Step aside, Mickey; it’s Minnie’s moment.

Finally, on November 28, Minnie Mouse will make her grand entrance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The cherished Disney icon will feature in a gigantic, 60-foot balloon, joining the ranks of her friends like Mickey Mouse (who first appeared in 1934), Pluto (1934), Donald Duck (1935), and Goofy (1992).

“We’re thrilled to bring Minnie to life,” said Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in an interview with YSL News. “It’s been a dream at Macy’s Studios for a long time, and the team that designed this balloon couldn’t be more excited to see it come to fruition.”

Macy’s and Disney have partnered on other occasions, and, according to Coss, it was a straightforward decision to introduce Minnie into the parade this year.

The Significance of Minnie’s Parade Debut

Minnie Mouse, who was introduced alongside Mickey Mouse in 1928, has established herself as more than just Mickey’s counterpart; she represents one of Disney’s key mascots.

According to Chrissy Anderson, Disney’s vice president of regional brand commercialization, “Minnie has always been a favorite. She’s a ‘muse’ with a captivating personality and unique charm.”

Anderson, who has been part of Disney for nearly 19 years, noted that Minnie’s impact spans many generations.

“She is a cultural icon that embodies joy and inspiration,” Anderson stated. “She loves new experiences and is unafraid to carve her own path. Throughout her journey, Minnie remains true to herself and embraces her distinct style.”

Reflecting on her enduring appeal, Anderson said, “Her longevity is incredible. Growing up, she was my favorite among Disney characters who encapsulated identity, style, and empowerment.”

Even though Minnie’s debut in the Macy’s parade, which originally launched in 1924 with animals instead of floats, seems overdue, Anderson believes the timing is just right: “With her approaching 100th anniversary, now is the perfect moment to showcase her. Though she shines as Mickey’s partner, she also stands strong on her own.”

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a cherished tradition for families and fans alike, whether they’re experiencing it live in New York City or enjoying the televised event from home.

Coss expressed his joy in the opportunity to positively impact so many people through the parade.

“The energy and excitement are tangible and unmatched. You can’t help but see the smiles on people’s faces and feel their enthusiasm for the day,” Coss remarked. “Waking up on that morning is truly something special.”

Behind the Scenes of the Creative Process

While adding Minnie Mouse to the lineup was a straightforward choice, organizing the parade is a more intricate task.

Coss mentioned that he and his team, responsible for creating “three-plus hours of entertainment,” take this job very seriously. Organizing one event can span months and sometimes over a year.

“We are already in production for the 2025 parade,” Coss shared. “We are always in planning mode.”

In addition to the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Coss and his team are involved in other major Macy’s events, like the Fourth of July fireworks and the annual flower show, which keeps them busy throughout the year.

“Whether it’s a float or a balloon, our team at Macy’s Studios collaborates to explore creative options for each partnership,” Coss explained. “Recognizability of the characters is key for us.”

Anderson noted that there is a significant time investment needed to ensure the collaboration with Macy’s is thoughtfully executed, aligning with both brands’ storytelling and character identities.

“We want everything to be authentic, which requires time and careful planning,” she added, speaking about the efforts of illustrator and character designer Jeff Shelly, who designed the Minnie balloon as well as the related apparel and accessories collection available at Macy’s.

Anderson remarked, “(Shelly) has played a significant role in this project. The designs he created for this collection and his insight into how we are portraying Minnie for the balloon are truly remarkable.”

Alongside the balloon and collection available at Macy’s, Captain Minnie will accompany Mickey on a brand new float for Disney Cruise Line in this year’s parade.

“What’s really exciting is seeing Minnie take the lead on the float,” Anderson expressed. “It’s a step forward in her authentic representation.”

Coss mentioned that the annual goal of the parade is to inspire everyone attending.

“We cater to audiences ranging from infants to seniors, which is both a wonderful opportunity and a challenge from a production standpoint,” Coss added. “However, it drives us to create a diverse and memorable event each year. Our aim as we design the parade is to provide something enjoyable for everyone, ensuring we present performances that will entertain and enchant audiences of all ages.”