Sneak peek: What's new for this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
What's three stories tall, has a half-mile of fringe and rolls down Broadway?
A Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade float!
After a year where the parade had to scale down and the future of New York City-based entertainment seemed shaky, to say the least, I was beyond giddy as I entered Macy's massive float warehouse in New Jersey this week to preview this year's new entries for the iconic parade.
Within the 72,000-square-foot facility are six new floats, fully extended to their epic parade size nearly touching the roof of the hangar-like space. (Then, says spokesperson Orlando Veras, they'll need to folded at their seams into just a 12 foot by 8 foot space, to fit through the Lincoln Tunnel.) They'll join 22 already existing floats, 36 balloons and nearly 1,000 performers as part of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year.
And, interestingly, of the six new floats that I previewed, three are travel-related, with offerings from Disney Cruise Line, Kalahari Resorts and Louisiana Office of Tourism. Proof, I think, that travel is at the forefront of everyone's thoughts these days.
Ready for the parade? Read on for the rundown of parade float highlights, starting with our travel faves.
Magic Meets the Sea, Disney Cruise Line
This was my favorite float, and yes, it's in large part because I'm a Disney fan. But also the sleek, realistic design of the Disney Wish cruise ship (which sets sail in 2022) made to scale and decked out with Disney-level details really was dazzling, without using an abundance of glitter. Captain Minnie was up at the helm and her golden insignia was at the bow. And check out the "hidden Mickey" portholes. Rick Pomer, creative director of the Macy's Parade Studio, says they were designed with reflective glass so that parade-goers will be able to see themselves as the ship cruises down the street. He also pointed out the shimmering aqua fringe along the bottom of the float, which should, hopes Pomer, catch the sunlight and look like water.
And although only Minnie was waving "hi" on the day of the preview, there will be 15 total characters on parade day (Disney says that Minnie, princesses Tiana and Cinderella and Jasmine, as well as Aladdin, will be there, and the rest will be a "surprise"). Plus, Jordan Fisher will perform an original Disney Cruise Line song, "Together We Set Sail."
Celebration Gator, Louisiana Office of Tourism
This tribute to everything that makes Mardi Gras swing in Louisiana and let the good times roll in the Big Easy and the bayou, made another big impression. And I mean BIG -- Macy's says this is the longest float ever built for the parade. The giant gator that creates the base of the float stretches 60 feet (the length of a bowling lane), and its massive jaws open and close as it revs down the road. Up close the gargantuan's gator's mouth was pretty intimidating, but the colorful houses, flowers, beads and paddleboat made me crave beignets and crawfish.
A performance by Jon Batiste brings beats to the bayou during the parade.
Colossal Wave of Wonder, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
The African-themed waterpark and resort group, Kalahari, has a massive, and I mean massive float -- three full stories of stacked waves, elephants, waterslides and even a surfing rhino. I've been to the waterpark's location in the Poconos, and the float does capture the frenetic, over-the-top energy of the indoor, adrenaline water rides (and I didn't even see the fake "water" mylar and glitter that will be shooting out of the pools ad elephant trunk). Also, Nellie will be performing -- but not at the top of the dizzying three-story float, Pomer assured me.
Gravy Pirates, Heinz
Macy's calls this a "specialty unit" comprising three separate moving pieces. Oh, and the "gravy boat" centerpiece is officially a "floalloonicle," according to Macy's, which is part float, part balloon and part vehicle. But yes, they still consider it a "float." Whatever you call it, I think it's going to become iconic -- there's something instantly nostalgic about the anthropomorphic drumstick in gravy and wide-eyed spinning mashed potatoes that made me think of the smiling 1970s Orange Bird from the Florida Citrus Council. There's no big-name performers with this, but you will spot the costumed "gravy pirate," sure to be a Halloween favorite next season.
Birds of a Feather Stream Together, Peacock
Flashy, flash, flash. The streaming service is all glitz-a-go-go with its three-story bird covered in metallic paint, glitter, mylar, and fringe. I couldn't quite make eye contact with the soaring Peacock from my spot on the warehouse floor, but it doesn't much matter since this is definitely designed for television viewing -- it's actually the first float ever to stream a live feed. The camera is perched on the peacock, while lots of lights circle the float and monitors in the back show the "birds-eye" view. The cast of the show 'Girls5eva' -- Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell and Busy Philipps -- will perform on the float.
Tiptoe's North Pole
Neither the tallest or the longest, the most innovative or technologically advanced, I still appreciated this small float for its sweet reindeer Tiptoe. (There weren't any details on his origin story; maybe he's Dancer's nephew?) Tiptoe is a Macy's creation, and will also be debuting as a "heritage" balloon (these are created by Macy's are roughly half the size of the "pop culture" reference giant balloons.)
Speaking of balloons
Although I didn't get a chance to see any of the Macy's "giant" balloons inflated, I was able to view the detailed replicas the studio creates as part of the production process. New balloons floating in for 2021 are Ada Twist, Scientist; Baby Yoda; Ronald McDonald and Pikachu & Eevee from Pokémon.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.