>>>Macy's parade moves South
By Robert Johnson | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted August 26, 2002
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is coming to Universal Studios.
Well, a lot of it anyway, and it won't start until Dec. 13 -- continuing nightly through Jan. 5.
The huge New York retailer and Universal have agreed to a version of the 76-year-old parade, featuring 16 floats and the signature giant balloons that will have already appeared in the original on Thanksgiving.
In Orlando, the parade will be presented in the evenings on Hollywood Boulevard, the main drag of Universal Studios, ending with the lighting of a huge Christmas tree in front of the Macy's façade in the faux downtown New York area of the theme park.
"This is the first time the Macy's parade will be repeated," said Susan Lomax, a Universal spokeswoman.
The entertainment is a promotional joint venture between Universal and Macy's, which is scheduled to open its first store in Orlando at the Mall of Millenia in October.
"This brand-new holiday offering will allow parade fans, who have previously only enjoyed the Macy's parade on TV, to experience elements of it live and in-person," said Bob Gault, Universal Orlando president and chief operating officer.
"Universal is thrilled to partner with Macy's for this historic event."
Robin Hall, producer/director of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade said, "Universal Studios Florida and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade are two American icons synonymous with making amazing things happen. Our creative collaboration here will now set the stage for a whole new holiday tradition in family entertainment."
Lomax said that guests will be able to volunteer as "balloon handlers" -- holding tethers to the giant figures and guiding them along the parade route.
Robert Johnson can be reached at 407-420-5664 or rwjohnson@orlandosentinel.com.
Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel<<<
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...082602aug26.story?coll=orl-business-headlines
By Robert Johnson | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted August 26, 2002
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is coming to Universal Studios.
Well, a lot of it anyway, and it won't start until Dec. 13 -- continuing nightly through Jan. 5.
The huge New York retailer and Universal have agreed to a version of the 76-year-old parade, featuring 16 floats and the signature giant balloons that will have already appeared in the original on Thanksgiving.
In Orlando, the parade will be presented in the evenings on Hollywood Boulevard, the main drag of Universal Studios, ending with the lighting of a huge Christmas tree in front of the Macy's façade in the faux downtown New York area of the theme park.
"This is the first time the Macy's parade will be repeated," said Susan Lomax, a Universal spokeswoman.
The entertainment is a promotional joint venture between Universal and Macy's, which is scheduled to open its first store in Orlando at the Mall of Millenia in October.
"This brand-new holiday offering will allow parade fans, who have previously only enjoyed the Macy's parade on TV, to experience elements of it live and in-person," said Bob Gault, Universal Orlando president and chief operating officer.
"Universal is thrilled to partner with Macy's for this historic event."
Robin Hall, producer/director of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade said, "Universal Studios Florida and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade are two American icons synonymous with making amazing things happen. Our creative collaboration here will now set the stage for a whole new holiday tradition in family entertainment."
Lomax said that guests will be able to volunteer as "balloon handlers" -- holding tethers to the giant figures and guiding them along the parade route.
Robert Johnson can be reached at 407-420-5664 or rwjohnson@orlandosentinel.com.
Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel<<<
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...082602aug26.story?coll=orl-business-headlines
