If Mardi Gras is about music, parades, floats, food, and excitement, then Universal Orlando has a memorable celebration you won’t want to miss.
Held each spring during portions of February and March, Universal Studios Florida is set up for a party like none other, and for many guests, the music itself is reason enough to make sure your trip is timed for this great event. Listen to an amazing concert from some of the biggest names in pop, rock, country, R&B, and more at the Music Plaza stage on select nights, all included with your park entry ticket.
You’ll be entertained not just by the concerts, but each night Universal hosts their own parade with original and authentic floats designed by Kern Studios who also build the floats for the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. From these floats, beads will be tossed to you so make sure to line up along the parade route early to get a good spot. A favorite spot is in New York as they blow confetti cannons in this section only. If your dream is to ride one of these amazing floats, you might be in luck! Many of the people riding the floats are annual pass holders, however, regular guests can snap up the last remaining spots by going into the Universal app as soon as you enter the parks and registering for the virtual line for the parade. Spots are on a first-come, first-served basis but be prepared to give up a few hours of your day for check-in, instructions, and boarding the floats.
One can’t talk about Mardi Gras without talking about the food they offer. Multiple booths and restaurants offer unique tastings available for purchase. The French Quarter Courtyard offers not only traditional Cajun food such as po’ boys, jambalaya, gumbo, beignets, and more but also international options that highlight the celebrations of these other countries. There is even an exclusive ticketed event for the Bayou Boil, a Louisiana-style crawfish boil that includes an exclusive view of the parade! Select restaurants in CityWalk feature their own Mardi Gras treats. Of course, any Mardi Gras needs complimentary beverages to top it off and there are plenty of unique options both in Universal Studios Florida and CityWalk. If you consider yourself a foodie, be sure to purchase a fixed cost tasting lanyard and try as many offerings as you can.
For even more excitement, look for the street performers and jazz and zydeco bands entertaining guests all day long. Take the time to stop and enjoy their talents and take a few selfies with them. Lastly, don’t forget to stop by the Tribute Store where unique merchandise and photo ops will allow you to bring home the memories of your amazing vacation.
Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is a one-of-a-kind event that families, couples, and friends will all be glad they took the time to experience. Contact your Me and The Mouse Travel specialist and “let the good times roll” or as the New Orleans saying goes, “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler".
