Universal Studios Florida has always promised to let guests “ride the movies,” and now you can walk the movies too—thanks to the brand-new Universal Mega Movie Parade, a blockbuster celebration that turns fan-favorite films into larger-than-life floats marching down the streets of the park.
This isn’t just a parade, it’s a cinematic adventure. With 13 massive floats and nearly 100 performers, the Mega Movie Parade showcases classics like Back to the Future and E.T., cult favorites like Jaws and Ghostbusters, and modern hits from Illumination and DreamWorks such as Minions, Sing!, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls. The finale? None other than the thunderous Jurassic World T. rex.
A Parade of Movie Magic
The fun kicks off in Hill Valley, where Marty McFly and Doc Brown hoverboard their way into the past (and future) on the Back to the Future float. From there, the party dives into the animated worlds of Sing! and Minions before moving into the Valley of Peace with Po and Tigress on the Kung Fu Panda float. Bright stilt-walking Trolls lead a dance party on their Caterbus float straight out of DreamWorks Land.
Then it’s time for slime and screams with the Ghostbusters unit, complete with Ecto-1, the Temple of Gozer, and a towering 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Keep your eyes peeled—you might even spot Slimer snacking on his way through the crowd!
The mood shifts to heartwarming nostalgia with E.T., as Elliot and his friends soar across the sky to John Williams’ unforgettable score. Next, the parade makes a splash with the Jaws unit. From the Amity marching band to the terrifying reveal of the ORCA boat and a massive great white shark lunging mid-attack, this float is a true showstopper.
Finally, the epic finale belongs to Jurassic World. Raptors snarl, baby dinos charm, and Owen Grady keeps the paddock under control before the finale float—an enormous, saliva-dripping T. rex—stomps its way through the streets, roaring to the strains of the Jurassic Park theme.
The Creative Process
According to parade show director Michelle Alagna, the team’s goal was to create the feeling of movies leaping off the screen. Every detail was carefully crafted, from soundtrack cues to costumes, props, and even voiceovers. The result is a seamless blend of nostalgia, action, and fan service that hits every emotional beat—joy, suspense, wonder, and pure movie magic.
Fun Facts About the Parade
- 13 floats & nearly 100 performers bring the parade to life
- The Ghostbusters float is the tallest ever built for a Universal parade
- Rosita and Gunter perform a Sing! number that never made it into the movie
- The Jaws unit opens with the same style banner once seen in the Amity section of the park
- Listen closely and you may hear E.T.’s family calling to him during the float
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Final Verdict
The Universal Mega Movie Parade isn’t just entertainment—it’s a love letter to the films that define Universal. Whether you grew up humming the Back to the Future theme, quoting lines from Jaws, or watching Minions with your kids, this parade has something to make you smile, cheer, or maybe even tear up.
Showtimes vary, so be sure to check the Universal Orlando app when planning your day. Trust us—this is one parade you don’t want to skip.
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