It’s Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, an awesome party inspired by Carnaval celebrations around the world. Catch an amazing parade and beads by the handful, live concerts on select nights, plus amazing international cuisine along with sizzling New Orleans favorites*.Adventures today!
Welcome to the Big Easy party – it’s completely free! As long as you have a Universal Studios theme park ticket on a Mardi Gras event date, you have access to everything, from the music to the food.
Welcome, party people, to the biggest bash this side of the bayou! One of the most anticipated events of the year! Universal’s celebration of Mardi Gras has a nightly parade. Did you know that Universal allows guests to ride on the parade floats and throw beads to other guests?! The Mardi Gras parade at Universal Studios typically starts at 7:30 PM. You must sign up by noon the day before the selected date. Age and height restrictions apply due to the nature of riding the parade float.
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 Mardi Gras 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.
Passholders can reserve a spot for themselves and up to four more Passholders to ride a Mardi Gras float on select nights from February 3 to April 7. Passholders are limited to one reservation date only. They must sign up by noon the day before the selected date. Age and height restrictions apply due to the nature of riding the parade float.
Passholders can sign up online now.
Trying your luck with the Virtual Line isn't the only way you can score a spot on a float this year! Universal announced the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience as a way to guarantee a place in the parade. Starting at $84.99, you can enjoy a three-course meal at one of four participating restaurants and secure a spot on a float in the parade the same day!
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). 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)
Prices, dates, times, experience details and benefits are subject to availability, change and/or cancellation without notice. The price you pay for a reservation does not include admission to Universal Studios. Separate park admission for the same date as the parade and prefered meal is required. Your purchase must be made 24 hours prior to the event date. (Oh, and just because I've been asked this a lot, no, you are not eating on the float. You're eating at the restaurant.) Be sure to have your confirmation email on hand so your waiter can confirm your reservation once you get to your table.
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.
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!!
I got to ride on a float in March 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. I rode on a beautiful float called "The Sea Serpent" which I liked because I love sea inspired decoration and art!
Riding on a float in Universal’s Mardi Gras parade is an experience you’ll never forget. But, if you can’t get on – catching beads is just as fun!
Couples that are checked in are chosen at random to be King and Queen of the Mardi Gras Parade. It could be YOU!
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