A new version of Mickey Mouse is getting ready to fly over New York City. Disney and Macy’s have unveiled a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey giant character balloon for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The balloon will make its parade debut during the centennial march on Thursday, November 26, 2026. It’s inspired by Mickey’s famous role in Disney’s Fantasia, complete with the blue sorcerer hat and red robe that define the character’s classic look.
Sorcerer Mickey joins a long Disney parade history
Mickey’s been part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade story for more than 90 years. In 1934, Mickey became the first Disney character balloon to appear in the event. Different versions followed over the decades, including Bandleader Mickey and Sailor Mickey.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice design is the newest entry in that lineup. Disney, Pixar and Marvel favorites including Buzz Lightyear and Spider-Man will return to Macy’s lineup of larger-than-life characters in the 2026 parade.
This balloon, however, is tied directly to the parade’s 100th march and the long-running collaboration between Disney and Macy’s.
More Mickey coverage is available in our guide to Mickey’s of Glendale’s D23 2026 shopping return.
A matching Disney and Macy’s collection is on sale
Macy’s also launched an exclusive Disney capsule collection alongside the balloon announcement. The first release includes fashion, accessories and collectible keepsakes inspired by Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey and a century of parade history.
Items from Citizen, Loungefly, Super Smalls and Swarovski are included in the initial assortment. The collection became available on Macy’s website on August 13, giving fans an early look before a much larger parade assortment arrives later in the fall.
It’s expected to include more than 100 items inspired by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters that have appeared in the holiday tradition.
Our Mickey Family Halloween Collection guide covers another 2026 Disney release.
How to watch the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs Thursday, November 26, on NBC and Peacock. Coverage begins at 8:30 a.m. in all time zones.
For Disney fans, Sorcerer Mickey’s flight will bring one of the character’s most recognizable screen roles into a parade that first welcomed Mickey in 1934. The new balloon links the centennial celebration to Mickey’s Fantasia role and Disney’s parade history, which began in 1934.
Source: Disney and Macy’s press announcement
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