Get ready for a magical Thanksgiving! In 2026, the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of holiday cheer and spectacular entertainment in New York City. Disney has been a huge part of this tradition since the very beginning, bringing beloved characters and stunning floats to millions.
Can you believe it? Since the first parade in 1924, originally called The Macy’s Christmas Parade, Disney has consistently joined the festivities. They’ve added incredible floats, memorable character appearances, and, of course, those colossal balloons that light up the Manhattan skyline. Mickey Mouse and friends have truly become a treasured part of this holiday staple.
A New Mickey Balloon Takes Flight for the 100th Parade
Imagine the surprise at D23 Day at Disneyland Resort! Guests walking into the Downtown Disney District recently witnessed an incredible sight: the grand reveal of Disney’s newest balloon, joining the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup this year.
And it’s none other than Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse! This spectacular balloon makes its official debut in November’s parade, marking the 100th procession down that legendary New York City route, starting from the charming Upper West Side.
Did you know Disney’s parade history goes way back? Mickey Mouse first flew as a balloon in 1934! To celebrate this milestone, Disney even inflated the new Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey balloon for the first time right there in Downtown Disney District, giving us a sneak peek and kicking off the holiday countdown.
Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Takes to the Skies
Mickey Mouse has appeared in countless unforgettable forms, but why choose Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey for this special anniversary? Joseph Titizian, a Senior Manager for Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products, explained that for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – an event Disney has been part of for 90 years – there was only one clear choice: Mickey Mouse himself.
Joseph added, “Mickey Mouse’s most iconic role is that of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. We wanted to bring his joy, optimism, imagination, and wonder to make this 100th parade even more magical.” This choice feels particularly fitting, especially with D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event happening right around the corner, where Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey often acts as a symbol of the beloved convention.
Even if you haven’t seen Disney’s Fantasia, where the character first appears, Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey is a familiar face in Disney Parks. He stars in the epic nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! and greets guests at Red Carpet Dreams in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Seeing this magnificent balloon up close was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me. Fans cheered and marveled at the towering, vibrant Mickey, so beautifully detailed and even hand-painted – it’s a true work of art.
Will Coss, the Parade Executive Producer, shared some insights into the incredible effort behind these floats. “The balloon process is incredibly unique and special, specific to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” he said. “It blends a lot of art with a lot of science. Ultimately, it creates that magical moment on Parade morning, but it takes months and months of prework to get a successful balloon flying high.”
A New Disney and Macy’s Merchandise Collection
That bustling energy of New York City truly arrived in Anaheim! Everyone who saw Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey floating above Southern California was filled with excitement. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed themed photo opportunities, magical giveaways, and a sneak peek at the new Disney and Macy’s collaboration merchandise.
This fantastic new collection features over 100 pieces! It takes fans on a nostalgic journey through the decades, showcasing Mickey Mouse and other beloved Disney characters from different eras of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. You’ll find everything from cozy pajamas and stylish outerwear to matching sets, iconic ear headbands, and even Loungefly backpacks. This collection truly captures the parade’s magic for the whole family.
Ready to get into the holiday spirit? You can grab select items right now on macys.com, and the full collection will launch in Macy’s stores nationwide later this fall. I already have my eye on a few pieces!
