Walt Disney World used today’s ABC holiday taping to show off what’s next at the resort. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade stepped off with new Monsters, Inc. and Encanto segments, both tied to themed lands headed to Walt Disney World next year. Sulley, Mike Wazowski, and the Madrigal family made their way down Main Street USA as the cameras rolled.
New Monsters, Inc. and Encanto Segments Debut in Magic Kingdom’s ABC Christmas Parade
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Who appeared in the new Monsters, Inc. segment, including Sulley and Mike Wazowski.
- What the Encanto segment added to the parade, from the Madrigals to a new float.
- Where Monstropolis and Tropical Americas stand ahead of their expected 2027 openings.
Today’s 2:00pm performance was the first of two daytime Christmas parades tied to the ABC taping, giving day guests a look at a parade usually reserved for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. A second performance follows tomorrow at the same time. ABC airs the finished special on Christmas morning at 10:00am Eastern as Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.
Monstropolis Comes to Main Street USA
The Monsters, Inc. segment featured a Monsters University flag corps, waving bright blue flags with the Monsters, Inc. logo. MU cheerleaders in pink shaggy wigs, blue pom-poms, and furry purple-and-teal leg warmers matched Sulley’s fur. Sulley and Mike rode in the back of a white Main Street vehicle trimmed in blue tinsel, waving to the crowds along the curb.
Mike wore a blue hard hat with the Monsters, Inc. logo, and he wasn’t the only one. George Sanderson and Needleman walked alongside the car, with Needleman in a matching hard hat. It’s a fun wink at the construction underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Monstropolis is taking shape on the former Muppets Courtyard.
Mike and Sulley are a natural choice to lead the segment. Disney says the first phase of Monstropolis opens in 2027, and the four locations confirmed for that phase include the Glob Theater, where the pair host a new show called Welcome to Monstropolis. Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza, Harryhausen’s, and the Scareporium shop round out the group. The Monsters, Inc. Door Vault coaster will keep building past that first phase, with no official opening date yet.
The Madrigals Bring Encanto to the Parade
The Encanto segment brought plenty of color to Main Street USA. Mirabel, Bruno, and Isabela danced alongside villagers in ruffled skirts, striped ponchos, and wide-brimmed woven hats, with Bruno wrapped in his green ruana.
A repurposed float followed the group. Its red base is covered in poinsettias and white flowers, with gold-framed oval panels that glow in warm amber. One panel shows what appears to be the Madrigal family’s candle, while golden butterflies fill the upper panels, so the float feels like Encanto and Christmas at the same time.
Encanto’s spot in the parade points to Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Its headliner, Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, takes riders through Casita and up into Antonio’s room, which has turned into a rainforest. The ride has no height requirement, so the whole family can climb aboard. Disney pulled the 2027 timeframe from one of its webpages in September, but our understanding is the land is still on track for 2027.
Both Monsters Inc. and Encanto units are special for the Disney Parks holiday special, and won’t be included in other performances of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Keep Reading
- Magic Kingdom Entertainment Changes for the ABC Holiday Taping: Heading to Magic Kingdom tomorrow? Here’s which shows and street entertainment shift around the parade.
- ABC Sets 2026 Air Dates for Disney Parks Holiday Specials: Mark your calendar for both Disney Parks holiday specials, including the Christmas Day parade.
- Monstropolis to Open in Phases Starting 2027, Here’s What’s Opening First: Get the full rundown on the Glob Theater show, the new restaurants, and the Door Vault coaster.
- Disney World Still Targeting 2027 Opening for Tropical Americas: Find out why one website change doesn’t mean a delay for Animal Kingdom’s newest land.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!