How to Ride in the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Parade

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration is one of my favorite events at Universal! Did you know that you can ride in the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Parade? The Universal Mardi Gras parade runs from February 4th – April 16th, 2023. There is no parade on March 31st.

Parade starts at 5:15 PM on the following dates:
Feb 7, Mar. 30

Parade starts at 6:15 PM on the following dates:
Feb 5-6, 8-9, 12-16, 22, Feb. 26-Mar. 2

Parade starts at 7:30 PM on the following dates:
Feb. 17, 20-21, 23–24; Mar. 3, Mar. 6-29, Apr. 1-16

Parade starts at 7:45 PM on the following dates:
Feb. 4, 10-11, 18-19, 25; Mar. 4-5 (Concert Nights)

Select Nights Feb. 4-Apr. 16, 2023 (Concert Nights)

There are 2 ways to get a spot to ride on a float:

1. Virtual Line Passes

Virtual Line passes are first-come first-serve with limited availability and will be available from around 3 PM until 1 hour prior to the parade start. Once Virtual Line passes are available, tap “Reserve Virtual Line Pass” in the Universal APP and select the number of guests in your party. Choose the available time you’d like to return to ride your float.

Tip for joining the float virtual queue: Go sit by Animal Actors around 5:15 PM if you have not yet received a virtual line pass for that day. They announce when they’re going to release them while you’re sitting there. This is for the spots that were reserved but the people didn’t show up to claim their bands by this time.

2. Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience

2. Get a reserved guaranteed spot (the only way to get a guaranteed spot!) on a parade ﬂoat through the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. You will enjoy a 3-course meal selecting from a full menu at 1 of 4 participating restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort. This is $84.99 per person (gratuity included). This is new for 2023! You will have a selected dining time depending on the day you are booking based on the time of the parade for that day.

Participating Restaurants:

Finnegan’s Bar and Grill (Universal Studios)

Lombard’s Seafood Grill (Universal Studios)

Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (CityWalk)

NBC Sports Grill & Bar (CityWalk)

Check-In Instructions:

You and your guests will need a wristband to ride the float on your event date. Please follow the instructions below to retrieve:

1. Go to Animal Actors On Location! inside Universal Studios Florida 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes prior to the parade start (the earlier the better!)

2. Your spot is not guaranteed until after you receive your wristbands at Animal Actors On Location! If not picked up at least 1 hour prior to the parade start your reservation will be forfeited.

3. The Wristband is required to ride the Float and more information on where to board the float will be given at the Animal Actors On Location! check-in location.

Know Before You Go:

All riders must be 18 years old or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

All riders must be at least 48″ in height.

From beginning to end, the float riding experience can take 2 to 3 hours. On concert days, float riders may miss the beginning of the concert.

Riders with a disability may request an accommodation by contacting Guest Services at least 48 hours prior to float reservation.

I just rode on a float on Friday night and it was SO fun! Once you are checked in, they will give you a wristband and tell you what float you are riding on. We rode on the Dragon which I liked because it was a smaller float with fewer people. You will then be directed to your cape location where you will pick up the corresponding color of your cape to be worn on your float. Once you have that, you’ll find your designated float seating location in the bleachers while you wait until you are called to board the float. Be sure to use the bathroom before you board because it will be a while before you can go!! If you are visiting Universal Studios during the Mardi Gras celebration, I highly recommend doing this!