Underdog is back in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time since 1984. The new balloon flies with Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey at the 100th parade on Nov. 26.
There’s no need to fear. Underdog is back.
The caped cartoon hero is returning to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in 42 years. Macy’s gave New Yorkers an up-close look at the reimagined balloon at Grand Central Terminal on Monday, Oct. 19, according to ABC7 New York.
He’ll fly over Manhattan at the 100th parade on Thursday, Nov. 26.
When was Underdog last in the Macy’s parade?
1984. Underdog first appeared in the parade in 1965 and was part of every lineup through 1984, making him one of the parade’s longest-running characters, according to ABC7.
Macy’s first announced his return in August as part of its 100-day countdown to the parade.
How big is the new Underdog balloon?
Nearly 26 feet tall. The balloon is about 25.8 feet tall, 41.5 feet long and 20.7 feet wide, according to Macy’s lineup details.
The new design keeps Underdog’s classic flying pose and his famous blue cape.
Who is Underdog?
A cartoon superhero dog from the 1960s. Underdog premiered on NBC in 1964. The mild-mannered Shoeshine Boy turns into Underdog to save the day, often rescuing reporter Sweet Polly Purebred from villains like Simon Bar Sinister.
The show was known for its rhyming dialogue and the catchphrase “There’s no need to fear, Underdog is here!“ Actor Wally Cox voiced the hero.
Did Disney make an Underdog movie?
Yes. Walt Disney Pictures released a live-action Underdog movie in 2007. Jason Lee voiced the beagle hero, and Peter Dinklage played Simon Bar Sinister.
The movie mixed live action with a real dog playing Underdog.
Is there a Disney balloon in the 100th Macy’s parade?
Yes. A brand-new Disney’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey balloon is joining the lineup, according to Macy’s. It’s based on Mickey’s famous role in Fantasia.
Macy’s revealed the balloon in August during D23 Day at the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort, according to Attractions Magazine.
What other balloons are in the 100th Macy’s parade?
A record 100 inflatable elements, according to Macy’s. Classic characters are coming back in a big way.
Felix the Cat, the parade’s first character balloon, is returning. Bullwinkle J. Moose, Popeye, Olive Oyl, Swee’Pea and Sonic the Hedgehog will ride on the Macy’s All-Stars float.
Macy’s also says the Blue Hippopotamus, a balloon lost after the 1931 parade, will make a comeback. A new Joe Cool and Woodstock balloon from Peanuts is also joining, ABC7 reported.
What time does the 2026 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
8:30 a.m. in all time zones. The parade airs on NBC and Telemundo and streams on Peacock, according to Macy’s.
Performers and hosts for this year’s broadcast haven’t been announced yet.
Why is 2026 the 100th Macy’s parade?
The first Macy’s parade marched in 1924. The parade took a three-year break during World War II, so 2026 marks its 100th march.
Macy’s is calling it “the biggest Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade yet.”
Where can you see the Macy’s parade in person?
Along the route in Manhattan. The parade usually starts near 77th Street and Central Park West and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship on 34th Street.
Viewing along the route is free, but spots fill up early. Many fans arrive before sunrise to grab a good view of the balloons.
Can you buy Macy’s 100th parade merch?
Yes. Macy’s has a limited-edition collection with partners including Disney, Pixar, Peanuts, Sanrio and Marvel. Some items are on Macys.com now, with the full collection coming to stores this fall.
There’s also a commemorative book, Let’s Have a Parade.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
CBS Philadelphia (Oct. 2026), the Underdog balloon’s return after 42 years
ABC7 New York (Oct. 19, 2026), the Grand Central preview, Underdog’s 1965-1984 run and the Joe Cool and Woodstock balloon
Macy’s via Business Wire (Aug. 18, 2026), the 100th parade lineup, broadcast details and merchandise
Trevor Decker (Oct. 19, 2026), the Underdog balloon dimensions and design
Attractions Magazine, Dani Meyering (Aug. 13, 2026), the Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey reveal
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