Macy's tests new Bluey, Minion, Hello Kitty balloons for 100th parade
Source: Associated Press · All Associated Press reports
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Topics in this report
Summary
The short AP video features a Macy's spokesperson at Balloonfest in East Rutherford, NJ, discussing preparations for the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, 2026. She highlights excitement over the centennial milestone, new balloons including Bluey, a Minions character (Buckaroo Bob), Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse (Sorcerer's Apprentice), Snoopy (as Joe Cool), and the Macy's original Billie Brightpaw, plus historic returns like the wiggling Doodlebug element last seen decades ago.
Sourcing is direct from the Macy's Parade team during the public test inflation of the new balloons; no anonymous sources or external experts. The throughline emphasizes blending fresh characters with nostalgia to mark the once-in-a-century event, which will feature a record 100+ inflatables.
Editorial Assessment
The segment is a straightforward, accurate preview that holds up well against official announcements. Claims about the new balloons and their debuts are fully corroborated by Macy's lineup and coverage of the November 7 test flights at MetLife Stadium. Viewers get a clear sense of the parade's scale and mix of new and legacy elements but miss fuller details like exact balloon dimensions (Bluey at 47.2 feet tall), the full list of seven new additions including Earl the Squirrel and Underdog's return after 1984, or that the 100th count reflects skipped WWII years. The enthusiastic framing from a Macy's representative is expected for this type of feature and does not distort facts. Overall, it provides solid, verifiable information without noticeable omissions that would skew perception.
Key Moments
This year marks the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a once-in-a-century milestone with many new elements and characters.
Confirmed: The first parade was in 1924; cancellations in 1942-1944 during WWII make 2026 the 100th running, with a record 100+ inflatables.
New balloons include Bluey, Minions, Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, and Billy Breitpaw (Billie Brightpaw), a curious Macy's bear.
Matches official lineup: new designs for Bluey (Christmas crown), Buckaroo Bob the Minion, Hello Kitty (with apple), Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey, Joe Cool & Woodstock (Snoopy), and original Billie Brightpaw bear.
Doodlebug, a 100-foot-long wiggling element from many years ago, is returning to honor parade history.
Macy's is reviving several legacy balloons including Underdog (last 1984) and Felix the Cat (first in 1927); Doodlebug appears to reference one of the historic wiggle or novelty returns emphasized for the centennial.
The new balloons and historic elements will debut in just a few weeks during the parade.
Tested November 7, 2026, at Balloonfest; parade is November 26, 2026, broadcast on NBC/Peacock starting 8:30 a.m.
Sources Consulted
- Macy’s Unveils New Balloons for 100th Thanksgiving Parade, Including Joe Cool, Hello Kitty and a 47-Foot-Tall Bluey
- 2026 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade | New York City
- The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — The Lineup
- Macy’s Kicks Off the 100-Day Countdown to the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- 2026 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade new balloons & floats