Hoorah For Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida

If you’re heading to Florida any time from February to the end of March, you’re in for a treat if you have Universal Orlando on your holiday schedule (and why wouldn’t you, with such great ticket value in the first half of this year!).

It may still be grey and bleak back home, but, in the US, it is time for Mardi Gras and party, party, party. And, when that comes to Universal Studios, that is the cue to break out the big celebration that becomes part of the daily routine of the park, with LOTS of extra fun and events to enjoy.

It isn’t quite New Orleans, but Universal’s version of the huge Big Easy event is a good approximation, especially as it faithfully recreates the two essential elements of this annual Lenten festivity. More to the point, you don’t have to go all the way to Louisiana to enjoy the Mardi Gras vibe. It is all laid on in Universal’s own high-energy style, and it runs from February 1 to March 30 this year.

What IS Mardi Gras?

In keeping with the international observance of this occasion, Mardi Gras is the French phrase for Fat Tuesday, which reflects the Christian practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting for the Lent season. In typical American style (but also reflected elsewhere in the world), it has developed into a party-style event that incorporates multiple celebrations, parades and special food recipes to mark the occasion.

New Orleans became Mardi Gras Central in the 19th century, when the French-influenced city began its parade season and has refined it over the years into a signature parade-rich period of costumes, floats, food and bead-throwing – LOTS of bead-throwing. Going back to the 1840s, people in the parades typically threw treats to the audience, but New Orleans turned it into a bead fest in the 1880s, settling on glass beads as the ideal trinket to throw, and the city’s tradition mushroomed in the 20th century, with plastic beads becoming THE thing to collect.

Universal began celebrating the event – with plenty of bead-throwing of their own – in their unique style in 1995, so this year marks the 30th anniversary of the park’s Mardi Gras vibe. And, while the New Orleans event lasts just a few weeks, at Universal Studios it has developed and grown over the years and now continues for two full months!

The best thing about it? It’s FREE with regular admission to the park, offering fun for the whole family, highlighted by a nightly spectacular parade with colourful floats, hundreds of street performers and, yes, tons of beads. There is also mouth-watering cuisine inspired by New Orleans traditional favourites and international flavours. And, on select nights, there are live performances by some of the most popular names in music. The celebration also spills over into the Universal CityWalk hub, where several restaurants provide additional tastes of the event.

What’s on the menu at Mardi Gras Universal this year?

This year’s Mardi Gras will celebrate 30 years of beads, parades, music and food at Universal Studios Florida with six all-new floats inspired by some of the most famous Krewes in New Orleans. The new collection of floats will highlight food, beads and the bayou, and will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats – including the eye-popping King Gator float – complete with energetic live music, dancers and performers, and all the traditional razzamatazz.

This year’s star-studded concert series will feature 12 live performances by some of the most popular musical artists from across the globe – including Grammy-winning artist T-Pain, global pop superstar Joe Jonas (of the Jonas Brothers) and Latin Grammy-winning artist Juanes. Live performances will take place on select nights at the park’s Music Plaza Stage, immediately following the daily parade. The complete concert line-up is as follows (and we strongly advise arriving early, as people stake out the best spots, or get in line, more than an hour in advance):

Feb 1: T-Pain Feb 8: Joe Jonas Feb 15: Kool & The Gang Feb 16: Juanes Feb 22: Scotty McCreery Mar 1: Foster the People Mar 8: Illenium Mar 15: All Time Low Mar 16: Lawrence Mar 21: Coco Jones Mar 22: DJ Pauly D Mar 29: TLC

The tastes of Mardi Gras are the other key component of the season, and guests will be able to savour a variety of all-new mouth-watering menu items inspired by international Carnaval cuisine from New Orleans to Puerto Rico and beyond. Look out for the special kiosks in the New York section of the park (which becomes The French Quarter for the duration of the event) and San Francisco, offering a range of sweet, savoury and spicy dishes from around the globe, including Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from Canada, Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from China, a Colombian Burger and much more.

Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience at Universal

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to be one of the dozens of float riders who get to throw out all those strings of beads, wonder no more! Universal introduced a unique dine-and-ride experience last year, and it is back again this year. Anyone with a regular ticket to Universal Studios can sign up in advance for the Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine by going to this link on the official website (riders must be at least 4ft tall, though – height restriction strictly enforced, and under-18s must be accompanied by a parent).

Here’s how it works: To reserve a coveted spot aboard a Mardi Gras float, the Ride & Dine experience combines a three-course meal from one of eight participating Universal restaurants and then the excitement of riding a float during the parade. The meal consists of an appetiser, main course, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage from any of Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom, or Pat O’Brien’s (all in CityWalk), Finnegan’s Bar & Grill or Lombard’s Seafood Grille (in Universal Studios) or Confisco Grille (in Islands of Adventure; two-park ticket required). The experience costs from $90-$100/person and can also be purchased on +1 407 224 7554 or at any Guest Services office. Universal passholders receive a 15 per cent discount with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass.

And there’s more!

If you don’t want the party to stop after the park closes, head over into bustling CityWalk (which is open until midnight most nights; 1am on Friday and Saturday). Here you’ll find some additional food and drink options to try, like a Mardi Gras themed Voodoo Doughnut. The fab Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen (otherwise known as chocolate paradise!) and lively Pat O’Brien’s (dueling piano bar) also offer exclusive food and beverage items for the event.

And then there is the Mardi Gras Tribute Store, which is WAY more than your typical gift shop. It offers a unique Mardi Gras vibe while also offering themed merchandise, such as beads, masks, T-shirts and other signature souvenirs. There are photo ops throughout the store and the level of detail with the props and characters are perfect for that iconic selfie. You can find the Tribute Store across from the French Quarter Courtyard.

Have you visited Universal during Mardi Gras in the past? Give us your thoughts on our Facebook, X and Instagram pages.