For many Americans, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has long marked the official start of the holiday season, giving those across the country their cue to start decking the halls, listening to holiday tunes, and shopping for the perfect presents. And this year in 2026, the storied spectacle that has been seen by generations is celebrating 100 years of bringing jolly cheer and jubilant entertainment to millions of viewers, both on screen and in the streets of Manhattan.
Since the first parade in 1924, then called The Macy’s Christmas Parade, Disney has joined in on the festivities with floats, character appearances, and of course, larger-than-life balloons that soar across the New York City skyline. Mickey Mouse and plenty of other characters have become a cherished component of this tradition, and I’m so excited to see what’s in store this November.
As we count down the days to this historic moment, we’ll be sharing exciting updates right here on Disney Parks Blog. Stay tuned for more details about our balloons and floats that will be part of the celebration, festive merchandise collections, glimpses into Disney’s Parade legacy, and plenty of other wonderful ways to get into the holiday spirit (as early as you want, we never judge).
August 13, 2026: Disney Unveils New Sorcerer Mickey Mouse Balloon Debuting in this Year’s Parade, plus a New Macy’s Merchandise Collection
Guests attending D23 Day at Disneyland Resort were surprised by a spellbinding sight when entering the Downtown Disney District today, with the spectacular reveal of Disney’s newest balloon joining the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup this year.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Balloon will make its debut in November’s Parade, marking the 100th march down the iconic NYC route, which begins on the picturesque Upper West Side. Disney’s history with the parade dates back to 1934, when Mickey Mouse first took flight in balloon form.
And just for today, the newest balloon was inflated for the first time right here in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, spreading festive cheer and kicking off the countdown to the holiday season.
Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Takes to the Skies
Mickey Mouse has existed in so many unforgettable forms, and we spoke to Disney Consumer Products Sr. Manager, Brand Commercialization Joseph Titizian about why this Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey version seemed like the best way to commemorate 100 years of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, of which Disney has participated in 90.
“When we had to select a character to appear in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, there was only one choice: the most iconic character in the world, Mickey Mouse,” revealed Joseph. “And Mickey Mouse’s most iconic role is that of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey, so we wanted to bring his joy, optimism, imagination, and wonder to make this 100th parade even more magical.”
It feels especially fitting, as D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa is just one day away, and Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey seems to serve as the symbol of this beloved biennial affair.
Even for those who may not have seen Disney’s Fantasia, which is where the character first appears, Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey is no stranger to Disney Parks. He appears as the star of the epic nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! and can be found greeting guests at Red Carpet Dreams in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
I’ve watched the Parade on TV every year with my family for as long as I can remember, and even attended once in person during my time living in NYC, but getting the chance to see this magnificent balloon up close felt like crossing a once-in-a-lifetime item off my bucket list. Fans oohed and aahed over the towering, vibrant Mickey Mouse, which is beautifully detailed and actually hand-painted, so it truly feels like a piece of art.
“The balloon process is a really unique and special one, and it’s very specific to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” shared Parade Executive Producer Will Coss. “There’s a lot of art, there’s a lot of science, and ultimately, it creates that magical moment on Parade morning, but there’s months and months of pre-work that gets us a successful balloon at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
New Disney and Macy’s Merchandise Collection
The balloon brought that bustling buzz and electric energy of New York City to Anaheim, where I witnessed excitement and awe from every person who caught sight of Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey floating amongst the Southern California clouds. Throughout the day, those strolling by can stop for themed photo ops, magical giveaways, and the opportunity to see select merchandise from the new Disney and Macy’s collaboration, also launching today.
Boasting over 100 pieces to pick from, the full product assortment takes fans on a journey through the decades, showcasing Mickey Mouse and other iconic Disney characters during different eras of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With everything from pajamas and outerwear or matching sets, to ear headbands and even Loungefly backpacks, the collection captures the nostalgia of the Parade in a way that fits the whole family.
To get us all into the holiday spirit, select items are available now on macys.com, with the full collection launching in select Macy’s stores nationwide later this fall. You can explore an overview of the first drop here on Disney Parks Blog, and I already know what I’ll be buying!
