How Disney Was Part of One of the Most Iconic Thanksgiving Day Activities

It’s finally time for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

©Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

While it might not be taking place in Disney World, Disney was super involved this year with several huge floats. From the Star Wars Grogu Float to the returning Disney Cruise Line Float and some iconic Disney on Broadway performances, there were lots of things for Disney fans to watch out for, and we have all of the details!

This year, Disney fans had a lot to watch during the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Walt Disney Company has had balloons in the parade since the 1930s, and they have had floats since the late 1960s. In addition to floats and balloons, they also have some pretty stellar performances from different Disney on Boardway shows.

©Disney on Broadway

This year, the parade featured two returning floats that we have seen in the past! The first was the Star Wars Grogu balloon which gave Baby Yoda some time in the spotlight. This is the second year that Grogu has been part of the parade because the balloon debuted in 2021. The Grogu balloon is 41-feet high, 29-feet long, and 37-feet wide, and last year you could even grab a Funko Pop replica of the balloon.

©CNBC

Not only did we see one of our Star Wars favorites, but we also saw a few familiar Disney pals too!

©CBS

Another float that made a return appearance was the Magic Meets The Sea float. This float features Captain Minnie and other Disney friends like Goofy, Donald, Disney princesses, and more above the Disney Wish!

©Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

This is the float’s second year in the parade, and it’s modeled after the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line. Fun fact: this is the first float to ever run in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade where the float itself is longer than the float bed.

©Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Disney’s final appearance in the parade today was the performance by the cast of The Lion King on Broadway. This performance was in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary.

While the balloons and floats have changed quite a bit since the Mickey Mouse balloon debuted in the 1930s, it was super exciting to see Disney’s involvement this year. Of course, because it’s Disney, this isn’t the only way they’re celebrating the holidays this year. From new merchandise to new foods, Disney has been in the holiday swing for a while.

Make sure you keep following DFB for all of the latest Disney holiday news and updates.

Check out our ULTIMATE guide to 2022 Disney Black Friday deals.

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Which float were you most excited to see? Tell us in the comments!