The holiday season is here at Universal Orlando as massive floats and floating balloons have made their way down from New York to fly through theme park streets.
The Macy’s Holiday Parade is always a must-see each Christmas season and for 2014 it sounds better than ever. Gone is the parade’s repetitive musical loop that ran for so many years, now replaced by an evolving 20+ minute soundtrack that changes as each parade unit passes by – a toe-tapping improvement.
It all still ends with a fun tree lighting moment featuring Santa and his Rockettes-style dancing helpers. It’s highly recommended to grab a spot opposite the huge Christmas tree right in front of the Macy’s facade in the park’s New York area for the best viewing of the parade – and get there early, as the sidewalks get very crowded!
Watch the full 2014 version of the parade in the video below.
Video: FULL Macy’s Holiday Parade 2014 at Universal Orlando
(Video by Daniel Andersson)
The parade includes a few new and updated balloons, including Chloe the Holiday Clown which has now become a “balloonicle” – the combination of a balloon and vehicle. (Apparently, they didn’t like the sound of “vehicloon.” Go figure.)
Taking a look inside Chloe’s inflated figure reveals an inventive take on the traditional Macy’s balloon. It’s actually a balloon on top and vehicle on the bottom, contained away from the swirling air in its own bubble or sorts.
Video: Peek inside a Macy’s balloon at Universal Orlando
(Video by Daniel Andersson)
Also new to the parade this year is the Wiggle Worm balloon, winding its way high above guests’ heads.
Heading up the changes is Universal Orlando show director Lora Wallace, who offers a few more details about what’s new this year in the interview below.
Video: Interview – Universal Orlando show director Lora Wallace
After the parade, Mannheim Steamroller once again is performing their Christmas hits on Music Plaza Stage, on select nights.
Video: Mannheim Steamroller performs Carol of the Bells at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando’s holidays continue through January 3, 2015.
More photos from Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration 2014: