From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Ella Kulak
10 Eye-Popping Disney Balloons, Floats at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Over The Years
In just a few hours, the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off the holiday season with exciting floats, bands and of course, famous character balloons.
With the parade quickly approaching, we thought it would be a perfect time to dig deep into the archives and find some fascinating and original photos of Disney balloons dating all the way back to 1934! Here’s a look into the past and Disney’s most memorable balloons featured in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade over the years.
Mickey Mouse (1934)
Let’s jump back in time to see the first Walt Disney Company balloon float along the New York City streets. During the 11th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mickey Mouse made his first appearance looking as jolly as a mouse can be. He was the biggest Mickey Mouse ever created at 40 feet tall and had hand painted qualities.
But wait … Mickey was not flying alone in the sky! His best friend and dog, Pluto, followed him wherever he would go. As a popular icon and beloved character by many, Disney has continued to collaborate with Macy’s from this day forward providing entertainment to all.
Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck (1972)
The 46th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was a special one! Celebrating the first anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck took on New York City together! Donald led the way in his blue sailor uniform while Mickey followed right behind him.
While these two took the sky, Goofy, Pluto and Dumbo joined us on the ground riding the Disney Wagon. We even had some special characters walk the streets like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Peter Pan and Captain Hook. Even the Country Bears Jamboree came out of hibernation to play for us!
Mickey Mouse (1974)
In the 48th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mickey Mouse appeared for the 4th time wearing a classic yellow t-shirt and red shorts. Looks like he started to pick up on some fashion sense since we saw him last. Even his shoes matched! Talk about color coordination.
As Mickey floated up high, Captain Hook’s Pirate Ship sailed down 34th street. Hook avoided “Tick Tock” the Crocodile at all costs. Luckily Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and friends were on board keeping us safe! The Alice in Wonderland float also followed along featuring the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit.
Donald Duck and Tom Turkey (1984)
In 1984, Donald Duck turned 50 years old and had the honor of following Tom Turkey in the 58th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Nothing is more honorable than following the star of the show!
Santa Goofy (1992)
Joining us in the 66th Annual Parade was Santa Goofy! To welcome the holiday season, Goofy dressed up in a festive Santa Claus suit carrying a Christmas wreath for good cheer. He even got the spotlight for being the only new giant balloon character that year.
Not only was Goofy excited to be there, but the new Disney Fantasy Castle too first glide with Belle, Beast, Cogswoth, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Chip to celebrate.
Bandleader Mickey Mouse (2000)
Bandleader Mickey Mouse made his first appearance leading the 74th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade into the new millennium. He wore his red and gold marching uniform with accented gold rope laced buttons inspired by the television program, The Mickey Mouse Club, launched in the 1950’s. He was then named the Macy’s Holiday Ambassador and visited the Macy’s store to meet children on the 7th floor.
The Ship of Dreams (2005)
In the 79th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Ship of Dreams celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort. The Ship of Dreams carried various Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, the Disney Princess characters, and others! LeAnn Rimes, a country singer, even performed “Remember When” to celebrate the anniversary.
Sailor Mickey Mouse (2009)
Sailor Mickey Mouse entered the 83rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in style. To introduce the new cruise ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Mickey Mouse sailed upon the sky in his red, white and blue sailor uniform, holding an anchor and saluting the crowds. This year, he was on his way to the seas!
Joining Sailor Mickey Mouse this year was the one and only Buzz Lightyear! Dressed in his everyday space suit, Buzz Lightyear flies to infinity and beyond.
Magic Meets the Sea (2021)
The ship era begins with the Disney Wish setting sail in the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with their Magic Meets the Sea float! During its inaugural Parade voyage, the float featured 15 favorite Disney friends who represented the stories and experiences on the Disney Wish, including Captain Minnie Mouse, who proudly adorns the ship’s bow; Princess Tiana, who cooks up the power of imagination in an all-new interactive adventure aboard the ship; Aladdin and Jasmine, whose story has been reimagined into an original Broadway-style stage show on board; and Cinderella, whose beautiful bronze statue graces the fairytale-inspired Grand Hall.
Magic Meets the Sea (2022)
The Disney Wish took another voyage in the 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2022, as Magic Meets the Sea! Captain Mickey Mouse, Captain Minnie Mouse and his friends hopped on deck and sang “Seas the Adventure,” a number inspired by the new Broadway-style show on board the Disney Wish.
Some of our favorite characters included: Mirabel, Mulan, Raya, Tiana, Prince Naveen, Cinderella, Prince Charming, Moana, Jasmine, Aladdin, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Black Panther, and Spider-Man.
I hope you looked up! Grogu was one with the force and floated down 34th street like a master.
What will Disney have in store for this year? Keep an eye out during the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for Disney Cruise Line’s float representing the Disney Treasure, the newest ship scheduled to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet. This year’s parade coverage begins at 8:30 a.m. (local time).
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