Disney has a long history of participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This parade is a tradition for many families to get up and watch on television or in person every Thanksgiving. Disney’s participation in the parade dates all the way back to 1934 when a Mickey Mouse float appeared in the parade. The tradition continues this year with a new representation of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship that is set to join the fleet, the Disney Treasure. This new ship will be taking guests on their first magical voyages just in time for Christmas next year.
Disney at the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Magic Meets the Sea
The arrival of this year’s float comes after a representation of the Disney Wish appeared in the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This float first appeared the previous year. For the first year that this ship appeared in the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the float was called Magic Meets the Sea. It’s debut in the parade included 15 Disney friends who represented different stories and experiences on the Disney Wish. This included Captain Minnie Mouse, who also happened to be on the ship’s bow. Princess Tiana was also on hand as she cooks up the power of imagination in an interactive adventure aboard the ship. Aladdin and Jasmine also joined as they have their story reimagined in an original Broadway-style stage show on the Disney Wish. Cinderella also was there as she has a bronze statue in the Grand Hall.
Disney at the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Magic Meets the Sea
In 2022 for the 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade the Disney Wish cruised the parade route again. Captain Mickey Mouse, Captain Minnie Mouse, and many friends were on board to perform the song Seas the Adventure, from a new Broadway-style show on the Disney Wish. Characters that participated in this parade included Mirabel, Mulan, Raya, Tiana, Prince Naveen, Cinderella, Prince Charming, Moana, Jasmine, Aladdin, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Black Panther, and Spider-Man.
This year also saw a Grogu balloon floating along the parade route.
Disney at the 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Sailor Mickey
In 2009, Sailor Mickey participated in the 83rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He was dressed in his nautical finest as Disney introduced two new cruise ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Mickey Mouse sailed through the sky in his red, white, and blue sailor uniform while he held an anchor and saluted the crowds. Sailor Mickey Mouse was joined by Buzz Lightyear, who was dressed in his everyday space suit and flew to infinity and beyond.
Disney at the 2005 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – The Ship of Dreams
For the 79th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Disneyland Resort’s 50th anniversary was celebrated with a float called the Ship of Dreams. The Ship of Dreams carried a host of Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, the Disney Princesses, and many more! Country singer LeeAnn Rimes also performed Remember When to celebrate this milestone anniversary.
Disney at the 2000 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Bandleader Mickey Mouse
The 74th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade saw Bandleader Mickey Mouse heading into the new millennium. Mickey wore his red and gold marching uniform with accented gold rope laced buttons that was inspired by the television program, The Mickey Mouse Club from the 1950s. He was also named the Macy’s Holiday Ambassador and visited with children’s at the Macy’s store on the 7th floor.
Disney at the 1992 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Santa Goofy
Santa Goofy joined the 66th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1992. Goofy was dressed up in a festive Santa Claus suit and also was carrying a Christmas wreath in this parade. He also happened to be the only new giant balloon character for the year, making his arrival even more special. Along with Goofy being in the parade, the new Disney Fantasy Castle made its first trip with Belle, Beast, Cogsworth, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, and Chip along to celebrate.
Disney at the 1984 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Donald Duck and Tom Turkey
For Donald Duck’s 50th birthday in 1984, he had the honor of following Tom Turkey in the 58th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is considered a prime spot as Tom Turkey is the star of the show each year.
Disney in the 1974 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Mickey Mouse
The leader of the club himself, Mickey Mouse, was in the 48th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This was the 4th time Mickey Mouse appeared wearing a classic yellow t-shirt and red shorts. While Mickey flew high above the parade, Captain Hook’s Pirate Ship sailed down 34th street. Hook avoided “Tick Tock” the Crocodile at all costs. Thankfully, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and other friends were on board keeping everyone safe. An Alice in Wonderland float also followed along with the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and also the White Rabbit.
Disney in the 1972 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 46th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was a special one for Disney fans. This was the year that Disney was celebrating the first anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck made the trek to New York City together for the parade. Donald led the way in his blue sailor uniform and Mickey Mouse followed right behind.
On the ground, Goofy, Pluto, and Dumbo also were on hand riding the Disney Wagon. There were also some other special Disney characters walkign the streets. This included Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Peter Pan, and Captain Hook. The Country Bears from the Country Bears Jamboree also came out of hibernation to play as well.
Disney in the 1934 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Mickey Mouse
The first time Disney appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was in 1934. This was for the 11th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mickey Mouse was a 40 foot balloon and was the biggest Mickey Mouse that had ever been made at the time. This float included hand-painted details. Mickey wasn’t the only Disney character floating down the parade route that year, however. His trusty dog Pluto was also following him and bringing joy to those who were watching.
As can be seen above, there is a long legacy of collaboration between Disney and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year will be no different. The parade coverage begins at 8:30 AM on Thanksgiving morning. Are you excited to see the representation of the Disney Cruise Line and Disney Treasure in this year’s parade? Do you have a favorite Disney memory from previous years? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
