How To Ride A Mardi Gras Float At Universal Studios?

Universal’s Mardi Gras is a family friendly version of NOLA’s annual Mardi Gras parade. From vibrant floats to millions of colorful beads, from dynamic street performers to Cajun delicacies, from eclectic Jazz bands to electrifying concerts, Universal Studio hosts one of Florida’s biggest parties every year. Visiting Universal Studios during the Mardi Gras celebration is an experience in itself. However, nothing can beat the experience of riding on Mardi Gras float, throwing thousands of beads to the crowd and watching people cheering and begging for your beads. The experience is absolutely magical!

My Saga Of Riding On A Universal’s Mardi Gras Float

Riding on Universal’s Mardi Gras float was on my bucket list for the past few years. However, I used to assume earlier that only VIPs and family of Universal’s employees are eligible to ride on the floats. 

In 2016, I went to Universal’s guest relations for the very first time to inquire about a Mardi Gras float riders. The receptionist told me that there’s a link given on Universal’s website for Mardi Gras check-in. Once you submit all the information, a computer will randomly select the lucky participants who all are communicated via email. As soon as you receive an email, you need to RSVP else your spot will be given to others. Everything sounds so simple…isn’t it? 

In 2016 and 2017,  I applied to the Mardi Gras link given on Universal’s website but had no luck. I was just an audience enjoying the festivity of the season like others.

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My 2018 Mardi Gras Experience

In 2018, I went to the guest relations again to try my luck to ride on Mardi Gras float. Fortunately, two spots were available on the last day of Mardi Gras i.e April 7th, 2018 and voila I felt like I scored a jackpot. I was on a cloud nine!

The D-day came and after signing the waiver and listening to the instructions, we were ready to ride on our float.

As soon as we were all set to start the parade, what happened next was a total bummer! Thanks to Florida’s dramatic weather, it started pouring heavily. Unfortunately, our parade got canceled. The irony was that I was looking forward to this moment for so many years and finally when I got a chance to ride on the float, I felt awful!

Anyways, to compensate for our parade experience, the Universal staff allowed us to take a few pictures with the float in the backlot area (usually this area is restricted for the guests to take pictures ) as well as gave us plenty of beads to carry with us. Technically, I got a chance to ride on the stationary float while soaking in rain but my bucket list hasn’t been ticked yet! 🙁

Finally, all well that ended well on March 4th, 2019

Call me insane but my desire to ride on the Universal’s Mardi Gras float was still unticked on my bucket list. I went to the guest relations at the beginning of January to book a slot. To my surprise, I was told by the lady at the reception that all the spots were already filled for the Mardi Gras this year. Then she went inside to check with her boss and we waited for almost 40 minutes. She came and gave me a post-it note on which the date was written as of March 4th, 2019 and time as 5:30 PM. She asked us to reach by 4:00 pm for Mardi Gras float riders check-in. I felt really overwhelmed by the gesture of the guest relation’s lady. 

As the March 4th was a Monday, we had to take leave from work to visit Universal Studios. I decided to call the customer service on a Sunday evening for the confirmation. The customer service representative told me that there’s no spot mentioned under my name. I couldn’t believe my ears. The representative asked my reference id number and guess what, there was no reference id number mentioned on the post-it note that was given to me earlier by guest relation’s lady. Then after speaking to several people in customer service for around an hour, I finally got my reference id number to ride on Mardi Gras float. Whatever happened next was a history!

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How to apply for Universal’s Mardi Gras Float?

If you’re an annual pass holder of Universal Studios Orlando, you need to apply on the Mardi Gras float riders link given on the Universal’s website. In case you get selected, you’ll receive an email to RSVP. You also get a chance to ride on Mardi Gras float with a general admission ticket. You can also directly approach to the guest relations who can help you in case if any spots are left. Based on my experience, always ask for a reference number from the guest relations related to any important communication. 

Mardi Gras Float Rider Eligibility

1. You must be at least 18 years above or accompanied by an adult.
2. You must be at least 48 inches in height.
3. Strollers aren’t allowed.
4. All participants need to sign a waiver before riding on a float.
5. All minor participants are required to complete a Minor Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to riding the float.
6. Standard push wheelchairs can be only be accommodated with advance notice. 

Should you ride on Universal’s Mardi Gras Float?

Why not! Riding on a Universal’s Mardi Gras float is quite a unique experience. If you get an opportunity to be a part of larger than a life parade, you should consider yourself fortunate as there’re only limited spots available every year. In case, you didn’t make it this year, there’s always a next chance!

Have you had the chance to ride on a Universal Mardi Gras float? Do let me know in the comments below?

Till then, Happy Wandering!
Ana

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