We're riding this Saturday night. We signed up the first day it opened up. We got the confirmation email last Friday (26th) "Congratulations You’ve Been Selected". We replied to say we were still good to go then got the final confirmation Monday. So it seems like you get a week notice. I also signed up for March 31st (when we'll have family in town)
Basically, pick up arm bands (which designate which float you'll be on) between 11am and 5:15pm at the "Studio Audience Center/Lost and Found" near the front of the park, then show up at the Barney courtyard area at 5:45pm -- time may be different if the parade starts later/earlier. Then you get organized into small groups by the float you are on, then led backstage to put on the smocks "Krewe Uniforms" which just slide over your neck. They hand you some beads and a box of beads and when you get out you throw them out to folks (underhand, don't smack people in the face by flinging them straight out!). After the parade you get off and they walk you back into the park near the Esoteric Studios gate next to Horror Make Up.
As for chances for getting picked, the earlier you signed up the better, and chances are better for non-concert nights and weekdays than the weekends .
Here's the content of the email:
You and your (2) guests have been confirmed to be a float rider at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras on February 3,2018.
You and your guests will need a wristband for to ride the float on your event date.
Please follow the instructions below to retrieve:
1) Go to the Studio Audience Center located to the right of the main entrance turnstiles inside Universal Studios Florida™ from 11:00am to 5:15pm on the date listed above. Annual Passholder must bring a valid Annual Pass and valid photo ID of the name on the reservation to the Studio Audience Center to receive their wristbands, ID must match the name on the reservation confirmation
2) Your spot is not guaranteed until after you receive your wristbands at the Studio Audience Center. If not picked up by the time indicated above, your reservation will be forfeited.
3) A wristband is required to ride the float and more information on where to board the float will be given at the Studio Audience Center
4) If a reservation needs to be cancelled the Guest should reach out to Guest Services at
407-224-4233 to cancel.
Please note the following float rider restrictions:
- All riders must be 18 years old or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Must be at least 48" in height.
- All riders must be able to board the floats and must be able to stand for the duration of the parade.
- No strollers or large bags may be carried on floats.
- For ADA Accommodations please contact Guest Services at 407-224-4233, at least 48 Hours prior to Float Reservation.
- Oxygen tanks are NOT permitted aboard any float.
- Wearing of “The Krewe” costumes is a condition of participation.
- Universal Orlando will try to keep all parties together but on the rare occasion larger groups may need to be spilt into different floats.
- Guest(s) must be a valid Annual / Seasonal Passholder or have paid theme park admission. Any float ride participants who do not show up by the designated time will forfeit their spots.
- Seasonal Passholders will not be able to participate on Mardi Gras concert nights: 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/18, 2/24, 3/3, 3/4, 3/10, 3/11, 3/17, 3/18, 3/24, 3/25
Please call
1-866-PASS-4-FUN (7277-4-386) or email
APMardiGrasFloat@universalorlando.com with any questions.
Thank you,
Annual Pass Service Team