The Wonderful World of Disney
Specials
Walt Disney, one of Hollywood's most ambitious producers, was first approached to do television in 1950, when The Coca-Cola Company offered him a one-hour special. The one hour special, "One Hour in Wonderland," aired December 25, 1950 on NBC and garnered 90% of the television viewing audience. A second special, "The Walt Disney Christmas Special," aired December 25, 1951 on CBS. When Walt had drawn up plans for a theme park, known as Disneyland, he found a hard time obtaining funding; critics, including Walt's brother Roy, thought that it was unfeasible and that it would be a fiasco. At the same time, the ABC television network offered him a deal for a television anthology series. Walt wouldn't agree to it unless they put up partial financing for Disneyland (a term that had kept CBS and NBC from signing with him). ABC agreed, and also paid him $50,000 per program, an exorbitant sum for the time. The show, titled Disneyland, premiered on October 27, 1954 and was an immediate success. The program showcased original works from the Disney Studios. Cartoons, documentaries, educational shorts, all were shown to a captive worldwide audience. Variety was the key to its success, as it kept most of what it did fresh, multi-cultural and constantly changing its entertainment.
Where to Watch Specials
16 Episodes
- One Hour in WonderlandE1
One Hour in WonderlandOne Hour in Wonderland is a 1950 television special made by Walt Disney Productions. It was first seen on Christmas Day, 1950, over NBC (4–5 pm in all time zones) for Coca-Cola, and was Walt Disney's first television production. It featured Walt as host, with Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy (who appeared on radio for Coke), and other celebrities who worked with Walt, including the Firehouse Five Plus Two jazz band. This special was actually a promotional film for Disney's upcoming theatrical feature, Alice in Wonderland. Kathryn Beaumont, who was Alice's voice, was dressed like her for this special. - A Disney HalloweenE3
A Disney HalloweenA Disney Halloween was a 90-minute Halloween-themed television special that included portions from both Disney's Halloween Treat (1982) and Disney's Greatest Villains (1977) featuring classic short cartoons and excerpts of various villains from Disney feature films. It was hosted by an offscreen narrator and the Magic Mirror from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. - Donald Duck's 50th BirthdayE4
Donald Duck's 50th BirthdayDonald Duck's 50th Birthday is the 1984 television special broadcast on The Magical World of Disney on November 13, 1984 on CBS. As the title suggests, it was produced for the 50th anniversary of the Donald Duck character. Donald is shown in both animated and costumed form, interacting with emcee Dick Van Dyke and other cast members. The film not only shows Donald's life, but also depicts an extensive international tour that Donald went on in 1984 as well as showing various celebrities of the day wishing Donald happy birthday. The tour culminates in a parade in Donald's honor at Disneyland. - Disneyland 60E5
Disneyland 60Walt Disney, one of the ultimate dreamers, used his uninhibited imagination and determination to create what became the springboard for all of the Walt Disney Company's spirited and wildly successful creativity that followed -- his crowning achievement: Disneyland. The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60 will celebrate the inventiveness and inspiration of Disney's big, bold creation with a glamorous, star-studded Diamond Anniversary event. Acclaimed actor Harrison Ford, who portrays Han Solo in the Star Wars film franchise, will give viewers an exclusive preview of Star Wars-themed lands being developed at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. New details of the ambitious plans to bring Star Wars to life at both resorts will be revealed during the show, with Master of Ceremonies Derek Hough. Hough, a six-time Dancing with the Stars champion, will be joined by past champion Witney Carson as the pair leads a team of dancers down Main Street U.S.A. to an enormously popular Oscar®-nominated song from a classic Disney animated motion picture. Music legend Sir Elton John will perform two sensational songs in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park, the Oscar®-nominated song "Circle of Life," from Disney's The Lion King, and the new song, "Wonderful Crazy Night," from his upcoming album. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel, will join the celebration performing "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" from Walt Disney's acclaimed animated film Fantasia. The special takes place in the heart of Hollywood at the Dolby Theater and throughout some of the most iconic locations at Disneyland Park, including Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street U.S.A., and Cars Land, a themed area of Disney California Adventure Park. It will also showcase two dazzling displays of technology – the "Paint the Night" Parade and "World of Color–Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney" in Disney California Adventure - Magical Holiday Celebration 2016
E7Magical Holiday Celebration 2016Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough for this magical two-hour special from Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments. - Magical Holiday Celebration 2017E8
Magical Holiday Celebration 2017Join Emmy Award-winner Julianne Hough and multi-platinum recording artist and television personality, Nick Lachey as they host the magical two-hour event from the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. They join co-host, Jesse Palmer to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing incredible music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments including an extraordinary castle lighting spectacular. - Magical Holiday Celebration 2019E11
Magical Holiday Celebration 2019Join hosts Matthew Morrison, Emma Bunton, and Jesse Palmer as they present the two-hour special from Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California. This magical celebration will feature celebrity musical performances among a flurry of Disney holiday entertainment. Viewers will be treated to several Disney Parks sneak peeks, including a behind-the-scenes look into Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. - Magical Holiday Celebration 2020E12
Magical Holiday Celebration 2020Original hosts Derek and Julianne Hough return, kicking off the night with a glittering new holiday performance, while Trevor Jackson (Freeform’s “grown-ish”) hosts from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Together, they will take viewers on a wintry ride through fan-favorite performances from the past five years and new heartwarming family moments. You’ll also get a brand-new sneak peek into Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure coming in 2021 to EPCOT in Florida. In addition to magical holiday moments, viewers will also get a sneak preview of Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature-film “Soul,” before it becomes available exclusively on Disney+ (where Disney+ is available) beginning Dec. 25, 2020. Featuring the voices of Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey, “Soul” introduces a middles-school band teacher who teams up with a sarcastic new soul on a mission to figure out exactly what makes life worth living. - Disney's 100th Anniversary Celebration!E15
Disney's 100th Anniversary Celebration!In honor of Disney's 100th anniversary, ABC is celebrating the iconic moment with an evening of magical programming hosted by Kelly Ripa. A lineup that includes exclusive moments featuring Ripa and sneak peeks of upcoming Disney projects. The special program will also feature the world broadcast premieres of Walt Disney Animation Studios' new animated short film, "Once Upon a Studio," and the beloved Oscar®-winning feature "Encanto." - Magical Holiday Celebration 2023E16
Magical Holiday Celebration 2023Julianne Hough and Derek Hough return as hosts from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for this special, which will feature performances from Ariana DeBose, Michael Bolton, Mickey Guyton, Adam Blackstone, Andra Day, Chris Janson, Tori Kelly, Chrissy Metz, Iam Tongi, The Smashing Pumpkins, and more. Plus, special appearances from D.J. Khaled and Chris Pine. Filmed at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, with special performances from Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i, and aboard Disney Cruise Line, the holiday show will also offer special looks at what’s new around The Walt Disney Company. - Magical Holiday Celebration 2024E17
Magical Holiday Celebration 2024Hosted by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, ''The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular'' returned for its ninth year with a sparkling spectacle of new musical performances from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko'Olina, Hawaiʻi. Narrated by Kristen Bell, who will share the tale of how the Disney Parks kicks off the most magical holiday ever!