Minnie Mouse is making her Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut!
On Thursday, Oct. 17, Macy’s announced that 90 years after Mickey Mouse debuted as a massive balloon during the Thanksgiving parade in 1934, Minnie Mouse will be getting her own 60-foot balloon, joining her beau, as well as Donald Duck and Goofy.
“Fans of all ages will have the chance to welcome Minnie Mouse and her signature charm as she makes her debut in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Chrissy Anderson, Vice President, North America Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products, per a press release shared by Macy’s.
“I think what’s so amazing is her longevity,” Anderson told USA Today of Minnie’s upcoming debut during the 2024 parade. “Any of [Disney’s] female characters who had a sense of identity and style and empowerment were my go-to.”
As Minnie approaches her 100th birthday — she first made her debut alongside Mickey in the famous 1928 Disney short film Steamboat Willie — “there’s no better time than now to pull her out and really let her shine,” Anderson told the outlet.
“She’s wonderfully partnered with Mickey, but can absolutely stand on her own with all of those key attributes and characteristics,” she continued.
Per the outlet, Will Coss, the executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, said that the company is “super excited about bringing Minnie to life.”
He added, “It has been a Macy’s Studios dream for quite some time, and the folks here on my team who’ve worked on the design, actually bringing that character to life as a balloon in the sky, couldn’t be more excited about it.”
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According to Macy’s, Minnie’s balloon debut will also mark a new collaboration between the department store and Disney: the release of apparel, accessories and “one-of-a-kind collectibles” aimed at both children and adults will be available to purchase. The limited-time collection will feature new and exclusive Disney artwork by Jeff Shelly, Disney’s “legendary” director of character art, on various items, including sweats and T-shirts, holiday-ready pajamas and slippers.
Companies — including Kate Spade, Citizen, Funko, Hallmark, Swarovski, Loungefly and others — are also partnering with Macy’s and Disney for the collaboration, while select Macy’s locations will also have dedicated Mickey and Minnie Shops featuring the products as well as fun activities.
“There’s no better way to mark this milestone than with a limited-edition collection that celebrates her sparkling personality and iconic style,” Anderson said, per the press release.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on NBC and stream on Peacock on Thursday, Nov. 28.
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