On Christmas morning, Disney’s annual Magical Christmas Day Parade aired on ABC, featuring a star-studded lineup of performers and a mix of nostalgia and new content. The parade, hosted by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, included performances by John Legend, Elton John, Carly Pearce, and K-pop group SEVENTEEN, as well as an elaborate concert by the cast of Descendants: The Rise of Red. The event was taped at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida, as well as at other Disney Park locations, including its Aulani resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii.
However, not everyone was impressed with this year’s parade, with some viewers taking to social media to express their disappointment. One major complaint was the amount of ads included in the broadcast, with some saying it felt like a commercial for Disney cruises. Others were critical of the parade’s lack of focus on the Disney characters and the performances, with one viewer stating that it was more like a “play production” than a real parade.
John Legend’s performance of “This Christmas” also received some criticism, with one user saying that his version didn’t live up to Chris Brown’s rendition. However, not all viewers were negative about the parade, with many expressing their love for the event and its performances. Some even shared photos of themselves watching the parade as part of their Christmas morning traditions.
Overall, while the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade may not have been a hit with everyone this year, it still offered something for everyone, from the iconic Disney characters to the exciting performances and special guests.