I did it one time (two years ago). Head over to Barney around 5, you'll be waiting along the short wall across from woody woodpecker, you'll be basically filling any no shows, and anyone else waiting to get on.
Chances to get on go up for weekdays and bad weather days since typically the chances for last minute cancellations or no shows are greater then. I have seen maybe 30-50 people waiting for spots before (some get there crazy early) and only a handful make it on. There's no guarantee anyone will get on.
Our group got picked for the first night (Feb 3rd) so we'll be on there, we only have enough slots for us. I'll likely be tasked with kid duty (she's too short) and watch the parade while the rest go on (I've done the floats 4 different times over the past 12 years) we planned it with one of us staying behind to watch the parade.
I believe for those with reserved spots you have to pick up the wristbands before 5pm at the Lost/Found by the lockers at the front of the park, then show up to barney around 5:45pm (adjust for parade start time)
This is a portion of the confirmation email I got for the 3rd:
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
