Now, of us, if you happen to’re like me, Thanksgiving simply wouldn’t be the identical with out a espresso, a comfy seat, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on the TV. And if you happen to’re actually like me, you’re waiting for one factor: Disney balloons floating down thirty fourth Road. Ever puzzled how Mickey, Donald, and shortly Minnie Mouse discovered their method into this beloved New York custom? Properly, seize your popcorn as a result of we’re diving into almost 90 years of Disney’s partnership with Macy’s.
The Very First Parade and the Early Days of Balloons
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade goes method again to 1924, however if you happen to can imagine it, balloons weren’t a part of the festivities till 1927. That first lineup included Felix the Cat, a dragon, and a toy soldier, all towering above the crowds. Again then, Macy’s had a reasonably wild thought to finish the parade: they might let the balloons drift off into the sky, free as birds. However this wasn’t simply Macy’s feeling beneficiant. Every balloon had a message connected, providing a $100 reward (about $1,800 in as we speak’s {dollars}) for anybody who returned it to the flagship retailer on thirty fourth Road.
And right here’s the place it will get attention-grabbing. This custom carried on for a number of years, proper up till 1932, when Felix the Cat nearly took down a aircraft flying over New York Metropolis! Think about that—you’re flying into LaGuardia, and immediately, there’s a 60-foot balloon drifting towards your wing. Evidently, that was the tip of Macy’s “fly away” stunt, and from then on, the balloons have stayed firmly grounded after the parade ends.
1934: Mickey Mouse Floats In, and Disney Joins the Parade
It was 1934 when Mickey Mouse lastly made his grand debut within the Macy’s parade. Rumor has it Walt Disney himself collaborated with Macy’s on the design, and by as we speak’s requirements, that first Mickey balloon was a little bit of a tough minimize. This early Mickey had a hotdog-shaped physique, and people outsized ears gave him a barely lopsided look. However nobody appeared to thoughts. Mickey was there, bigger than life, floating down the streets of New York, and the group liked him.
Mickey wasn’t alone that yr. He was joined by Pluto, Horace Horsecollar, and even the Massive Unhealthy Wolf and Sensible Pig from The Three Little Pigs, making it a full Disney lineup for the primary time. Again then, Disney wasn’t but the leisure powerhouse we all know as we speak, so for Walt, getting these characters within the parade meant making a deal. Macy’s required its star brand to be featured on every Disney balloon—a small concession that set the stage for Disney’s long-standing presence within the parade.
Duck Joins and Towers Over Mickey
A yr later, in 1935, Macy’s launched Donald Duck to the lineup, and right here’s the place issues bought attention-grabbing. Mickey could have been the primary Disney character to drift by the parade, however Donald made an enormous splash—actually. His balloon was an unlimited 60 toes tall and 65 toes lengthy, towering over Mickey’s 40-foot body. Donald shortly grew to become a fan favourite, showing within the lineup for a number of years earlier than being retired.
Quick-forward a number of a long time, and Donald was again for a particular look in 1984 to rejoice his fiftieth birthday. Macy’s dug the balloon out of storage, re-inflated it, and despatched Donald down thirty fourth Road as soon as once more, bringing a little bit of nostalgia to the vacation crowd.
A Somber Parade in 2001
Now, certainly one of my most memorable journeys to the parade was in 2001, simply weeks after the 9/11 assaults. Nancy and I, together with our pals, headed right down to New York, and the temper was one thing I’ll always remember. We watched the beginning of the parade from Central Park West, however earlier than that, we went to the Museum of Pure Historical past the night time earlier than to see the balloons being inflated. They have been coated in large cargo nets, with sandbags holding them down. It’s surreal to see these huge balloons anchored down earlier than they’re let loose.
That yr, safety was intense, with police lining the streets, and then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani rode on the Massive Apple float to roaring applause. Folks cheered his identify, waving and shouting as he handed. It felt like your complete metropolis had turned out to point out their resilience. Even amidst all of the heightened safety and rigidity, seeing these balloons—introduced a little bit of pleasure again to town.
Balloon Prep: From New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to California’s D23 Expo
Annually earlier than the parade, Macy’s holds a rehearsal occasion referred to as Balloon Fest at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. That is the place handlers get their first crack at guiding the balloons, working towards with their parade masters, and studying the ropes—actually. It’s a complete manufacturing unto itself, with dozens of individuals rehearsing to ensure these huge inflatables glide easily down the streets of New York on parade day.
In 2015, Macy’s took the balloon present on the street, bringing their Buzz Lightyear balloon out to California for the D23 Expo. I used to be fortunate sufficient to be there, and watching Buzz get inflated piece by piece within the Anaheim Conference Middle parking zone was one thing to behold. Every part was full of helium in levels, and once they bought round to Buzz’s decrease half, nicely, there have been various gas-related jokes from the group.
These balloons appear to have a character all their very own, and seeing one like Buzz come to life up shut—even exterior of New York—had all the thrill and anticipation of the true deal.
Mickey’s Comeback as a Bandleader and Sailor Mickey
After an extended hiatus, Mickey Mouse made his return to the Macy’s parade in 2000, this time sporting a brand new bandleader outfit. 9 years later, in 2009, Sailor Mickey joined the lineup, selling Disney Cruise Line with a nautical twist. Over the previous 20 years, Disney has continued to enchant parade-goers with characters like Buzz Lightyear in 2008 and Olaf from Frozen in 2017. These balloons preserve Disney’s iconic characters entrance and heart, drawing in each longtime followers and new viewers.
However ever surprise what occurs to the balloons after they attain the tip of thirty fourth Road? They don’t simply disappear. Every balloon is rigorously deflated, rolled up like a large piece of laundry, and packed into storage bins. From there, they’re carted again by the Lincoln Tunnel to Macy’s Parade Studio in New Jersey, the place they await their subsequent flight.
Macy’s Disney Celebration at Hollywood Studios
In 1992, Macy’s took the spirit of the parade right down to Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando. After that yr’s parade, a number of balloons—together with Santa Goofy, Kermit the Frog, and Betty Boop—have been transported to Hollywood Studios, re-inflated, and anchored alongside New York Road as a part of a vacation show. Guests may stroll by this “Macy’s New York Christmas” setup and see the balloons up shut, proper in the midst of the park. Whereas this show solely ran for one season, it paved the way in which for the Osborne Household Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which grew to become a vacation staple on the park for years to come back.
Minnie Mouse’s Lengthy-Awaited Debut in 2024
This yr, Minnie Mouse will lastly be a part of the parade, making her long-overdue debut. Macy’s is rolling out the purple carpet for Minnie’s arrival with particular pop-up retailers throughout the nation, the place followers can discover unique Minnie ears, blown-glass ornaments, T-shirts, and extra to rejoice her first look within the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
For these fortunate sufficient to catch the parade this yr, you’ll see Minnie take her first float down thirty fourth Road, decked out in her iconic purple bow and polka-dot gown. Macy’s and Disney are additionally unveiling a brand new Disney Cruise Line float honoring all eight ships, together with the newest, the Disney Treasure.
As all the time, I’ll be watching from my favourite chair, espresso in hand, as Minnie makes her grand entrance. The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs stay on NBC, and it’s a practice you gained’t wish to miss—whether or not you’re on thirty fourth Road or tuning in from residence.
