Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is running now through April 16. Each night, guests can let the good times roll with a boisterous Mardi Gras parade.
About half of the floats return every year, such as the classic Riverboat and King Gator. The others get new designs each year based on the event’s theme. This year’s theme is “The Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras.”
2023 Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Studios Florida
Riverboat
UPNT’s own Tom Corless and Annie Wilson rode the Riverboat float this evening.
Krewe of Dionysus
The Krewe of Dionysus float is named after one of the parades in New Orleans each year for Mardi Gras.
Jesters
Dragons
The first new float in the lineup is based on dragons.
Satyr/Faeries
The next float is led by a creature resembling a Satyr.
Mushrooms and large flowers adorn the float.
A tree with a face is in the central forest.
A group of faeries (or pixies) are on the back of the float.
Phoenix
They are followed by a phoenix.
The rest of the float has multiple flat phoenixes appearing to soar around.
Sea Serpent
A sea serpent emerges from the front of this aquatic-themed float.
Unicorns/Pegasus
Ahead of the unicorn float come stilt walkers with light up pegasus costumes. The unicorns on the float are depicted both with and without wings.
The Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras
The last new float brings all the elements of the Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras together.
French Quarter
The last three floats are traditional staples of the parade. The French Quarter float has a figure of a jazz musician playing the trumpet on the front.
The rest of the float resembles the iconic architecture of the French Quarter and jazz instruments.
King & Queen
The second to last float features the King and Queen.
King Gator
The end of the parade is marked annually by King Gator. He’s a three-part float and chomps giant beads between his teeth.
Watch our video of the full 2023 Mardi Gras parade at Universal Studios Florida below.
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