A vibrant float from the Universal Mardi Gras parade dazzles with a wreath and lighted decorations on the left, while a dinosaur costume figure on the right adds whimsy, both shining brightly against the nighttime city backdrop.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Universal Mardi Gras Parade Celebrates 30 Years With New Festive Floats

Shannen Ace

Let the good floats roll. It’s time for the 2025 Universal Mardi Gras parade! The parade is performed nightly at Universal Studios Florida for the duration of the Carnaval celebration. Guests can view it from the ground or participate as a bead thrower by signing up for the float ride experience.

Pre-Parade Meet and Greets

In the hours before the parade’s start, some performers roam the streets of New York. They pose for photos and hand out beads.

Universal Mardi Gras Parade

The parade begins in Hollywood next to the Universal Horror Make-Up Show. It travels down the Hollywood street, then through Minion Land and New York, ending where it started.

The first float is riverboat-inspired, with smokestacks at the front and “waves” around the sides. A “Mardi Gras 30th Celebration” medallion is on the smokestacks, honoring 30 years of Universal Mardi Gras.

On the ground between each float are several performers, including dancers and stilt-walkers. The Beads & Brass band plays horns and drums adorned with lights. The band also performs separately from the parade throughout the evenings.

This float is led by a band of moving figures — not live performers. It also has 30th anniversary medallions.

The bands are followed by a peacock float. The peacock wears a golden crown and light-up collar. A “Mardi Gras 30th” banner hangs behind the giant bird.

Universal’s Mardi Gras parade floats are designed and built in partnership with Kern Studios, which also makes the Mardi Gras floats of New Orleans. Each float also has a unique costume design for the bead throwers.

Guests can become bead throwers on a float by using the virtual queue in the Universal Orlando Resort app or registering for the Float Ride and Dine Experience.

The Universal Mardi Gras parade features a vibrant float with a performer in a feathered costume and dazzling neon lights. Enthusiastic onlookers are smiling, captivated by the lively spectacle.

There are also professional performers on the floats, like this dancer in front of illuminated peacock feathers.

A returning float features two larger-than-life jester figures on the front. An even bigger jester face with a giant hat is behind the figures.

A new unit is dedicated to Mardi Gras food. A stiltwalker is dressed as a chef. The float has a giant King Cake on the front with a King Baby sitting inside.

A colorful parade float at the Universal Mardi Gras parade features a chef with fork and knife poised, facing off against a large crab in a pot. Bright neon lights and vivid decorations bring this culinary showdown to life.

On the back of the float is a large chef figure cooking a lobster in a fiery pot.

A giant Dionysus head is on the front of this float, which celebrates the god of wine. The float is dripping with oversized grapes and features giant goblets.

Another float is inspired by the French Quarter. A trumpeting figure is on the front. The float’s architecture is inspired by the classic style of New Orleans buildings with brick facades and ornate balconies.

A swampy new unit matches the swamp theming of the Mardi Gras Tribute Store. Stiltwalkers wear green and blue. Critters like raccoons and possums are on their heads.

An illuminated alligator costume figure, a highlight of the Universal Mardi Gras parade, sits on a colorful float surrounded by lights and fog, waving a glowing wand.

An airboat sits on the front of the swamp float. A humanoid alligator wearing a life vest and sunglasses is driving. The gator is joined by an unimpressed frog.

A colorful sign reads "Mardi Gras 30th" with ornate decorations, including a fleur-de-lis, capturing the spirit of the Universal Mardi Gras parade against a backdrop of people on an upper level.

Most of the floats that have room for signage or banners have “Mardi Gras 30th” signs.

On the front of this float is a woman with giant strings of beads in her hands. Another woman is dancing on the back of the float with beads around her. The float is also adorned with giant coins.

The parade ends with the iconic King Gator float. The green gator is covered in colorful sparkly scales. Giant strings of beads hang from his teeth. A glowing crown is atop his head.

The Universal Mardi Gras parade dazzles under the night sky with a large float showcasing a colorful alligator adorned with beads. Billboards in the background come alive, featuring animated characters and text that reads "Vicious 6," adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

The walls of the King Gator float resemble brick walls, adorned with glowing fleurs-de-lys. There are flickering lampposts featuring “Mardi Gras 30th” signs. Float riders throw beads from atop and next to King Gator.

The parade is at these times on the following 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

Parade Video

Watch our video of the Universal Mardi Gras parade:

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is from February 1 through March 30, 2025.

For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.