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Happy Hippo hopes to return to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before hopping down to Universal Orlando

in Entertainment, Events, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando

Posted on by Ricky Brigante 9 Comments
The Happy Hippo balloon, glowing in vibrant purple hues, is securely anchored with a mesh cover as it towers over the nighttime festivities—its playful presence evoking the iconic spectacle of parade floats that delight visitors at celebrated entertainment events.

Happy Hippo has come and gone as part of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade over the years, originally part of the big balloon lineup back in the 1940s. Tomorrow morning should mark the return of Happy to the always-anticipated New York parade, if the weather holds up.

Many of the parade’s biggest balloons may be grounded due to winds and otherwise poor weather. But Happy Hippo is already standing by alongside other iconic characters ready to float into the air when the call is made in just a few hours. And whether or not Happy flies in New York, she will be headed down to Florida to appear in Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Orlando as part of her own mini-show beginning December 7.

We’ve received a few early photos of Happy Hippo already inflated in New York, courtesy of Stitch Kingdom:

The Happy Hippo character balloon, glowing in bright purple and wearing a wide grin, floats above the crowd during a nighttime parade in the park, bringing the same magical energy as classic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade floats to this unforgettable entertainment event.

Up-close look at the Happy Hippo inflatable from the parade float lineup, featuring its oversized blue eye and playful pink ear peeking through a safety net—channeling that signature theme park spectacle and delight found in blockbuster attractions.

Happy Hippo balloon floating above Universal Orlando’s Macy’s Holiday Parade, showing off its playful purple design with a big painted eye, bright red smile, and two white teeth—securely tethered by ropes as it captures the festive spirit.

A vibrant close-up of Happy Hippo's giant, inflatable purple feet with playful pink nails—straight from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—anchored by red sandbags and mesh netting on a striking red floor, capturing the lively, celebratory spirit of Universal Orlando.

The vibrant purple Happy Hippo balloon towers above the night-lit city street, its playful form glowing against skyscrapers, capturing the enchantment of iconic parade floats that thrill visitors at major entertainment events like those in famed amusement parks.

Here’s how Happy looked back in the ’40s soaring through New York:

Vintage black and white photo of the beloved Happy Hippo balloon delighting fans during a parade, with excited crowds lining the streets, evoking the magic and spectacle of classic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrations.

Regardless of whether the lovable purple balloon gets a chance to be part of the parade tomorrow morning, its upcoming appearances at Universal Studios Florida will surely leave everyone wanting one for Christmas. Because only a hippopotamus will do.

Update: Happy Hippo did indeed fly along with the rest of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons! Here are a few screen grabs from the telecasts:

Barney the Dinosaur takes to the skies, his giant purple balloon floating past skyscrapers during the excitement of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Happy Hippo makes a grand appearance, soaring high above the parade route and delighting fans as it glides between NYC skyscrapers during Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Happy Hippo balloon—towering in purple with its signature red bow—glides above cheering fans lining the main street during the city’s parade, capturing the same lively magic and imagination found in classic spectacles like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Next stop: Universal Orlando!

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