Talk about a blockbuster! On select dates from May 23 to Aug. 23, 2026, favorite characters are leaping off the big screen and springing to life in the Universal Mega Movie Parade ... and we wish we could go "back in time" to see it for the first time all over again! This parade, which debuted in 2024, celebrates iconic films and will excite all your emotions. Prepare to laugh, cheer and relive classic movie moments as jaw-dropping floats, talented performers and dazzling special effects make their way through the streets of Universal Studios Florida in Universal Orlando Resort's biggest daytime parade to date.
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FAQs
- When is the Mega Movie Parade? Mega Movie Parade will run from May 23 to Aug. 23, 2026, at Universal Studios Florida.
- What time is the Mega Movie Parade? Check the Universal Orlando schedule of events for parade times, but most days, the parade begins at 7 p.m.!
- Where should I watch Mega Movie Parade? We recommend watching from near the Horror Make-Up Show, Cafe La Bamba or Mel's Dine-In so that you get to see the parade come around twice as it begins and ends!
- What movies are in the Mega Movie Parade? You'll see floats from movies like "Trolls," "Jaws," "Jurassic World," "Kung Fu Panda," "Despicable Me" and more!
- How long is the Mega Movie Parade? The parade is about 15 minutes long.
Overview of the Universal Mega Movie Parade
The Universal Mega Movie Parade normally makes its way through the streets of Universal Studios at 7 p.m. In past years, there was also a second showtime for Mega Movie Parade — 2 p.m. — on Halloween Horror Nights event dates.
Be sure to check the Universal Orlando website or the Universal Orlando app for showtimes on the day of your visit.
Make sure you grab your popcorn. (We recommend the banana-flavored variety over at Pop-A-Nana!) Universal Mega Movie Parade spotlights some of the most beloved stories from Universal's extensive film library: "E.T.," "Back to the Future," "Jaws," "Ghostbusters," "Jurassic World," Illumination's "Minions" and "Sing" and DreamWorks' "Trolls" and "Kung Fu Panda."
Watch in awe as the massive 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man towers atop the "Ghostbusters" float, the colorful Caterbus drives through a giant rainbow on the vibrant "Trolls" float and a live marching drum line performs the iconic "Jaws" theme alongside a float themed to the film. That's not all, though! Be sure to stay tuned for the epic finale — the "Jurassic World" float, where you'll see a rolling Gyrosphere and the fierce Tyrannosaurus rex (which is surprisingly a very impressive puppet and not an animatronic!), making this the largest figure ever featured in a Universal Orlando daytime parade.
Between (and on) the 13 floats, nearly 100 performers keep the party going down the parade route, including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, poi performers and more. We have to give a massive shoutout to Universal Orlando for casting some spot-on doppelgängers as our favorite characters, such as Quint from "Jaws" and Egon Spengler from "Ghostbusters!" (Oh, and be sure to call Mayor Vaughn over during the "Jaws" section and ask him if the beaches are safe!)
Watching the Universal Mega Movie Parade
In opposition to Universal Mardi Gras parade, the Universal Mega Movie Parade arrives through the Esoteric Pictures gate and goes down through Hollywood, up through Minion Land, turns into New York and goes back around through Hollywood.
If you want to see the parade twice, we highly recommend grabbing a spot near Mel's Drive-In, the Universal Orlando Horror Make-Up Show and Cafe La Bamba. You'll be able to watch the parade as it both enters and exits the route! Secure your spot along the route no less than half an hour before the parade starts.
You can even get in on the filmic fun with original interactive bubble wands inspired by DreamWorks Animation's "Trolls", Illumination's "Minions" and Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment's "Jurassic World." The bubble wands activate festive features when interacting with other wands and select parade floats! (Flip the switch on the back up for normal bubble wand operation and down to switch to interactive mode.)
Can't wait to see this picturesque parade in person? Then check out our epic POV below:
Which float are you most excited to see in the Universal Mega Movie Parade? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Universal Orlando Resort Announces 2024 Summer Offerings, Including New Land and Shows
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