Robin Roberts Returns to Host the "Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration" with Performances by Jason Derulo, Ariana Grande, Seal, Reba McEntire and more
ANAHEIM, Calif. and LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Dec. 8, 2015 — (PRNewswire) — This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates not only the joy of the holiday season, but the unforgettable family moments it has helped guests create over the past sixty years. "Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration," airs Friday, December 25, 2015 (10:00 am.-12:00 p.m ET; airtimes vary; check local listings) on the ABC Television Network.
Now in its 32nd year, the unforgettable Christmas special welcomes back Robin Roberts of ABC's "Good Morning America" (GMA) as lead host. Reporting from the Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., Roberts is accompanied by Jesse Palmer, who joins the event for the first time as a correspondent. New to the GMA team as a special contributor, Palmer shares key parade updates in the midst of the action on Main Street, U.S.A. Janel Parrish, star of the ABC Family hit show "Pretty Little Liars" – which will debut under the new network name, Freeform for its winter premiere on January 12, 2016 – serves as music correspondent alongside Stitch from the Cinderella Castle.
The holidays have long been cherished for their ability to bring family and friends together from near and far to create heartfelt memories to last a lifetime. In the spirit of "Unforgettable Happens Here," throughout the celebration Disney Parks will tell the inspiring real-life stories of three families whose personal connection to Disney Parks will make their Christmas dreams come true. It all culminates with an unforgettable Christmas Day surprise that is sure to warm the hearts of television audiences across the country, providing the perfect toast to the most festive time of the year.
For a dose of nostalgia, viewers are also treated to magical memories from the Disney Christmas shows of yesteryear, along with beloved Disney Park moments shared by actors and actresses from both classic and current Disney films.
Bringing together the biggest names in music and entertainment, music industry legend, David Foster, joins today's top artists to sing their interpretations of Disney classics from the "We Love Disney" album, along with a mix of Christmas favorites. The star-studded lineup includes the following:
*performance lineup subject to change
- Jason Derulo shakes up this year's parade with his rendition of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" – available on the "We Love Disney" album
- International superstar, Ariana Grande pays tribute to the Greek demi-god, Hercules with the Disney favorite "Zero to Hero," also available on the "We Love Disney" album, along with her latest single, "Focus"
- GRAMMY® winning artist, Seal dazzles parade spectators with his interpretation of "This Christmas" and new hit, "Every Time I'm With You"
- Country music legend, Reba McEntire sings her original song, "Going Out Like That" and the popular Christmas tune, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
- Breakout musical artist, Andy Grammer delights the crowd with medley of "Honey I'm Good" and his new single "Good to be Alive," along with the iconic Christmas song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
- Rising pop star, Charlie Puth adds Christmas cheer with "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and his own single, "One Call Away"
- "Should've Been Us" singer, Tori Kelly spreads Disney magic with the beloved classic "Colors of the Wind" from "Pocahontas" – available on the "We Love Disney" album – and the holiday favorite, "Winter Wonderland"
- Soulful singer, Charles Perry jazzes up the festivities with a "World of My Own/Ev'rybody Wants to be a Cat" medley and his own spin on the famous Christmas duet, "Baby, It's Cold Outside"
- The cast of the Disney Channel Original Movie, "Descendants," Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart, and Sofia Carson, pay tribute to Disney's most infamous villains with "Rotten to the Core"
Featuring floats and characters from movie favorites including "Toy Story," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Inside Out," and the wildly-popular "Frozen," along with the all-new "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and upcoming "Finding Dory" movie, slated for release next summer, this year's Disney Christmas Parade is expected to be the most spectacular of all. Viewers can also look forward to watching other Disney parade stars take the spotlight, such as beloved Disney princesses, characters from Disney Junior, a special performance from the stars of the Disney Channel Original Movie, "Descendants," and of course, the iconic Disney Toy Soldiers and Santa Claus!
The 32nd annual Christmas celebration airs nationwide on December 25 at 10 a.m. EST and 9 a.m. CST, MST and PST on ABC-TV. The show will also air in Canada on CBC Network and across the globe on the American Forces Network.
For more information, visit disney.com/disneyparkschristmas to learn about the special telecast, including local broadcast times and a full list of parade talent. Guests can also join in fun online by using the hashtag #DisneyParade.
About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are where dreams come true. More than 55 years ago, Walt Disney created a new kind of entertainment families could experience together, immersed in detailed atmospheres and vibrant storytelling. His vision now includes a collection of five of the world's leading family vacation destinations – Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.; Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Tokyo Disney Resort, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan; Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France; and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located on Lantau Island. A sixth resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, is currently under construction in Pudong New District, Shanghai. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world's most popular destinations; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions.
About the Hosts
Robin Roberts is co-anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America," which has won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program. During her time with the show, Roberts has interviewed famous personalities such as President Barack Obama, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, First Lady Michelle Obama, Amanda Knox, LeBron James, Hope Solo, and Taya Kyle - wife of American Sniper Chris Kyle, to name a few. In 2014, Roberts was honored with the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, inducted in the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and named one of Glamour's Women of the Year. In September 2014, Roberts launched Rock'n Roberts Productions, which creates authentic broadcast content and digital programming for a host of networks, including informational shows and documentaries, lifestyle reality series and live special events.
Jesse Palmer is a former quarterback for the Florida Gators and was drafted by the New York Giants in 2001. After serving four years with the team, Palmer was temporarily signed by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005. In 2007, Palmer joined ESPN as a college football analyst for ABC's Saturday games and Thursday Night College Football, as well as lead analyst on the SEC Network. In 2014, he was named the lead game analyst alongside Brent Musburger for the SEC Network. Recently, in May 2015, Palmer was welcomed to ABC's "Good Morning America" team as a special correspondent and will cover big stories for the second hour of the show, as well as "signature big live events."
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SOURCE Disney Parks
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