MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

NEw Float from DCL for 2024 To Show Growth

We’re just a few weeks away from the return of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which means that the holiday season is just around the corner! This year’s Parade will feature a brand-new Disney Cruise Line float, “Magic Meets the Seas,” along with a new, specially choregraphed performance starring beloved characters from Disney Animation, Pixar, and more.  

This year’s float design features the bows of eight Disney Cruise Line ships, with the focal point being the highly anticipated Disney Treasure which will sail on its Maiden Voyage in December! The float celebrates the growing Disney Cruise Fleet, including the five ships currently sailing and the three set to debut this year and next – Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, and Disney Adventure.  It also showcases the unprecedented growth of Disney Cruise Line, which recently announced that the fleet will expand to 13 ships by 2031!  

Leading the way atop the float will be Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse. The famous duo will be joined by a number of special guests who represent the stories and experiences that will be brought to life onboard the Disney Treasure, including Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, Miguel, and Moana.  

Known for the Broadway style shows on board its ships, it’s only fitting for Disney Cruise Line to bring a taste of its magical entertainment to the streets of New York. Spectators at the Parade and those tuning in at home will be treated to a toe-tapping number starring Mickey, Minnie and their pals from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Beauty and the Beast” and more. The melody of memories from favorite Disney films will build to a confetti-filled finale set to the magnetic new Disney Treasure anthem, “Live the Adventure.” 

Be sure to snuggle up with your family on Thanksgiving morning and tune in to spot Disney Cruise Line’s “Magic Meets the Seas”!  

November 28, 2024 Thursday on NBC and Peacock will be the 98th Macy’s Day Parade from 9 am to noon

“Disney Cruise Line is excited to continue our partnership with the team at Macy’s to sprinkle some extra pixie dust this holiday season with our brand-new float design” said Denise Case, Director of Entertainment Creative for Disney Live Entertainment. “The magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade provides the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate and bring our special Disney magic to life through our one-of-a-kind entertainment that will fill the streets of New York City with enchantment!” 

“Magic Meets the Seas” features the bows of eight Disney Cruise Line ships, with the focal point being the Disney Treasure, which will set sail on its maiden voyage on December 21st. The float embodies the growing fleet, including the five ships currently sailing and the three set to debut this year and next.

During the Parade, the magical float will bring beloved Disney Animation, Pixar, and Marvel characters to the streets of New York City. Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse will lead the way atop the float and will be joined by Disney pals representing the experiences and spaces onboard the Disney Treasure, including Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Songs from these beloved stories will accompany the magical float, culminating in a confetti-filled finale set to the Disney Treasure’s anthem, “Live the Adventure,” for Parade viewers both in-person and at home to enjoy.  

“We’re delighted to have Disney Cruise Line returning for its fourth appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the enchanting ‘Magic Meets the Seas’ float! This year’s design is sure to captivate fans nationwide with its stunning and incredible artistry,” said Jordan Dabby, producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “Captain Mickey Mouse and Captain Minnie Mouse will be at the helm of this magical float, joined by all our favorite Disney and Pixar characters who will bring the Thanksgiving spirit to life with song and dance along the Parade Route.”

Disney Cruise Line Magic Meets the Sea Float 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

  • Link to the direct website:

  • https://www.macys.com/s/parade/lineup/?lineupaccordion=Floats&lid=parade_primarycta-lineupballoons

  • Information:

  • Captain Minnie Mouse & friends will be onboard Disney Cruise Line’s float for an all-new adventure, as it makes its third trip to the Big Apple. Modeled after their newest ship, the Disney Treasure, the float captures Disney’s elegant classic ocean liner design, complete with Mickey Mouse signature colors, classic filigree trim & the iconic red smokestacks.

  • Fun Fact

  • This is the first Parade float that is longer than the float bed; the bow of the ship juts out eight feet.

  • The annual Thanksgiving Day Parade will be on NBC and Peacock starting at 9 am Eastern Standard Time (pre-show starts at 8:30 am)

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).

Repost from Disney Parks Blog