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<\/a>Parade Route<\/p>\nThe parade begins next to the Universal Horror Make-Up Show in Hollywood. It travels through Production Central, New York, and ends where it started.<\/p>\n
Passholders<\/p>\n
Passholders can watch the parade from a special viewing area reserved just for them, located at Mel\u2019s Drive-In, available Thursday through Sunday.<\/p>\n
Universal Rewards Visa Signature Cardmembers<\/p>\n
Universal Rewards Visa Signature Cardmembers can watch the parade from a dedicated viewing area located in front of Schwab\u2019s Pharmacy. This reserved space is offered nightly from Feb. 7 through Apr. 4, 2026. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. A valid Universal Rewards Visa Signature Card or Universal Rewards Plus Visa Signature Card must be presented for entry.<\/p>\n
Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience<\/p>\n
A small number of visitors will have the opportunity dine on a 3-course meal and enjoy a spot on a Mardi Gras Parade float. Float spots are limited. Purchase must be made 24 hours prior to the event date. The experience starts at $94.99 per person, plus tax, with gratuity included. Separate, same-day theme park admission required. <\/p>\n
All riders must be:<\/p>\n
At least 48\u201d in height and able to board the float and stand for the duration of the parade<\/p>\n
18 or older (or accompanied by their legal guardian)<\/p>\n
Able to transfer to a Universal\u2010provided wheelchair<\/p>\n
Mardi Gras 2026 Parade Times at Universal Orlando Resort <\/p>\n
5:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
6:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
February 27, <\/p>\n
March 6, 10, 20, <\/p>\n
7:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
February 7-10, 12-26, 28, <\/p>\n
March 1, 2, 4, 5, 7-9, 11-19, 21-31<\/p>\n
April 1-4<\/p>\n
Pre-Parade Meet and Greets In the hours before the parade\u2019s start, some performers roam the streets of New York, posing for photos and handing out beads.<\/p>\n Universal Mardi Gras Parade 2026 Floats On the ground are many performers, including dancers, stilt-walkers, and the Beads & Brass band.<\/p>\n The peacock wears a golden crown and has a light-up collar. <\/p>\n This float is a King Cake, which represents a brioche-style pastry that symbolizes justice, faith, and power. The King Baby represents the hidden plastic baby, where the finder receives luck and prosperity.<\/p>\n Universal\u2019s Mardi Gras parade floats are designed and built in partnership with Kern Studios, which also makes the Mardi Gras floats of New Orleans. <\/p>\n A Taste of Mardi Gras float with a shrimp Po\u2019 boy on the side. <\/p>\n On this returning float, an airboat sits on the front of the swamp float. An alligator wearing a life vest and sunglasses is driving the airboat.<\/p>\n The parade ends with the iconic King Gator float. The gator is covered in colorful, sparkly scales and has strings of beads hanging from its teeth and a giant bead strand around its neck. A crown sits on his head.<\/p>\n The base of the King Gator float is made to look like brick walls, adorned with a large glowing fleurs-de-lys and lampposts featuring \u201cMardi Gras\u201d signs.<\/p>\n Mardi Gras 2026 Parade Video<\/p>\n Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is from February 7 through April 4, 2026.<\/p>\n For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n