Won a spot on the parade float

[Purseval]

My wife got a call from Universal today, she won 2 spots on one of the Mardi Gras prade floats, waving and throwing beads to the crowd Now we're in a bit of a quandry. My first impulse was to give it to our guests as part of the royal treatment package they already are receiving. But after thinking about it I'm not sure if they would be better off riding in the parade or watching it since they've never seen it before. They already have a VIP package for after the parade so they can stand up on the balcony and throw beads down to the crowd. I'll have to give this some thought. What would you do?

 

[donaldduck352]

Are the spots transferable to another or do they have to be used by the person that won them?

 

[Purseval]

It's her daughter and son in law. The contest rules said the winner and 1 guest but I'm sure if she showed up with 2 other people there wouldn't be a problem.

 

[christophfam]

I won a spot last month. It was the highlight of our trip!!

You need to go to guest services between 4-6 the day of the parade and pickup wristbands. You'll need to show ID to pickup the wristbands, but after that I don't think it would matter who used them. If someone is a minor, the parent must be the other rider.

There were 6 in our party and only 2 of us rode the float. You're only supposed to throw one bead at a time, but when we neared our family we threw them gobs of beads. It made it very fun for all! Just make sure you know exactly where they are standing and on which side of the road. You are strapped into the float so you can't change sides if they are on the other side of the road! My sister called and told me where they were standing before we got anywhere near the float. Then I just asked the float head person if we could be on the right side. Worked out wonderfully! My family had a great spot just after Disaster. It was easy to spot them and they were able to catch the parade again at the end (although I missed them that time). Then they met up with us in the Beetlejuice area where we were let out.

Have fun!! It is amazing watching the faces of the little ones as you throw them beads and they catch them. I'll never forget it!!

 

[oliver200137724]

So how do u get on one of the floats? I have been going for 5 years and i think it would be neat to be able to be on one of the floats. But don't have a clue on how to be picked? I don't have an AP or A PP. So help please.

 

[Purseval]

It was a contest for AP holders. You had to send in your email and phone number. My wife and I both have APs so we entered 2 times. Her pass was the winner.

 

[donaldduck352]

My wife got a call from Universal today, she won 2 spots on one of the Mardi Gras prade floats, waving and throwing beads to the crowd Now we're in a bit of a quandry. My first impulse was to give it to our guests as part of the royal treatment package they already are receiving. But after thinking about it I'm not sure if they would be better off riding in the parade or watching it since they've never seen it before. They already have a VIP package for after the parade so they can stand up on the balcony and throw beads down to the crowd. I'll have to give this some thought. What would you do?

It would be alot funner to catch beads during the parade and throw beads later that night that way they get both ends of the expierance.Iwould see if you can't find someone to take it off your hands,wish I could but allitle busy now adays.

 

[Purseval]

Iwould see if you can't find someone to take it off your hands,wish I could but allitle busy now adays.

We won't be using the passes they will be for my stepdaughter and her husband. Everything in this vacation is geared towards them and the grandchildren. We've done US/IOA/WDW so many times (although we've never been in a parade) we can afford to just kick back and play tour guide this time around. I also asked this same question on the Theme Parks forum since the concept is the same no matter where the parade is. It was almost unanimous that riding in the parade is something you shouldn't pass up because you can always come back for another parade but you may never get the chance to participate again.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

I remember when there used to be a standby area, or when TMs would go and try to find people to fill float spots. I've even been on a float 3x.

If you have the chance to ride the float, DO IT. It's a lot of fun and *YOU*(yes, you) have total control of the crowd for those few seconds. Will you toss beads like crazy and be empty by the end of the parade? Will you be stingy and hoard them for yourself and only throw one every now and again? Will you taunt and tease and make people "Raise the roof" for a bead?

I've done all three. The last one is the most fun.