Following a short 15-minute delay around its scheduled step-off time, the new Universal Mega Movie Parade debuted at Universal Studios Florida on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
Universal originally announced July 3 as the opening date but later stated it was the beginning of technical rehearsals and the official opening will be announced later. This means some elements of the parade may not be available and it could be canceled without notice.
Team Members put A-frame signs up in Universal Studios Florida before the parade to warn guests it’s in technical rehearsals. Thursday, November 14 is scheduled to be the parade’s final performance of the season.
Universal Mega Movie Parade
The Universal Mega Movie Parade stepped off at 6:15 p.m. on opening day and is expected to be performed at 6 p.m. going forward, barring any potential inclement weather delays. The parade circles the park’s Hollywood section, beginning and ending at the gates next to Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show.
A Passholder-exclusive viewing area in front of Mel’s Drive-In is available through July 10.
This is Universal Orlando’s biggest daytime parade yet with 13 new floats and nearly 100 performers.
The parade features classic movies to complement the Summer Tribute Store. Modern animated favorites represent the park’s Minion Land and new DreamWorks Land. New “Trolls,” “Minions,” and “Jurassic World” bubble wands will interact with the parade.
Featured films: “E.T.,” “Back to the Future,” “Jaws,” “Ghostbusters,” “Jurassic World,” Illumination’s “Minions” and “Sing,” and DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls” and “Kung Fu Panda.”
Performers include dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, and poi performers.
Following a marquee float to open the parade, the “Back to the Future” float features Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and a time-traveling DeLorean. The float plays a cover of the song “Back in Time,” originally performed by Huey Lewis and the News.
The next unit celebrates the world of Illumination’s “Sing!” franchise.
The following float was themed to “Minions Through History” and included a cover of the Lipps Inc. song “Funkytown.”
As this float was passing by, our Minion-themed interactive bubble wand began producing bubbles.
Next was a float themed to the “Kung Fu Panda.” Po and Tigress rode the float, designed to look like a temple.
The “Trolls” float has the colorful Caterbus and giant rainbows, with Poppy, Branch, and Guy Diamond riding along. Dancers and stilt walkers dressed in vibrant colors also accompanied this unit.
The “Ghostbusters” float features a 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, with a float depicting the climax of the original film.
A cover of the “Ghostbusters” theme also plays. The walking performers also include characters from the reboot films.
The “E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” float follows, with performers riding and doing tricks on bikes ahead.
The float itself depicts Elliott riding his flying bike above his home with friends. E.T. can be seen riding along in the basket as he is in the film.
A live marching drum line honoring the “Amity Fourth of July Celebration” performs the iconic, tense “Jaws” theme, leading in a “Jaws” float.
Chief Brody and Mayor Larry Vaughn can be seen walking the parade route.
The float itself depicts Bruce the shark crashing through the Orca, with Quint looking panicked at the top.
The “Jurassic World” float is the finale of the Universal Mega Movie Parade.
It includes a Gyrosphere, Raptors, and an animated Tyrannosaurus rex.
Keep in mind that, as this is a technical rehearsal, elements of this parade can change at any time between now and its eventual, official debut.
Watch our full video of the Universal Mega Movie Parade:
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