Where to Watch: Universal’s Mardi Gras Parade from a Special Kids’ Section
I am going to let you in on a secret – kids can view Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Parade from their very own section! After years of visiting Universal Mardi Gras, I have rediscovered this beloved event from a parent’s perspective. Here’s how to access the Children’s Parade Viewing Area and insider tips!
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Tips for Watching the Universal Mardi Gras Parade
- Know the 2025 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
- Watch from the Little Jester’s Children’s Parade Viewing Area
- Bring snacks and a towel or blanket
2025 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
This year’s Mardi Gras parade theme has six all-new floats inspired by some of the most famous Krewes in New Orleans. The new collection of floats will highlight food, beads and the bayou and these floats will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats to create this year’s parade – complete with high-energy music, dozens of performers donning elaborate costumes, and tons of beads.
- February 2 – 7 → 6:00 PM
- February 8 (Saturday) → 7:30 PM
- February 9 – 13 → 6:00 PM
- February 14 – 16 → 7:30 PM
- February 17 → 7:00 PM
- February 18 – 21 → 6:00 PM
- February 22 (Saturday) → 7:30 PM
- February 23 → 7:00 PM
- February 24 – 28 → 6:00 PM
- March 1 (Saturday) → 7:30 PM
March 2025
- March 1 (Saturday) → 7:30 PM
- March 2 → 7:00 PM
- March 3 – 7 → 6:00 PM
- March 8 (Saturday) → 7:30 PM
- March 9 – 12 → 6:00 PM
- March 13 – 14 → 7:00 PM
- March 15 – 17 → 7:30 PM
- March 18 → 6:00 PM
- March 19 – 20 → 7:00 PM
- March 22 (Saturday) → 7:30 PM
- March 23 – 28, 30 → 7:00 PM
- March 29 (Saturday) → 7:30 PM
General Notes:
- All Saturdays → 7:30 PM
- Weeknights generally start at 6:00 or 7:00 PM
- Check Universal’s official app or website for any last-minute changes.
Important Tip: An unofficial party usually kicks off about three hours before parade time. The performers spread out throughout the New York area and French Quarter market, creating a party atmosphere.
Children’s Parade Viewing Area
The Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Area, a spot for those with children, for the Universal Mardi Gras parade is located in the Hollywood area across the street from the Bourne supremacy.
This area opens one hour before parade time and no advanced sign-up is required. The viewing area is relatively small with a lowered rope to not impede a child’s view of the parade.
The viewing area is primarily for children and their families can sit next to the viewing area or they can sit with a child so long as there is still room for plenty of other children. Extra adults may be asked to move by the parade attendant before the parade starts to allow more children into the viewing area.
During the Mardi Gras parade, the attendants in charge of the children’s viewing area will assist children with any beads that have fallen to the ground and hand them to the children so that they do not go under the ropes and cause a safety issue during the parade performance.
Snacks, seating, and small toys
We suggest getting popcorn, snacks, and drinks before heading to this area so you have some refreshments while you wait. A towel or blanket to put on the ground can make it more comfortable, and small toys, books or other items to help entertain your child is also helpful.
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