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

in Entertainment, Events, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando

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:

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

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:

Next stop: Universal Orlando!

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