Disney is celebrating 100 years of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in a big way, with a brand-new Sorcerer Mickey balloon and a massive new merchandise collection.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is celebrating a major milestone this November, and Mickey Mouse will be helping mark the occasion.

Disney has unveiled a brand-new Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse balloon that will make its debut during the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The balloon was revealed during D23 Day at Disneyland Resort, where guests got a first look at the larger-than-life Mickey before he heads to New York City this fall.

And the new balloon isn’t the only way Disney is getting involved in the centennial celebration. Disney and Macy’s have also teamed up on a new merchandise collection featuring more than 100 pieces inspired by Disney’s long history with the iconic Thanksgiving tradition.

Here’s what we know about Disney’s plans for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

A New Sorcerer Mickey Balloon Is Coming to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Disney has a long history with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, dating all the way back to 1934, when Mickey Mouse made his first appearance as a balloon.

For the parade’s 100th march through Manhattan, Disney is returning to Mickey once again—but this time, he’ll be taking flight as Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey.

The new balloon is inspired by Mickey’s famous appearance in Disney’s 1940 animated film Fantasia, complete with his red sorcerer’s robe and iconic blue hat.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

According to Disney Consumer Products Sr. Manager of Brand Commercialization Joseph Titizian, choosing Mickey for the milestone parade was an easy decision.

“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,” Titizian said. “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.”

Sorcerer Mickey is also a familiar sight for Disney Parks fans. He plays a starring role in Fantasmic! and can currently be found meeting guests at Red Carpet Dreams in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney Reveals the Balloon at Disneyland Resort

Disney gave fans an unexpected preview of the new balloon on August 13 as part of D23 Day at Disneyland Resort.

For one day only, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey balloon was fully inflated in the Downtown Disney District, giving guests the unusual opportunity to see a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon up close—and thousands of miles away from its usual home in New York City.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

The balloon itself is hand-painted, with months of work going into creating one of the enormous characters that eventually makes its way through Manhattan on Thanksgiving morning.

“There’s a lot of art, there’s a lot of science, and ultimately, it creates that magical moment on Parade morning,” Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Executive Producer Will Coss said of the balloon-making process.

The Disneyland Resort reveal also included themed photo opportunities, giveaways, and a first look at another part of Disney and Macy’s anniversary celebration.

Disney and Macy’s Launch a New Merchandise Collection

Alongside the new balloon, Disney and Macy’s have launched a massive merchandise collection celebrating Disney’s history with the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

The collection includes more than 100 pieces and draws inspiration from different eras of Disney characters appearing in the parade over the decades.

Fans can expect everything from pajamas, outerwear, and matching sets to accessories such as ear headbands and Loungefly backpacks. The designs lean heavily into nostalgia, incorporating Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters alongside imagery inspired by the parade.

The collection launches August 13, coinciding with the Sorcerer Mickey balloon reveal.

Disney Has a Long History With the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

While the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade traces its history back to 1924, when it was originally known as the Macy’s Christmas Parade, Disney joined the tradition a decade later.

Mickey Mouse made his balloon debut in 1934, beginning a relationship between Disney and the parade that has now stretched across generations. Disney says it has participated in 90 of the parade’s 100 marches, with characters appearing as balloons, on floats, and through special performances over the years.

And there’s apparently more Disney news still to come.

Disney says additional details will be revealed leading up to Thanksgiving, including more information about the balloons and floats participating in the centennial parade, merchandise, and looks back at Disney’s parade history.

When Is the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, November 26, 2026, with the traditional route beginning on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey will make his official parade debut that morning, giving Disney fans one more reason to tune in before Thanksgiving dinner.

We’ll be keeping an eye out for additional Disney announcements as the historic 100th parade gets closer.