Dora the Explorer is an educational children’s media franchise produced by Nickelodeon that follows the adventures of the eponymous Dora, a young Latina adventurer who embarks on interactive quests with the viewer, solving puzzles and learning basic Spanish along the way. Recurring characters include her monkey sidekick, Boots, and the mischievous fox Swiper, who tries in vain to steal key items needed in Dora’s adventures.
Dora the Explorer is one of the most successful media franchises of all time, with retail sales exceeding $13 billion.[1] It has also spawned a spin-off series (Go, Diego, Go!), a sequel series (Dora & Friends: Into the City!), a feature film (Dora and the Lost City of Gold), and a reboot on Paramount+ (DORA).
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Dora the Explorer Balloon (2005-2009)[]
Dora the Explorer first adventured down Broadway as the Parade’s first Latina balloon in 2005, waving "ˇHola!" to spectators alongside her friends Backpack and Map. The balloon measured 55 feet tall, 43.5 feet long, and 39 feet wide,[2] standing the same size as famous modes of exploration such as the Santa María, the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and Saturn V.[3] Like any great explorer, Dora had a top-notch team of helpers—80 balloon handlers (each with Backpacks of their own) on 51 handling lines—that helped Dora on her Big Apple expedition.[2]
The balloon explored the concrete jungle through 2009, in advance of the show’s upcoming 10th anniversary celebrations.[3] The balloon was retired after the 2009 parade.
Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure (2010-2013)[]
In 2010, Dora the Explorer celebrated its 10th anniversary with a brand-new float based on the holiday special, Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure.[4] A television spot aired on Nick Jr. to promote the float, inviting viewers inside Macy’s Parade Studio to see a behind-the-scenes look at how it was created.[5]
On the float, Dora and her friends celebrate the holidays at her nochebuena party under a 12-foot Christmas tree decorated with dazzling ornaments and gifts, while Swiper lurks close by in an attempt to steal the tree’s shining star. Together, they explore the past, present, and future of Christmas to help Swiper get off Santa’s naughty list and show him what his future will be if he doesn’t learn the true spirit of the season.
The float continued to appear through 2013, promoting annual airings of the special on Nick Jr. Following its retirement, the float's Swiper figure was used as a decoration at the Parade Studio and as part of its crew's submission to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.[6]
Dora & Friends: Aventuras Fantasticas! (2014)[]
In 2014, the recent summer premiere of Dora and Friends: Into the City! on Nick Jr. was commemorated with an appearance by a brand-new float inspired by the series in that year’s Parade. Its inclusion was announced that October, coinciding with the series’ renewal for a 20-episode second season.[7]
Titled “Dora & Friends: Aventuras Fantasticas,” the float takes spectators on a tour of Dora’s new home, Playa Verde, complete with the Arco Iris Café, vibrant Latin American landscapes, and portals to mysterious worlds where Dora and her new friends, Kate and Pablo, go on adventures. Also showcased is Dora's magical charm bracelet that helps her navigate the city and overcome any obstacle. The float's escorts were recycled into the POP! Flowers the following year.
DORA's Fantastical Rainforest (2024-present)[]
For the 2024 Parade, Dora was reintroduced to the lineup after a decade with “DORA’s Fantastical Rainforest”—a float and balloon hybrid element—to promote the release of DORA on Paramount+. Set in the series’ backdrop of a magical rainforest, Dora takes to the skies as a balloon with her trusty Map and Backpack as she navigates the tropical terrain, keeping her eyes and ears peeled for Swiper. Joining her expedition are her friends Boots, Tico, Benny, and Isa.
The float returned the following year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Dora the Explorer.
Guest Stars[]
Listed below are the guest stars that have appeared on the Dora the Explorer floats, alongside their respective NBC broadcast performances.
Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure[]
- 2010 - India.Arie, sang "Nochebuena"
- 2011 - Fresh Beat Band, sang "Here We Go!"
- 2012 - Rachel Crow, sang "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town"
- 2013 - Ariana Grande, sang "Last Christmas"
Dora & Friends: Aventuras Fantasticas[]
- 2014 - Becky G, sang "Can't Stop Dancin"
Dora's Fantastical Rainforest[]
- 2024 - Natti Natasha, sang “Quiéreme Menos”
- Accompanied by La Fuerza Dance Company
- 2025 - Luisa Sonza, sang "Luísa Manequim"
Trivia[]
- Part of the float bed for the Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure float was recycled from the Starship Discovery float.[5]
- When viewed from above, DORA’s Fantastical Rainforest resembles a flower.[8]
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ Villarreal, Vyvonne. "Dora the Explorer is growing up and getting a spinoff series." Los Angeles Times. August 18, 2014.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Flying Icons." Macy's Inc. press release. November 2007.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 BryCrowell. "Macy's Parade Balloons: Dora the Explorer (Version 1)." YouTube.com. September 21, 2019.
- ↑ "Magical Floating Stages." Macy's Inc. press release. November 1, 2010.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Treuting, Jennifer. "Dora Float: Behind the Scenes." Vimeo.com. March 19, 2011.
- ↑ Celedonia, Carmen. "Macy's Parade Studio ice bucket challenge! HD." YouTube.com. August 27, 2014.
- ↑ "Nickelodeon Orders Second Season of New Preschool Hit Dora and Friends: Into the City!" Nickelodeon press release. October 9, 2014.
- ↑ "2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Float Lineup." Macy's Inc. press release. November 1, 2024.