A Brief History of Disney Macy’s Parade Balloons Day Thread
This year, Minnie Mouse makes her debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as a balloon. It surprised me to learn this is the first time she’ll be appearing in that form, which got me wondering – what other Disney characters got the high honor of appearing as balloons in the parade? All information and images come from the (incredibly thorough!) Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Wiki, and for the purposes of this header we’ll focus on balloons, and on characters Disney originated – so, no floats, and no Marvel, Star Wars or Muppets. Let’s take it away…
Mickey, of course, features prominently. He’s had four different balloons. The first appeared in 1934-35. The second (shown) appeared 1971-83. Bandleader Mickey only got one year in 2000, and Sailor Mickey was included from 2009-2012.
The 1934-35 parades included a whopping six Disney characters – Mickey, Pluto, Donald (35 only), Practical Pig, the Big Bad Wolf, and Horace Horsecollar (shown). Horace remains one of the smallest balloons in parade history and traveled on a wooden frame instead of flying.
Donald has the second most appearances after Mickey. He first appeared in 1935, and a second balloon (shown) appeared 1962-72 and again in 1984.
Goofy was the Parade Ambassador in 1992, meaning the merchandise and advertising focused on him. This balloon only appeared that year, however.
THAT’S RIGHT BRAFFAMANAICS! Only intended to appear once, Chicken Little appeared 2004-05 because his movie was delayed.
It’s Jojo, from Jojo’s Circus! She appeared 2005-07. I’m not at all familiar with the show, but seriously – Chicken Little got a balloon before Minnie did??!?
Buzz Lightyear appeared 2008-13. He was only the second balloon in parade history to use clear material, after Abby Cadabby a year earlier.
Olaf, 2017-19. This balloon did not fall apart like others before it, but it should have in the interest of accuracy.
And finally, Minnie debuting this year. It only took her 96 years to get a balloon!
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