This year marks the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and so far, we know of 9 new balloons and 7 new floats to look forward to. Disney, Universal Studios and Marvel all have their place in the parade, along with performances and musical acts.
Below, we break down the 2026 additions to the parade, as well as notable returning Disney balloons and floats. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including details on the Disney layoffs that impacted the theme park division and the Disney Christmas schedule for TV specials and movies on ABC.
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New and Returning 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons and Floats
The annual celebration in New York City, presented by the Macy’s department store chain, started in 1924. Today, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has multi-story helium balloons, elaborate floats, and live performances, and it always ends with an appearance by Santa Claus to kick off the holiday season.
Disney has been part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1934, when Mickey Mouse made his debut as one of the first character balloons. The classic Mickey balloon was designed by Walt Disney and Tony Sarg, and it measured 40 feet high and 26 feet wide.
These 9 new balloons will debut in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
- Billie Brightpaw
- Bluey
- Buckaroo Bob The Minion
- Earl the Squirrel
- Hello Kitty
- Joe Cool and Woodstock
- Macy’s Blueprint Stars
- Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey
- Underdog
The first Bluey balloon to appear in a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was in 2022. In the past, it’s flown solo or along with a red Keepy Uppy balloon. For this year’s new balloon design, Bluey is wearing a Christmas cracker crown.
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Mickey Mouse will make his 21st appearance in the Macy’s Parade, this time as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia. Balloons returning this year include Buzz Lightyear and Spider-Man.
There’s also a new balloonicle this year from Levi’s. A balloonicle is an inflatable balloon that has a self-powered vehicle inside, and it’s maneuvered by a driver or pilot who sits in some sort of vehicle at its base.
These 7 new floats will debut this year in the parade:
- Dashing All The Way by DoorDash
- Hogwarts Holiday
- Macy’s Parade All-Stars
- Mr. Peanut’s Power Plant
- Purina Dog Chow Salute to Service Dogs
- Road Trip to Parade by GEICO!
- Tony Sarg’s Amazing Marionettes
Disney Cruise Line’s Magic Meets the Seas float returns this year. While Disney hasn’t officially confirmed that the float will be back, Macy’s lists it in this year’s parade lineup. Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie, and friends will be aboard, and the description says there’s an “all-new parade performance.”
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The parade will also have troupes of themed clowns, marching bands, and other entertainment.
The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be on November 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET and broadcast live on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo.
Thanksgiving in the Disney Parks
Disneyland and Walt Disney World don’t decorate for Thanksgiving, as November is when the parks launch their holiday decor and festivities. However, the Disney Parks get crowded this time of year, and many restaurants acknowledge Thanksgiving with special menus featuring traditional items like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
This year, several restaurants in Disney Springs in Walt Disney World have announced Thanksgiving specials and seasonal menus, including City Works Eatery and Pour House, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and Terralina Crafted Italian Restaurant. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar has also released its holiday menu, which includes crispy fried turkey Present Perfect Croquettes.
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