A Sneak Peek at the New Floats of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

In just a few days, thousands of people will line the streets of New York.

ByABC News
November 16, 2016, 2:11 PM

— -- In just a few days, thousands of people will line the streets of New York to take in the beautiful designs of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And this year the parade is celebrating its 90th anniversary.

Each year, on one special day, typically about a week before Thanksgiving, the Macy's team opens the Macy’s Parade Studio in Moonachie, New Jersey to a select few for a sneak peek at what’s to come.

This time, some 300 third grade students had the opportunity get a first look at the never-before-seen floats set to make their debut on Thanksgiving Day. So what makes them so lucky?

"These are our real reviewers," John Piper who heads up the Macy's Parade Studio, told ABC News. "If the third graders like it, then we know we've done it."

PHOTO: Third grade students touring the Macy's Parade Studio in Moonachie, New Jersey, Nov. 16, 2016.
Third grade students touring the Macy's Parade Studio in Moonachie, New Jersey, Nov. 16, 2016.

The students are rotated through the studio in small groups to get an up-close look at the floats. They're also given the chance to actually chat with many members of the design teams to learn how the floats are transformed into those eye-catching masterpieces. This year, the students were given the chance to see the four new floats that will be officially revealed to the world on Thanksgiving Day.

The Girl Scout Float

The all new Girl Scout float is decorated with silhouettes of Girl Scouts and adorned with big badges similar to those earned by troupe members after completing tasks.

PHOTO: Building a Better World Girl Scouts of the USA float which will appear for the first time in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016.
Building a Better World Girl Scouts of the USA float which will appear for the first time in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016.

"All of it's got a sort of modern steam-punked kind of look, because Girl Scouts are not old fashioned, because Girl Scouts are up-to-date and modern," said Piper.

Parade goers should keep an eye out for the giant crane on the float where actual Girl Scouts will sit at the 'controls'.

The Krazy Glue Fun House Float

The giant fun house float is bursting with color and bright lights from top to bottom. The center of the float features a rotating room.

PHOTO: The Fun House Krazy Glue float will debut in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016.
The Fun House Krazy Glue float will debut in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016.

"It's a bit wacky. Instead of having one of those rooms where the floor’s a bit hard to maneuver, we've got the whole room that's hard to maneuver," Piper said. "The floor is on the ceiling. The ceiling is on the floor. The walls are upside down."

Be sure to watch out for the people inside the rotating center of the float. The performers visited the studio to learn how to stay balanced inside the circle.

The Aloha Spirit Float

Ahh, it may or may not be cold outside on Thanksgiving Day, but the Aloha float may take the crowd away to paradise. The float features palm trees, a cabana and it's wrapped in a giant lei.

PHOTO: The Aloha Spirit King's Hawaiian float set to debut in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016.
The Aloha Spirit King's Hawaiian float set to debut in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016.

"This is all about the beauty and splendor of Hawaii," Piper said.

Parade-goers should keep an eye out for the waterfall nestled behind a glowing volcano.

"Yes, that is a real working waterfall," Piper added. "And it will be a waterfall pouring water all the way down the parade route."

Deck the Halls Balsam Hill

The Balsam Hill’s float is decorated with toys, five different holiday trees and more than 300 feet of garland. One of the trees is three stories tall. The holiday float is quite the sight.

PHOTO: Deck The Halls Balsam Hill float is one of four new floats appearing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016.
Deck The Halls Balsam Hill float is one of four new floats appearing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016.

There will also be new balloons featured in the parade, including a Trolls-themed balloon and one that offers a nostalgic look at Felix the Cat.

The parade will kick off at 9 a.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day.

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