Thanksgiving morning just wouldn’t be the same without the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and this year’s celebration is a big one! The parade is marking its 100th edition on November 26, and Disney will be part of the festivities with some familiar favorites and a brand-new Sorcerer Mickey balloon. Disney has also shared a peek behind the scenes at how those giant balloons get ready for their big day, along with some fun ways fans can celebrate the parade’s history in New York City.
Disney recently shared a closer look at its participation in the milestone celebration, including a behind-the-scenes peek at how those enormous character balloons prepare for their Thanksgiving morning flights.
Sorcerer Mickey Gets Ready for His Parade Debut
One of the biggest Disney additions this year is the new Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse balloon, inspired by Mickey’s appearance in Fantasia. The balloon made a surprise appearance at D23 Day at Disneyland Resort in August, but this Thanksgiving will mark its first flight in the Macy’s parade.
Before taking to the streets of Manhattan, Sorcerer Mickey participated in Macy’s annual Balloonfest, an event held several weeks before Thanksgiving.
Balloonfest gives the Macy’s team an opportunity to inflate and evaluate the balloons ahead of the parade. It’s also an important training session for the handlers who will guide them along the more than two-mile route from Manhattan’s Upper West Side to Midtown.
Disney confirmed that Sorcerer Mickey successfully completed the process and has been cleared to participate in this year’s celebration.
It’s a fitting addition to the 100th parade, especially considering that Mickey Mouse first appeared as a Macy’s balloon more than 90 years ago.
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Sorcerer Mickey won’t be the only Disney character making an appearance in the skies above New York City.
The returning Disney balloons and floats include:
- Spider-Man: The Marvel superhero returns to the parade, continuing a tradition that began with his first balloon appearance in 1987.
- Buzz Lightyear: The Toy Story favorite, who made his Macy’s balloon debut in 2008, will once again fly above the parade route.
- Disney Cruise Line’s “Magic Meets the Seas”: Returning for its second year, the Disney Cruise Line float will feature Captain Mickey Mouse, Captain Minnie Mouse, and friends.
- Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey: The newest addition to the lineup makes his first official Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance.
Disney Merchandise and Parade History at Macy’s Herald Square
Disney fans visiting New York City during the holiday season can also explore the 100th Parade Shop at Macy’s Herald Square.
Located on the store’s mezzanine level, the special shopping area celebrates the parade’s history with displays of memorabilia, character balloons, and merchandise.
The Macy’s and Disney 2026 Holiday Collection was revealed last month, featuring apparel, accessories, ornaments, pins, and other collectibles.
One of the highlights is the “Mickey Parading Through the Years” display, which showcases the different Mickey Mouse balloons that have appeared throughout the parade’s history.
Visitors can also see smaller replicas of the Buzz Lightyear, Spider-Man, and Sorcerer Mickey balloons, along with historical parade memorabilia, including costumes, posters, props, and merchandise from previous years.
For Disney fans who enjoy learning about the history behind these holiday traditions, it’s a fun opportunity to see how the parade has changed over the decades.
When to Watch the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on Thursday, November 26, 2026, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones.
The parade will air on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo, giving Disney fans around the country a chance to watch Sorcerer Mickey’s debut and the return of their favorite characters.
Whether you’re watching from home or planning to be in New York City for Thanksgiving, keep an eye out for Disney’s contributions to this year’s milestone celebration.
