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company.