At Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras 2025 parade, a man in a colorful costume joyfully tosses beads from a float, delighting the crowd surrounded by festive decorations. UOAP Benefits provide an unbeatable experience for attendees.

How to Join the 2025 Universal Mardi Gras Parade Float Ride Virtual Queue

Shannen Ace

Universal Orlando guests can sign up to ride a Mardi Gras parade float and throw beads on the day of their trip with a virtual queue.

Joining the Mardi Gras Parade Float Ride Queue

Bead throwers on Miss New Orleans float

Guests can join the virtual queue via the Universal Orlando Resort app on the day of their visit. Make sure you have a Universal account, your tickets are linked to the account, and you are logged in on the app.

Guests can sign up for the virtual queue between 2 p.m. and up to 1 hour before the parade start time. They must be in the park to join the virtual queue. The parade is at the following times and dates:

5:00 p.m.

  • February 4

6:00 p.m.

  • February 2, 3, 5-7, 9-13, 18-21, 24–28
  • March 3-7, 9, 12, 18

7:00 p.m.

  • February 14, 17, 23
  • March 2, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23-28, 30

7:30 p.m. (concert dates)

  • February 1, 8, 15, 16, 22
  • March 1, 8, 15, 16, 21, 22, 29

Navigate to the Mardi Gras Parade page in the Universal Orlando Resort app. If you are in the park and the virtual queue is still open, you can join it by clicking Virtual Line.

App screen showing a virtual line for "Mardi Gras Parade". It allows selection of travel party members and indicates an ineligible member not present in the park.

The app then prompts you to select your party members. You cannot select guests who have not entered the park.

Once you have selected all your party numbers, you can choose a return time. Universal will release return times intermittently throughout the day, so keep checking if you don’t see a time. Spots are limited and subject to availability.

The app will then alert you at your return time. Riders check in at Animal Actors on Location! There, they sign a waiver and receive a wristband. Your spot is not guaranteed until you receive a wristband. Guests then receive their float assignments and get their costumes.

More Float Riding Details

At Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras 2025 parade, a man in a colorful costume joyfully tosses beads from a float, delighting the crowd surrounded by festive decorations. UOAP Benefits provide an unbeatable experience for attendees.

Guests can also ride a parade float thanks to the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. This includes a reserved spot on a float and a 3-course meal from one of eight participating Universal restaurants. You can book the experience beforehand on the Universal Orlando Resort website.

All riders must check in at least one hour before the parade begins. The entire experience can take 2 – 3 hours. Universal advises riders might miss the beginning of the concerts.

Guests must be at least 48″ tall to participate. Riders under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian age 18+ present to sign a waiver on their behalf. Guests 18 years old or older must also sign a waiver.

Riders who do not require mobility assistance must be able to stand for the duration of the parade, which is approximately 35 minutes.

Riders may request an accommodation at least 48 hours prior to their float ride. Standard Universal manual wheelchairs can be accommodated. Riders must transfer from other mobility devices into a standard Universal wheelchair, which is provided after check-in. Oxygen tanks are not permitted aboard the floats. Universal does not recommend guests sensitive to motion ride. Contact Guest Services at 407-224-7840 for more details.

Smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted on the parade floats. Strollers and large bags are not allowed. Small bags and personal items can be stowed on floats.

Guests cannot participate in the parade if they appear intoxicated or are heavily consuming alcohol at the meeting location and time.

Universal will not tolerate horseplay or harassment of guests or performers. Any act that could potentially jeopardize someone’s safety will result in dismissal from the parade and possibly the park.

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is celebrated at Universal Studios Florida daily from February 1 through March 30, 2025.

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