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How to Ride on a Mardi Gras Parade Float at Universal Orlando in 2024

Megan Hamilton 
Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration is one of my favorite events at Universal! Besides HHN of course, ha!
Did you know that you can ride in the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Parade? The Universal Mardi Gras parade runs from February 3 – April7, 2024.
Here's everything you need to know about watching, and being apart of Universal Orlando's  Mardi Gras parade in 2024.

Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Orlando Basics

The Mardi Gras parade features talented street performers and stilt-walkers decked out in colorful costumes. From the authentic New Orleans’ music, lights, confetti, and bead throwing.  This is  a must-do experience while visiting Universal Orlando!
This year's parade theme brings the elements to life in six new, beautifully designed parade floats. They are inspired by Earth, wind, fire, water, the sun, and the moon. 
The new collection of element floats joins Universal's traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats  including traditional favorites the 50-foot King Gator,Krewe, two-story Riverboat, King & Queen-- rounding out the line-up to 12 total.

New for 2024: The parade route is going in the opposite direction. 

The parade starts in Hollywood next to Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show. It circles  past Battery Park/Transformer's and through New York, before making its way down through Minion Land on Illumination Avenue and back through the gates it entered from. (In between La Bamba Cafe and the  Horror Make-Up Show.)

2024 Universal Mardi Gras Parade Dates & Times

Universal's Mardi Gras Parade takes place nighty, but the parade start times vary night to night. 
Always check the official Universal Orlando app on the day of your visit to double check, as it’s not unusual for Universal to tweak the parade time.

Parade starts at 5:15pm on the following dates:

  • February 5

  • February 7

  • February 12

  • February 24

  • February 27


Parade starts at 6:15 pm on the following dates:

  • February 4

  • February 6

  • February 8 – 9

  • February 11

  • February 13 – 16

  • February 21 – 23

  • February 25 – 26

  • February 28 – March 1

  • March 3 – 8

Parade starts at 7:30 pm on the following dates:

  • February 19 – 20

  • March 11 – 15

  • March 18 – April 7

Parade starts at 7:45 pm on the following dates:

  • February 3

  • February 10

  • February 17 – 18

  • March 2

  • March 9 – 10

  • March 16 – 17

Float Rider Restrictions:

  • Must be at least 18 years (or accompanied by an adult)
  • Must be at least 48 inches in height
  • No large bags or strollers
  • Can accommodate standard push wheelchairs only with advance notice
  • All participants will be required to complete and sign a Waiver prior to riding the float.
  • All minor participants will be required to complete a Minor Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to riding the float.

How to Ride a Float in Universal's Mardi Gras Parade

A limited number of guests can be part of the parade and ride through the streets of Universal Studios on one of the floats, tossing beads to the crowd.
There are 3 ways to be apart of the Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Studios Florida. Reservations are required for each. 
  • Annual Passholder signup option
  • There's the paid Ride and Dine Experience
  • Guests can reserve a float riding spot for free with a virtual queue in the Universal Orlando app once in the park.

1. Mardi Gras Parade Virtual Line

How to join the Virtual Line:

  • Make sure you already have the official Universal Orlando app downloaded
  • Search for "Mardi Gras Parade Float Riding" on the official Universal Orlando app
  • You can start checking for Virtual Line sports around 3 p.m., However, Virtual Line passes usually become available roughly one-two hours prior to the parade's start time.
  • Once reservations open up, click Reserve Virtual Line Experience Pass and select the number of frogs in your party
  • Choose the available time you'd like to return to ride your float
  • If you missed out on the 3pm VL drop, Universal often times releases more spots up until one hour prior to the parade's start time
  • Virtual Line spots are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.  There's really no guarantee the'll be slots open later in the day for you to grab

What to do after you’ve snagged a Virtual Line spot:

  • Plan to arrive to at Animal Actors on Location! between 1 hour and 1 hour and 45 minutes prior to the parade start time
  • You'll get a wristband showing the designated  float you've been assigned to, and you'll sign an online waiver form to ride the float 
    • Note- Your spot is not guaranteed until AFTER you've received your wristband
    • If you don't pick it up at least 1 hour prior to the parade start time, your spot will be forfeited

2. Purchase The Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine Experience

Back for its second year at Universal Orlando. Available on select dates Feb. 3–Apr. 7th.
  • You get a reserved spot on a parade float, and get to toss beads to the crowd
  • It’s the best way to guarantee your place in the parade! 
  • 3-course meal selecting from the full menu at one of the 4 participating restaurants at Universal Orlando

Universal CityWalk Options:

  • Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar: Full Menu
  • NBC Sports Grill & Bar: Full Menu

Universal Studios Florida Options:

  • Finnegan’s Bar & Grill : Full Menu
  • Lombard’s Seafood Grill : Full Menu

Price for Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Dine & Float Experience

  • The Ride & Dine Add-on starts at $84.99 and is subject to availability. Dinner times depend on Parade Start times.
    • 3:30 pm Dining Reservation on days with 5:15 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
• 4:30 pm Dining Reservation on days with 6:15 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
• 5:45 pm Dining Reservation on days with 7:30 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
• 6:00 pm Dining Reservation on days with 7:45 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
Note-- The price you pay for a reservation does not include admission to Universal Studios Florida. Separate park admission for the same date as the parade and prix fixe meal is required.
Want to learn more on Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Dine & Float Experience?
 You can read my full review, and want to expect here!

3. Annual Passholder Float Riding RSVP

A cool annual passholder benefit  is having the opportunity to reserve a spot riding on a float. 
On January 18th, you can RSVP yourself and up to 4 passholders to ride a float on select nights from February 3 - April 7. 
Per Universal Orlando: “Due to the limited nature of this event, we will only be able to offer the Passholder Mardi Gras Float Riding Opportunity from February 3 - April 7, 2024. 

Power Passholders will not be able to participate March 18 - March 30, 2024. Seasonal Passholders will not be able to participate February 3, 10, 17,18, & 24, 2024, March 18 - April 6, 2024. 

 Click  here for more information and to register.

Will regular park guests be able to sign up for Float Riding if they are not part of the Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine Experience/Passholder Signup?

Depending on availability, a limited number of Mardi Gras float spots may be available day-of for theme park guests to reserve.However, there is no guarantee that these spots will be available. If you want to experience being on a  Mardi Gras float, you’re going to need plan ahead. 
The only way to guarantee a spot on the float is through the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience or via the online reservation system for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders.
Plan for this experience to take about 2-3 hours.

Best Tips for Being in Universal's Mardi Gras Parade

  • Dress comfortable-- including your footwear. You're going to be standing for a good hour right before and during the actual Mardi Gras Parade
  • Skip the big bag during this experience. You can put your items at your feet while on the float, but if it doesn’t fit, having it on your back won’t be as enjoyable while you’re trying to toss all the beads.
  • Come hydrated as no food or drink is allowed on the floats.
  • Make sure you got to the bathroom before heading backstage to get on the float.
  •  Tell your friends and family what float you’ll be as soon as you know. It's such a special moment when they see you throwing beads thier way during the parade.
  • The passenger's side of the float is gIves you more opportunities to throw beads out to the crowd compared to the driver's side. This is due the location of some attraction entrances.
    • Your float captain will assign your space on the float based on the number of people in your party, but it never hurts to ask for the passenger side.  Both sides are just as fun.

Best Tips for Viewing Universal's Mardi Gras Parade

  • Go during the Weekdays! For the best time I recommend experiencing Mardi Gras during the weekdays (Monday through Thursday). These days tend to be the least crowded days at Universal  Orlando.
  • Plan to snag your spot at least 30-45 minutes before the parade starts. If it’s a busy night, aim for 1  hour before the parade starts.
  • Remember Universal's Mardi Gras Parade Route travels counter clockwise this year. The floats circle through the New York area, Minion Land on Illumination Avenue and then make their way back to Hollywood!
    • If you sit somewhere like Mel's and the tribute store—by the time the floats get to you, a lot will have ran out of beads.

For the best viewing spot:

  • In front of Revenge of the Mummy attraction or the corner of Jimmy Fallon. 
    • These spots also puts you somewhat close to the Concert viewing area if you’re visiting on a concert night and want to watch after the parade ends.

If the Mardi Gras Concert is a priority:

  • If you want to see the Mardi Gras Prade and get a good spot for the concert (if on same night) position yourself closer to the Music Plaza Stage. That way once the parade is over, you can go get a good spot for the concert.
  • Just remember— the entire float riding experience can last anywhere from two to three hours. That means, on concert days, you’ll miss the beginning of the concert.

UOAP Viewing Area: 

  • Universal Orlando Annual Passholder can watch the parade in a special viewing area loved in front of Mel's Drive-In

For those with kids wanting to get in on the bead catching:

  •  Universal Orlando has a designated “Little Jester's Parade Viewing Area.”  This is a roped off section located in front the Brown Derby Hat Shop
  • This viewing area opens one hour before the parade starts and is for kids 12 and under
  • This is a great option for kids to have an unobstructed viewing spot without adults behind them trying to catch the beads over their heads, lol

Where to stand to get the most beads: 

  • Entrance to the Horror Make Up Show. You get double the beads, since the parade enters and exits near the theatre

ADA Viewing Area: 

  • Located in the New York area of USF, right next to Revenge of the Mummy
Riding on a float in Universal’s Mardi Gras parade is such a special experience. I promise you—you’ll never ever forget!