Talk about a blockbuster! From now until Nov. 14, 2024, 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 brand-new parade 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.
Overview of the Universal Mega Movie Parade
The Universal Mega Movie Parade normally makes its way through the streets of Universal Studios at 6 p.m. on select days, but will move to 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 brand-new 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 the 2024 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 new 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.)
From July 3 to 10, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can enjoy the parade from an exclusive viewing area in front of Mel's Drive-In! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Don't froget to rep your favorite movie with merch from the Universal Orlando Summer Tribute Store. The Tribute Store Plaza has all the hottest styles this summer, featuring films such as "E.T.," "Ghostbusters," "Jaws" and "Back to the Future."
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
Keep hopping!