ZhuZhu Pets are a line of plush robotic hamster toys launched in 2009 by Cepia LLC. Each ZhuZhu Pet has a unique name, personality, and birthmark, and are able to explore their habitat and respond to their surroundings. The toys were once sold in more than 65 countries worldwide, and won Toy of the Year Awards in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Norway, Brazil, and Czech Republic.[1] The franchise later spawned an animated straight-to-DVD movie and several video games.
Though the line was discontinued following a waning popularity in 2013, the series was revived in 2016 with a television show, The ZhuZhus. The toy line was discontinued for a second time in 2018.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The ZhuZhu Pets made their Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in 2011, celebrating the release of the ZhuZhu Pets’ first-ever animated film, The Quest for Zhu. The float follows the adventure of Pipsqueak, as she is transported into a whimsical Zhu-niverse by way of a magical shooting star.
The story of the float begins just as it did for Pipsqueak, with a magical shooting star that transports spectators through a swirling blue vortex (which doubles as the talent deck), and leads them into the wonderful, fun-filled world of the Zhu-niverse. The Fab Four—Pipsqueak, Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, and Num Nums—do what they do best to the delight of Zhu-natics everywhere; Pipsqueak dances her cares away, Mr. Squiggles catches wave on his surfboard, Chunk skateboards, and Num Nums gathers carrots the size of people.
An inflatable globe at the rear of the float features landmarks from the film such as the Palace of Zhu, the Carrot Fields, and the Amazhu Jungle, all connected with the ZhuZhu Pets’ preferred mode of transportation. Below, float escorts dressed as hamsters zip and zoom down a slide.
During its debut appearance, the float was joined by Camp Broadway in colorful hamster outfits, each with a unique symbol. Singing sensation Savannah Outen rode the float, performing the film’s title song “No Place Like Here.” In 2012, musical group Kidz Bop performed "A-B-C," made famous by The Jackson 5, which was included on The Quest for Zhu soundtrack CD.
The Zhu-niverse float made three appearances, and was retired after the 2013 Parade, as ZhuZhu Pets products had ceased production earlier in the year. The float was dismantled shortly after, though the Fab Four and giant carrots remain as decorations at Macy’s Parade Studio.[2][3]
Guest Stars[]
Listed below are the guest stars that have appeared/performed on the Zhu-niverse float, alongside the respective songs which they sang during the NBC Parade telecast.
- 2011 - Savannah Outen, sang "No Place Like Here," accompanied by Camp Broadway
- 2012 - Kidz Bop, sang "A-B-C"
- 2013 - Debby Ryan, sang "Favorite Time of Year"
Trivia[]
- Prior to appearing on a float in the Parade, the ZhuZhu Pets appeared at Macy’s Santaland in 2010 as a featured toy.[4]
- The Zhu-niverse float was announced in December 2010, nearly a full year before it debuted. As such, it holds the distinction of being one of the floats with the biggest gap between its announcement and debut.[4]
- The float was one of the last to begin construction at the old Macy's Parade Studio in Hoboken, New Jersey, before wrapping up construction shortly after the modern-day Studio in Moonachie was completed.
References[]
- ↑ "ZhuZhu Pets Music Featuring Savannah Outen and Thia Megia Debuts on Zhu-niverse Float in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" PR Newswire, November 10, 2011
- ↑ File:Parade-Studio-Lunchroom.jpeg
- ↑ "A Behind-the-Scenes Look At the Macy's Parade Studio | Creative Genius" HGTV Handmade, YouTube.com
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "ZhuZhu Pets are Set to Debut at the 2011 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Will Help Fill Santa's Sleigh this Year at Macy's Santaland" PR Newswire, December 2, 2010