Macy's Day Parade - Universal Studios, Florida

Gary and I were walking around the Universal Studios lot today when two guys in white and blue jumpsuits came up to us. They asked us if we would like to be a part of the parade. We looked at each other with a blank face, me drinking what was left of my Starbucks hot chocolate and Gary with his Iced Venti Non-Fat Latte with 3 Splenda packets and an extra shot, and said okay. We had no idea what we were in for, but it turned out to be balloon handlers for the Macy's Day Parade at Universal. That's right, the real balloons were transported down to Florida after flying in New York, for Universal Studios 25 days of Macy's Day Parade - Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida running from December 6th until January 1st.

Gary and I had to meet the team og 18 others at 3:15 and we weren't done until after 6:15. We had to get into our jumpsuits and most importantly learn from the actual people who handle the balloons during the world famous parade. Our balloon was Artie the Pirate, who happens to be the largest of the floats that can be at Universal. He is so big infact, that this year, Macy's had to tone down the size of the balloon because he didn't fit through the door. (Gary and I witnessed this first hand because we had an extremely difficult time getting him back into the hanger!) Only 60 guests a day get to participate in this amazing event. Gary and I almost said no, and now we are glad that we did it, it was so much fun and I believe every year now, I will watching the parade with new respect for those balloon handlers!