Mike Wazowski rode down Main Street in a Monsters, Inc. hard hat, a not-so-subtle nod to the construction at Hollywood Studios. The Monsters, Inc. and Encanto segments were added only for ABC's cameras.
Disney used Tuesday's taping of its Christmas Day Parade special at Magic Kingdom to plug three lands it's still building.
At the 2 p.m. performance of Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Disney added a Monsters, Inc. segment and an Encanto segment, BlogMickey reported. WDWMagic's report said the taping previewed Monstropolis, Tropical Americas and Villains Land.
BlogMickey said both new segments exist only for the TV special. Guests at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party won't see them in the regular parade.
The finished show, Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, airs Friday, Dec. 25, at 10 a.m. ET on ABC.
What did the Monsters, Inc. parade segment look like?
It went full college spirit. BlogMickey described:
A Monsters University flag corps waving blue flags with the Monsters, Inc. logo
MU cheerleaders in pink shaggy wigs, blue pom-poms and furry purple-and-teal leg warmers that match Sulley's fur
Sulley and Mike riding in the back of a white Main Street vehicle trimmed in blue tinsel
Mike in a blue Monsters, Inc. hard hat, with George Sanderson and Needleman walking alongside. Needleman wore a matching hat.
The hard hats are a wink at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where Monstropolis is under construction. Subtle, Disney is not.
What was in the Encanto parade segment?
Mirabel, Bruno and Isabela danced with villagers in ruffled skirts, striped ponchos and wide-brimmed woven hats, according to BlogMickey. Bruno wore a green ruana.
The segment used a repurposed float with a red base covered in poinsettias and white flowers. Gold-framed oval panels glowed amber, one showed what looks like the Madrigal family candle, and golden butterflies filled the upper panels.
The tie-in is Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto, the family ride coming to Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom. BlogMickey noted it has no height requirement.
Was Villains Land in the Christmas parade taping?
Yes, as a villains segment, WDWMagic reported. Two performers in villain-themed costumes carried a "Happy Holidays" banner, and the Queen of Hearts marched with her card soldiers.
Behind them came a villains float carrying Ursula, Maleficent and Mother Gothel, with Captain Hook, Anastasia, Dr. Facilier and Gaston marching ahead of it.
WDWMagic said the segment continues Disney's build-up to Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, which will have a Maleficent coaster and a Magic Mirror ride, per Disney's D23 reveal in August. Disney hasn't given it an opening year.
Can you still see the Christmas parade taping at Magic Kingdom?
Yes. The second taping is Wednesday, Nov. 11, again at 2 p.m., per WDWNT's schedule. It's open to regular Magic Kingdom guests, no party ticket needed.
Festival of Fantasy is off both days to make room.
Some shows are trimmed. WDWNT listed cuts to Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire, the Dapper Dans and the Casey's Corner pianist.
Expect retakes. TV tapings stop and restart, and Wednesday is Veterans Day, so crowds could be heavy.
Check the My Disney Experience app for the latest times.
When do Monstropolis and Tropical Americas open?
Monstropolis opens its first phase at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2027, Disney has said. That includes the Glob Theater with the show Welcome to Monstropolis, Archie's Scare Pig Pizza, Harryhausen's and the Scareporium shop. The Monsters, Inc. door coaster comes later, with no official date.
Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom brings Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto and Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, which replaces DINOSAUR. Disney pulled a 2027 timeframe from one of its webpages in September, BlogMickey noted, but the site said its understanding is the land is still on track for 2027.
Who is hosting the Disney Christmas Day Parade on ABC?
ABC hasn't officially named hosts. Robert Irwin and Malia Baker were seen taping what looked like host segments at Magic Kingdom on Tuesday, and production credentials pointed to both holiday specials. ABC's other special from these tapings, The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular, airs Monday, Nov. 30.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
BlogMickey (Nov. 10, 2026), Monsters, Inc. and Encanto segment details, special-only status, air time and Tropical Americas timing
WDWMagic (Nov. 10, 2026), the villains segment, Monsters, Inc. and Encanto characters, and the land tie-ins
WDW News Today (Nov. 1, 2026), the Nov. 10 and 11 entertainment schedule changes
Disney Parks Blog (Aug. 16, 2026), Monstropolis first-phase locations
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