Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2022 parade takes a trip to planet Mardi Gras

While a classic New Orleans style jazz beat might kick off the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2022 parade, the traditional floats have been joined by some out of these world new designs. Although those feet aren’t failing guests as they enjoy the Universal Orlando seasonal event, this trip to planet Mardi Gras is one gigantic leap that everyone will want to take time and again.

After a two-year hiatus, the parades, and beads, have returned to Universal Orlando. As the sunset sets, the excitement builds. While everyone knows that the song will be playing in their head all night long, no one can resist lining the streets of Universal Studios to see all the colorful floats.

Universal Orlando has a long-running partnership with the iconic Kern Studios. Since 1932, Kern Studios has created fantastical, stunning floats that have driven through the parishes during the Mardi Gras season.

Through this successful partnership, the classic Universal Orlando floats have become favorites with guests. From a taste of the French Quarter to the finale Gator float, these creations bring a taste of Bourbon Street to the Orlando theme park.

What new floats are part of the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2022 parade?

Recently, Culturess spoke to Blake Braswell, Senior Show Director at Universal Orlando about the newest floats joining this year’s Mardi Gras event. While Braswell described himself as a little bit of a space nerd, this year’s designs are totally out of this world. Guests are invited on a trip to Planet Mardi Gras and no one will want to pass up a ticket to this experience.

While Neil deGrasse Tyson once said, “the Universe is under no obligation to make sense to you,” this space theme floats explore various places and all the themes build on one another. As Braswell explained, the first float blasts off into the unknown, and the subsequent floats travel to various places. From the industrial Machine Planet to the luscious vegetation of the Floral plant, all the details make guess wish for instant replay.

Even the various costumes build on those themes. For the first time, the new costumes all have light-up elements. Unlike the performers during Halloween Horror Nights, these performers will not sneak up on anyone.

The darkness of the night sky lets space-themed colors sparkle. The day-glow-like colors penetrate the shadows and offer a sense of wonder that is associated with space. There is a sense of familiar yet unknown; a desire to explore yet clinging to be grounded.

Although the space theme seems quite timely given the surge in space-related activities, Braswell shared that a visit to Kern Studios led the team to pick the theme. From there, everything flowed organically and the excitement built. Even if there isn’t a sonic boom when that rocket passes, there are plenty of hidden details that will make everyone come back to watch the parade over and over (including a special space monkey).

While the Mardi Gras food satisfies hunger and the star-studded concerts have people making a special trip, the nightly Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2022 parade should not be missed. Just be careful of those flying beads.

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras runs now through April 24, 2022. The nighttime parades, concerts, and other events are included with theme park admission.

This year the good times are rolling and everyone’s feet are moving. But, let the words of Stephen Hawking guide this year’s experience, “Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist.” There is plenty to discover on Planet Mardi Gras if you are willing to take that trip.