Universal Mardi Gras Parade

Let the good times roll as the parade hits the streets in a flurry of shimmering confetti. Spectacular, brightly colored floats parade the streets as beads get thrown to grasping hands. No prisoners taken. It’s the survival of the fittest to see who gets most beads! The line up of traditional fan favorite floats include the iconic two-story Riverboat and King Gator, measuring almost 500 feet long.

These intricately detailed floats are accompanied by vivacious high-energy dancers and stilt performers, and countless beads.

It’s family friendly, lots of fun and very kid friendly too. The only area you might want to avoid with small kiddos is the stage area on concert nights. It can get incredibly packed, loud and there’s alcohol, so you might want to consider that if your little ones are sensitive to crowds and noise.

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2025 Parade Times:

The Mardi Gras Parade is held at different times on different dates. Parade times are subject to change, so do always check the calendar when you arrive in case of any changes.

• 5.00pm Parade Time
  Feb 4,
• 6.00pm Parade Time
  Feb 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 26, 28,
  Mar 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 18,
• 7.00pm Parade Time
  Feb 14, 17, 23,
  Mar 2, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 26, 28, 30
• 7.30pm Parade Time
  Feb 1, 8, 15, 16, 22
  Mar 1, 8, 15, 16, 21, 22, 29

Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Areas:

• Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Area: Children can go to this location at the front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop from an hour before the parade starts.
• Annual Passholders have a reserved viewing area near Mel’s Drive in. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis.
• Guests with disabilities have viewing access near Macy’s.

Ride a Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Float

Have you always wanted to ride a float? Toss beads to the begging crowds below? Well you can do just that at the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras!

A select number of spots are available for each parade via a virtual line. Passholders also have a reservation system to reserve a spot. If you want to guarantee a spot, then the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience is just for you.

The Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine is available on select nights during Mardi Gras event dates. You’ll be able to ride one of the floats and enjoy a  3 course dinner at one of 8 locations:

• Universal Studios:
  Finnegan’s Bar and Grill
  Lombard’s Seafood Grille
• CityWalk:
  Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
  NBC Sports Grill & Brew
  Pat O’Brien’s
  Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
  Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
• Islands of Adventure:
  Confisco Grille

The Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine package is priced at $89.99+ tax per person, including gratuity for weekdays and $99.99 + tax per person, including gratuity Fridays and Saturdays. Passholders receive 15% discount.

All riders must be at least 48” in height and must be able to board the floats and stand for the duration of the parade. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by their legal guardian ages 18 and over. Your Mardi Gras Ride & Dine experience does not include park entrance, an admission ticket is required for the same day.

For full details and reservations, see Universal’s website.

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Live Music

Concerts take place on Music Plaza Stage at 8.30pm. (Do check for any updates when you arrive). There’s no seating areas, it’s all standing. If your favorite artist is playing, you’ll need to grab a spot around a good few hours before the show if you want to be close to the stage. There are big screens too.

2025 Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Concert Line Up:

• February 1 – T-Pain
• February 8 – Joe Jonas
• February 15 – Kool & The Gang
• February 16 – Juanes
• February 22 – Scotty McCreery
• March 1 – Foster the People
• March 8 – Illenium
• March 15 – All Time Low
• March 16 – Lawrence
• March 21 – Coco Jones
• March 22 – DJ Pauly D
• March 29 – TLC

All concerts are included with theme park admission, so expect them to be busy.

Big Easy Bash

The streets of Universal Studios feature energetic dancers and stilt performers, brass bands, roving musicians and, of course, countless Mardi Gras beads.

Mardi Gras Tribute Store

A limited-time store is open throughout the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras event. But this isn’t just a store, it’s almost an attraction in itself.

Mardi Gras Annual Passholder Perks

2024 Info Below, 2025 to be updated

Here’s the Annual Passholder Perks that are available for Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2024.

Passholder Magnet

Get a free Mardi Gras Magnet during event dates. Call at UAOP Lounge in Toon Lagoon in Universal’s Islands of Adventure during opening hours, or Five and Dime in Universal Studios Florida from park open to park close.

Float Rides

If you like the idea of throwing beads from one of the floats, sign up to be a Mardi Gras Float Rider. We’ve done it several times and it’s awesome fun! Blockout dates for Power Passholders are March 18-30 204. Blockout dates for Seasonal Passholders are February 3, 10, 17, 18, 24 and March 18-April 6 2024. Sign up online.

Parade Viewing Area

Access to a reserved viewing area in front of Mel’s Drive In. Arrive early as space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine Experience

15% discount for all passholders for a reserved float spot and 3 course dinner.

Food Discount

Premier Passholders get 15% off and Preferred Passholders get 10% off all Mardi Gras food kiosks on Mardi Gras event nights.

Food & Beverage Card Discount

Passholders save $30 and receive $150 Food & Beverage Card for $120.

Exclusive Menu Items

Passholders get extra menu items, including:

• Louie’s Gelato Window
  Spiked Affogato – $12.00 + Tax
  Vanilla Gelato, Espresso, and Coffee Liquor
  Affogato – $5.50 + Tax
  Vanilla Gelato and Espresso
  Spiked Gelato Float – $14.50 + Tax
  Vanilla Gelato, New Amsterdam Vodka, Gran Gala, Orange Fanta

• Chez Alcatraz Mardi Gras
  Bon Temps Cocktail – $14.25 + Tax
  New Amsterdam Gin, blackberry syrup, lime juice

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Tips & Tricks

Want to Party like a Pro? Here’s our top tips to make the most of your time at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras.

#1) Don’t Sweat The Beads!

Don’t panic too much about fighting to get right at the front of the crowd to view the parade. Especially if you don’t have little ones with you. The floats are high and the stilt walkers are super tall. You’ll still see a lot and be able to get your fair share of beads. If you do want to be near the front, make sure you stake a spot at the very least 30 minutes to an hour before the parade starts.

#2) Avoid Concert Crowds

If there’s a concert on when you visit and you’re not too bothered about seeing the act, avoid watching the parade route near Music Plaza Stage. It will be very busy in that area so parade watchers can catch the concert after.

#3) Quick Exit Strategy

If you are planning to leave soon after the parade and want an easy exit strategy, watch the parade somewhere near the exit. The children’s viewing area is by Brown Derby Hat Shop, so it makes it easy to avoid the crowds and exit after the parade.

#4) Plan Early for Popular Artists

If you’re planning on seeing one of the headline artists and want to be near the front, plan on getting there early to stake out a spot. Some will start camping out early, so you’ll need to hit a spot early if you want to be near the front. If there’s a crowd of you, take it in turns to keep your spot while the others explore the park.

There are no reserved viewing areas, it’s a first come first serve basis. If you don’t get a spot inside the Stage Plaza area, there are big screens outside the stage area. The atmosphere is still great.

#5) Watch the Weather

Check the weather forecast. It could get cold at night, especially during February nights. Dress in layers to be prepared for hot or cold weather.

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Jump up, dust off your party hat and “Laissez les bons temps rouler” – Let the good times roll. Have a blast at Universal Mardi Gras!

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