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VIDEO: New Holiday Parade debuts at Universal Orlando, adding more character to Christmas time

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Posted on by Ricky Brigante 1 Comment
A Minion sporting a snowman sweater peeks out from a Christmas tree brimming with colorful lights and ornaments, adding playful holiday spirit to Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade experience.

What do Minions, Shrek, and Santa Claus have in common? They are the stars of the all-new Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Orlando.

Making its debut this weekend, the new Universal’s Holiday Parade replaces the long-running favorite Macy’s Holiday Parade with entertainment in the same Christmas spirit but with a distinctly Universal twist.

WATCH – UNIVERSAL’S HOLIDAY PARADE FEATURING MACY’S AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

New floats (more than 15) and new balloons (more than a dozen) fill this holiday parade, featuring characters from fan-favorite franchises like “Despicable Me” and “Madagascar” and “Shrek.”

While the name may sound similar, this isn’t just an upgraded version of the old parade. Universal has started nearly from scratch, developing a parade worthy of the Universal name, showcasing everything the holiday season is all about.

The new floats are Disney-quality, a distinct upgrade from years past. And it’s fun to see Universal’s own new balloons take to the streets that are far more relevant in the park than those transported from Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

Toy soldier balloon towering over Universal Orlando’s entrance, decked out for the Holiday Parade at night, setting a festive Christmas scene for guests arriving at Universal Studios Florida.

Performers in vibrant blue winter outfits parade past a dazzling snowflake float during Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade, captivating guests with festive holiday spirit and spectacular entertainment.

A lively snowman character grooves beside a twinkling Christmas tree as Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade brings festive cheer to the nighttime crowd.

A dazzling performer in a sparkling blue gown glides beneath the iconic Macy’s star balloon during Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade, lighting up the night with Christmas cheer and parade magic.

Team members in signature light blue parade attire expertly maneuver the iconic Macy’s star balloon past a towering Christmas tree, illuminating Universal Orlando Resort’s nighttime Holiday Parade with festive spectacle and excitement.

The Minions definitely steal the show with their hilarious Christmas song, sung in their distinctly Minion language. The whole parade has a kind of dreamlike quality. It’s rather long and never quite hits any ultra high energy moments, instead floating by with grace. And it’s wonderful to see Santa bring it all home in the end.

Minions light up Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade, dancing energetically in front of a massive, beautifully decorated Christmas tree under the night sky and filling the park with festive holiday cheer.

A Universal Orlando parade performer in a festive costume dances joyfully with a gift in front of a towering, ornamented Christmas tree atop a vibrant holiday float.

Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade dazzles with a sparkling Christmas float adorned with Minions-themed decorations, a towering tree, and an enormous bear balloon, as entertainers in cheerful holiday costumes illuminate the night for guests.

A Minion in a cheerful holiday sweater poses atop a brightly lit Christmas tree bursting with colorful ornaments and sparkling lights, capturing that playful, larger-than-life holiday magic you’ll find at Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade.

A Despicable Me Minion sporting earmuffs and sticking out its tongue peeks out from a Christmas tree decked with colorful lights, bringing Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade to life with festive cheer.

It’s all a welcome change and addition to Universal’s colorful lineup of Christmas entertainment, which also includes the first-ever year of celebrating the holidays in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter along with the return of Mannheim Steamroller and Grinchmas.

The holiday season at Universal Orlando officially kicks off Saturday, November 18 and continues through January 6, 2018.

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