Snoopy is getting some new friends in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Credit: Getty Images
This Thanksgiving we'll see character balloons from "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and "Kung Fu Panda," and a new float featuring Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer. We love watching the the over-the-top floats and giant character balloons make their way through the streets of Manhattan, officially kicking off the holiday season, and we can't wait to see these.
The Wimpy Kid balloon, a giant 3D version of Greg Heffley, the 2D middle schooler who stars in the wildly popular illustrated novels by Jeff Kinney, joins an elite group of children's literary characters who have been made into Macy's Day Parade balloons, including The Cat in The Hat, Curious George, Clifford and Arthur.
It's a big holiday season for Po, better known as Kung Fu Panda, the superhero-wanna-be panda voiced by Jack Black in the 2008 Dreamworks animated film: Po has his own 3D holiday TV special premiering this year on Nov. 24, the day before Thanksgiving, as well as the debut of his Macy's balloon on Nov. 25, Thanksgiving day.
In addition, both "Kung Fu Panda" and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" also have movie sequels in the works.
Designed under the direction of Macy's Parade Studio's lead designer and vice president John Piper, and with the high-tech help of aerodynamics and engineering consultants Aerostar, the balloons have made the long journey from pencil sketches to finished products -- but the journey isn't over yet. On Nov. 6, the new balloons were inflated and took a test flight at Macy's Balloonfest for their premiere unveiling.
Don't like spoilers? Watch the parade on Thanksgiving morning to see the balloons make their debut flight, along with veteran balloons Kermit the Frog, Snoopy, Spongebob Squarepants, Buzz Lightyear, Pikachu, Horton, Smurf, Shrek, Hello Kitty and last year's newbies, Sailor Mickey, Ronald McDonald, Spiderman and the Pillsbury Dough Boy.
But the parade isn't all about balloons; this year, there will also be seven new floats. The floats include Dora's Christmas Carol, Mount Rushmore's American Pride, and a Top Hat float. We can't wait to see that last one.
Make Thanksgiving morning fun for your kids with parade watching and a fun game of Turkey Trot!
flashgoddess,11-07-2010, 11:29AM
Macy's parades as well as it's stores are nothing compared to what they use to be. They may as well let those balloons fly free and close the stores. All their selling is names,not quality.
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JoJo,11-24-2010, 9:49PM
It's true that many things aren't what they used to be. But, many people enjoy watching the parade. I've attended the parade several times and enjoyed myself. Why don't you try finding some happiness in little things. Oh, I know, it's easier to complain.
GB,11-22-2010, 10:39PM
Macys is no different than Walmart these days. They're all selling chinese crap! Macys just charges more...
Jim Shelley,11-08-2010, 9:57AM
I wonder if these idiots who spam all the comment boards think that anyone buys the crap they so cleverly advertise.
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Ronnie,11-22-2010, 9:57PM
YOU are a friggin IDIOT. with NO life, and lifeless....
Stay in your cheap apt/house. and stay miserable
you dumbsh*t!!
YES, you
RobertRob,11-22-2010, 8:30PM
OK Lets See here.
All you people driving your Cars made in Japan,Korea,ETC ETC.
All The Corporations sending over seas to Japan,China,India,Koria ETC ETC, for the last 20 years where did you so called Americans think this situation was going to end HUH!!
The industrial revolution has ben a carbon based thing eccept the Internet & Computers.
Why not try this get Congress to help open about 12 US Steel mills.
Get NAPA,Advanced Auto Parts,ETC ETC to make all the parts here in the good old (US of A)
Hello people Wallmart,K Mart, Sears, ETC ETC help get Plastics, Steel,& any thing they can think of made here again.
Problem solved Americans working Taxes Being paid Government working 4 the people again.
Just think keep the unions outta the Steel Industry I bet all the old people who R going to be forced to work till they drop would B glad to at least die making goods here in America hell I would.
Just send this E Mail to every hard working American U Know & mayb even a congressmen or women mayb they will try this out.
If every one was aboard I bet the US could turn this problem around in TWO YEARS I BET if it becam the Law of the Land.
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JoJo,11-22-2010, 9:12PM
This is about the Macy's parade. Why don't you stick to the topic?
George,11-22-2010, 9:47PM
Please remain on topic, your rants are as bad the people who try to advertise for nohting on here!
Alex M.,11-22-2010, 10:26PM
Oh boy we have a winner! :D
College Student,11-22-2010, 11:48PM
Amen,
I couldn't have said it better myself. It is about time that someone says it as it is.
gr8bsn,11-23-2010, 1:12AM
Cars made in China, Japan, and Korea? You must mean GM cars.
gr8bsn,11-23-2010, 1:13AM
You're right, the government should force people to buy certain products by driving out the competition.
Jay,11-22-2010, 8:42PM
Brin back Underdog He promises not to escape again.
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Rooftop Voter,11-22-2010, 8:57PM
How about the GEICO gekko?
Ronnie,11-22-2010, 9:30PM
Geese!....you guys! and gals!
THIS is simply a Parade, that is a TRADITION from Macy's??? WTF???????????????
Let our kids, enjoy a festive event, that YOU have obviously LOST!!
IF you DON'T LIKE THE STATION? CHANGE THE PROGRAM!!
Plus, stay STUCK ON PORN!!! YOU all are in need of HELP!!!
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Lynn Yopp,11-22-2010, 9:34PM
I think back to my chilhood memories of the holidays and I remember every Thanksgiving beginning by watching the Macys Parade. I am now 40 yrs old and I still love to watch the parade. I dont think that Thanksgiving would be the same without it and I am very thankful to Macy's for putting it on each and every year. I can only imagine what must go into planning such an event for us to enjoy. I am sure that the planning must begin for the next year before Santa reaches the finishing point for this years parade. So, thank you Macy's and every person that has ever put any effort into this event for all of us that has enjoyed this for all these years!!
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Ronnie,11-22-2010, 9:46PM
Ya, right! Let POLITICS, play in this, festive TRADITION from MACY'S. YOU DUMB***KS!
There's none of YOUR taxes used for this event. Other than local NYC.
GEESE!!!! Stop your friggin hatred. Let YOUR children enjoy. And shut the
F**C up!!!! YES!, YOU!
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George,11-22-2010, 9:49PM
And you are not in need of help? WTF!!!
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Ronnie,11-22-2010, 10:12PM
Geese!....you guys! and gals!
THIS is simply a Parade, that is a TRADITION from Macy's??? WTF???????????????
Let our kids, enjoy a festive event, that YOU have obviously LOST!!
IF you DON'T LIKE THE STATION? CHANGE THE PROGRAM!!
Plus, stay STUCK ON PORN!!! YOU all are in need of HELP!!!
Reply
JS,11-22-2010, 10:09PM
How about a new Phineas and Ferb float? My kids would LOVE it. .
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