🎭 Toss Beads Like a Pro: Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine Experience

Ever watched the Mardi Gras parade at Universal Orlando and thought,

“I don’t want to catch beads… I want to THROW them.”

Good news: you absolutely can. 😏💜💛

The Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine Experience is one of Universal Orlando’s most unforgettable upgrades, and for 2026, it’s back bigger, bolder, and bead-ier than ever. This paid add-on lets you enjoy a sit-down, three-course meal and guarantees your spot riding on a real Mardi Gras parade float — tossing beads to cheering guests along the route like the parade royalty you are.

Let’s break it all down so you know exactly why this experience is worth the hype (and how to do it right).

Universal Parks & Resorts

---

🎉 What Is the Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine Experience?

This is a separately ticketed upgrade offered during Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Studios Florida.

Here’s the magic combo:

🍽️ A three-course prix fixe meal at a participating restaurant

🎭 A guaranteed spot riding on a Mardi Gras parade float

💎 Thousands of beads to toss along the parade route

Mardi Gras itself is included with regular park admission — but riding a float is not. This experience is the only way to guarantee you’ll be in the parade.

📅 2026 Dates & Pricing

🗓 Event Dates: February 7 – April 4, 2026

📍 Location: Universal Studios Florida (Orlando)

💵 Starting at: $94.99 + tax per person

📈 Date-based pricing applies (weekends and peak nights cost more)

This experience does not include park admission, so you’ll need valid entry to Universal Studios Florida on the same day.

🍽️ What’s Included (Yes, It’s a Full Meal)

On the same day as your parade ride, you’ll enjoy a three-course meal at one participating restaurant of your choice:

✔️ One appetizer

✔️ One entrée

✔️ One dessert

✔️ One non-alcoholic beverage

Menus are prix fixe and curated specifically for Mardi Gras Ride & Dine guests.

🏨 Participating Restaurants (Subject to Change)

You’ll select one restaurant when booking:

🎢 Universal Studios Florida

• Lombard’s Seafood Grille

🌴 Islands of Adventure

(requires a 2-Park ticket that day)

• Confisco Grille

🌆 Universal CityWalk

• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

• NBC Sports Grill & Brew

• Antojitos Authentic Mexican Restaurant (dinner only)

💡 Tip: CityWalk restaurants are a favorite for Ride & Dine guests who want a relaxed dinner without rushing between parks.

Universal Parks & Resorts

🎭 Parade Night: How Float Riding Works

After dinner, it’s showtime.

🕒 Check-in Location: Universal Studios Florida

⏰ Deadline: No later than 45 minutes before parade start

(early check-in is allowed up to ~1 hour 45 minutes before)

At check-in, you’ll receive:

• Your assigned float

• Safety instructions

• A bucket (or two… or three 😄) of beads

• 
  

Then you board your float and ride the full parade route, tossing beads to guests lining the streets while music, dancers, and stilt walkers bring the party to life.

Yes — people will cheer for you.Yes — it’s as fun as it sounds.

Universal Parks & Resorts

📏 Float Rider Requirements

To keep everyone safe, Universal does have rules:

✔️ Minimum height: 48 inches

✔️ Mobility: Must be able to step onto the float and stand during the parade

✔️ Age: 18+ OR accompanied by a legal guardian

✔️ Accessibility: Limited accessible spots available (must book by phone)

🎟️ Booking Details & Important Fine Print

📆 Advance booking required: At least 24 hours in advance

🚫 No refunds or transfers

📞 Reservations available online or by calling 407-224-7554

🎟️ Annual Passholder Perk:

Passholders receive ~15% off with valid ID when booking through eligible channels.

Because float capacity is limited, popular weekends and concert nights sell out fast.

🎺 How This Fits Into Your Mardi Gras Day

Here’s how a perfect Ride & Dine day usually flows:

🎢 Morning & afternoon enjoying rides, food booths, and entertainment

🍽️ Early evening sit-down dinner at your selected restaurant

🎭 Parade check-in → float boarding → bead tossing magic

🎶 Post-parade fun with live music, dancing, and nighttime vibes

It’s seamless, festive, and feels incredibly VIP without being overwhelming.

Universal Parks & Resorts

💡 Is Ride & Dine Worth It?

This experience is perfect if you:

✔️ Want to be in the parade, not just watching it

✔️ Planned on a sit-down dinner anyway

✔️ Love exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime theme park moments

✔️ Want a guaranteed float spot without stress

Annual Passholders especially get strong value with the discount — and for first-timers, it’s an unforgettable Universal flex.

✨ My Expert Tip

This is one of those experiences where planning matters.

The right restaurant choice, right dinner time, and right parade night can make the difference between a smooth, magical evening and a rushed one.

I help my clients:

✔️ Choose the best restaurant for their park tickets

✔️ Avoid timing conflicts with concerts or rides

✔️ Secure float spots on high-demand nights

✔️ Build a full Mardi Gras strategy around Ride & Dine

Universal Parks & Resorts

🎉 Ready to Throw Beads Instead of Catch Them?

If Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is on your 2026 wish list, the Float Ride & Dine Experience is hands-down one of the most memorable ways to do it.

✨ Want help picking the best date, restaurant, and parade night?

✨ Annual Passholder and want to maximize your discount?

✨ Traveling with teens, adults, or first-time Universal guests?

You know what to do. 😉

Reach out and let’s plan a Mardi Gras night that puts you right in the parade — not stuck behind the barricades. 💜💛🎭