Embark on a captivating journey as Universal Orlando Resort transforms into a celebration like no other—Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval! From February 3 to April 7, 2024, let the good times roll with a vibrant Mardi Gras party featuring a global feast of sweet, savory, and spicy dishes inspired by New Orleans and iconic Carnaval flavors. Enjoy a dazzling Mardi Gras parade with new, detailed floats, and savor live concerts on select nights by top music artists like DJ Khaled, Ava Max, Luis Fonsi, and more. The best part? You can revel in all the excitement with your regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.
Get ready for an unforgettable concert series this year with ten live performances from chart-topping artists spanning various music genres! Groove to the beats of GRAMMY-winning sensation DJ Khaled, the talent behind the chart-topping hit “Sweet but Psycho” – Ava Max, and the five-time Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Luis Fonsi. Join us on select nights after the Mardi Gras parade at the Music Plaza stage, right in front of the exhilarating Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. Check out the complete concert lineup below!
Immerse yourself in the magic of this year’s Mardi Gras parade as it comes to life with a captivating theme celebrating the elements – Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, the Sun, and the Moon. Experience the enchantment with six new, intricately designed parade floats that complement Universal’s classic New Orleans-inspired lineup. Join the celebration with high-energy music, a myriad of performers adorned in stunning costumes, and an abundance of beads for an unforgettable parade experience!
Embark on a global gastronomic adventure at Mardi Gras, where you can indulge in over 60 delectable tasting-sized items inspired by Carnaval celebrations worldwide. Traverse the park-wide celebration to discover kiosks offering mouthwatering culinary delights from New Orleans to Spain to China and beyond. Delight your taste buds with classics like the Fried Green Tomato Po’boy and irresistible Beignets, savor Chicken Schnitzel from Germany, indulge in Chilaquiles Verdes from Mexico, and explore a diverse array of flavors that promise a festival of international tastes.
Immerse yourself in the full splendor of Universal Mardi Gras by choosing to stay at one of Universal’s eight extraordinary hotels. Guests are treated to exclusive benefits, including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks. Elevate your stay with unique Mardi Gras offerings at all Universal Orlando hotels, featuring delectable treats like Crawfish and Andouille Sausage Egg Roll at Islands Dining Room at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Mardi Gras Empanadas at Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Jambalaya at Beach Break Café at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, and more.
Unlock the magic of Universal Mardi Gras with your regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida. For an even more enchanting experience, you can seize one of these extraordinary offers to revel in Universal Mardi Gras and explore all the wonders of Universal Orlando’s theme parks:
Indulge in two additional days of free admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure by purchasing a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket or 3-Park, 2-Day ticket, giving you a total of four days of theme park excitement
Make the most of your vacation time with the 25% discount on a 3-Park, 5-Night Vacation Package. This package includes a 5-night stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, along with a 3-Park, 5-Day Park-to-Park ticket for visits to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay
Are you ready to experience Universal Mardi Gras? Call or email Siera today at siera@spreadingmagic.com to book your Universal Orlando Resort vacation!
Ahh… spring! I always affiliate springtime with a sense of newness. Something about spring cleaning, spring training, springing forward when daylight saving time begins — it’s all the good stuff of brighter days and fresh beginnings. And, I have a feeling that will be even more necessary and even more true this year, especially at Universal Orlando Resort. To kick off the season, I’m sharing the top four reasons to visit Universal Orlando Resort this spring.
The event will include food, entertainment, BEADS, and even a few other Mardi Gras staples. Chef Jason Glus, one of Universal’s Executive Chefs who played a major role in developing this year’s menu says, “As chefs we wanted the food this year to bring everybody together to celebrate all the wonderful flavors from around the world. No matter what celebration, no matter what culture, no matter what ingredient we will all dine together.”
And with a menu like this, you can sign me up for a little bit of everything!
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort & Photo Credit: Imani Miller
Nothing says spring vacation quite like a trip to Volcano Bay. Universal’s water theme park is reopening to guests on February 27 and I personally cannot wait to grab myself some jerk shrimp mac and cheese, a Waturi Fusion ice cream cone, and some volcano-front seating to soak up some rays.
Speaking of rays, spring in Florida is L O V E L Y. We can all stow away those boots and swap them out for some sandals. I truly love nothing more than grabbing a refreshing Shark Attack from Chez Alcatraz, strolling around the streets of Universal Studios Florida, and taking a ride or two on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit on a sunny spring day. Can’t you just smell the sunscreen and hear the roller coaster screams now?
No Universal Orlando vacation is complete without a stay at one of the incredible Universal hotels — especially during the spring! I know I firmly believe that you should never miss an opportunity to swim, and Universal’s hotel pools give you plenty of opportunities to do exactly that. Plus every pool is unique to its hotel and its theming!
This year in particular I am so excited to try all of the Mardi-Gras-themed dishes and drinks at each one of the currently-operating hotels. Drinking a “Let The Good Times Roll” Hurricane while bowling at Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s Galaxy Bowl is certainly an opportunity we should all be taking advantage of!
There you have it! And just think, these are just the top four reasons to visit Universal Orlando Resort this spring! Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, prepare yourself for a whole lot of jambalaya, and start planning your Universal Orlando Resort vacation!
At Universal Orlando Resort, Mardi Gras isn’t just a celebration, it’s a tradition. For over 25 years, Mardi Gras has come to life in Universal’s version of the French Quarter Courtyard in Universal Studios Florida. This year’s Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval will feature authentic cuisine inspired by the most iconic Carnaval festivities across the globe and the biggest spread of food and drink offerings the event has ever had. You’ll be able to experience multiple areas throughout Universal Studios, the hotels, and Universal CityWalk with food and beverages themed to international Carnaval celebrations.
This first-ever, dynamic celebration of flavor and entertainment will take place daily at Universal Studios Florida from Saturday, February 6 and continue through Sunday, March 28. This eclectic global food fest will offer more than 70 delectable dishes and beverages from 13 locations around the globe. Plus, Universal Studios Florida will be decked out in vibrant décor and guests will have the first-ever opportunity to get up close with spectacular and intricately-detailed Mardi Gras floats stationed throughout the theme park. You’ll also enjoy a Big Easy bash in the streets with energetic dancers and stilt performers in extraordinary costumes, brass band musicians, countless beads and a newly-themed Mardi Gras Tribute Store stocked with new merchandise that will give guests the perfect look for this epic celebration.
Here’s a sample menu from Universal Studios to get your mouth watering!
Puerto Rico (Pernil & Mofongo, Picadillo Empanadas, Quesitos, Pina Verde)
The great news is all of these dishes are served as sample sizes, so you’ll be able to try a little bit of everything. If this sounds right up your alley, you’ll want to check out the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard options, which you can use for multiple visits (let’s be real, you’ll want to come back to conquer the entire menu).
Universal Orlando continues to implement its enhanced health and safety procedures and guidelines focused on “screening, spacing and sanitization,” and those practices will be applied to all experiences taking place during Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval. Key measures include screening guests and team members, enforcing social distancing, requiring face coverings, limiting capacity and increasing the already-aggressive cleaning and disinfection procedures. Guests may remove their face coverings while actively eating or drinking, but must be stationary and maintain appropriate social distancing.
All of the excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios. Florida residents can take advantage of an exclusive ticket offer to purchase a 1-Day, 2-Park ticket and receive three extra days free to experience both parks. Guests can also take advantage of a special offer to save up to $200 on 4-day tickets for a family of four.
With exclusive theme park benefits available to hotel guests, staying in one of Universal Orlando’s hotels is the best way to make the most of a vacation to the award-winning theme park destination. Currently, Florida residents can take advantage of nightly package rates as low as $85 per person, per night, at the all-new value property Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites for a family of 4 with a 3-night stay. Non-Florida residents can book a stay at Dockside Inn and Suites as part of a package for a family of four, with a 5-night stay.
Since 1995, Universal Orlando Resort has been bringing the fun and flavors of the Big Easy’s Mardi Gras celebration to the streets of Universal Studios Florida. For select nights now through April, you can catch an outrageous and colorful parade (my favorite part of the event), enjoy live entertainment and concerts, indulge in Cajun food and drinks and catch a whole lot of beads during Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020. It’s the perfect way to end your day after enjoying the thrills and excitement of the parks. Authenticity is the name of the game as Universal’s event stays true to the traditional roots of the New Orleans street party so many know and love. However, there are a few unique Universal twists too!
There’s a ton to see and do during Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020, along with different ways to experience the event. Luckily, you have plenty of opportunities to do it all. Whether you’re a local planning multiple nights of Mardi Gras festivities, or looking to get the most out of your vacation with us, check out this guide on everything you need to know about Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 to help plan your visit.
THINGS TO DO
Nightly Parade
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
Just like New Orlean’s famed Mardi Gras parade, we have a spectacular parade that hits the streets of Universal Studios every event night with colorful parade floats, even more colorful performers (one word – GLITTER!), and of course, beads!
Our parade floats are designed and built in partnership with Kern Studios, the same team that creates the parade floats up in New Orleans. Every year, there’s a new theme developed for the floats along with the iconic floats, like King Gator. Each one has a unique costume designed for the bead throwers and a batch of beads colored to match the look and feel of the float.
You have two ways to experience the parade: 1.) as a bead catcher and 2.) as a bead thrower. Both are equally as fun as the other and depends on what you would like to do for the night…
Being a bead catcher allows you more time to enjoy the French Quarter Courtyard and rides in the park, while also being able to grab a good spot for the concert.
Being a bead thrower requires you to first sign up via the Universal Orlando Mobile App and see if you get selected. If selected, you have to check in before the parade and it can take time to get back over to the concert area when the parade is done. However, bead throwing is SO MUCH FUN and allows for you to be a part of the action. There’s nothing quite like tossing beads at a mass of people cheering to get your attention.
My recommendation? Both! Come one night and catch. Come another night and throw.
TIPS
Little Jester’s Parade Viewing: It can be tough trying to get a good view for your kid when it comes to parades. We’ve got you covered with the Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Area located in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop. This is an exclusive area for children and opens up one hour before the parade starts.
Best Places to Watch (and Catch Beads!): I’m a fan of watching the parade in the Hollywood section as you can catch it when it first starts and also when it’s coming back around to end. Another favorite spot is in the New York area, right past Finnegan’s Bar & Grill. There’s more space to move around and catch beads and you get to see a couple great confetti pops! Click here to see the parade route map.
One of the big differences that allows our Mardi Gras event to stand out is the live concert that takes place select nights on the Music Plaza Stage. We bring in some of the biggest names in music, with a diverse lineup every year of pop, rock, country, latin, and more. It’s an awesome way to close out your day in the parks.
TIPS
Arrive Early: I recommend arriving early, around 2-3 hours before the concert starts, to claim a spot up near the front. The lawn area fills up fast. For certain artists, there will even be a queue you can jump in before the lawn opens for guests. Check with a Team Member in-park for details the day of the concert.
Mobile Order: So, you’ve got your spot up front, but your stomach is starting to rumble. We’ve got you covered. You can order food to be delivered to you using the Universal Orlando Resort Mobile App. Pizza fries, anyone?
Before the live concerts take place on the main stage, head over to the French Quarter Courtyard in the New York area of Universal Studios for even more live entertainment. You can enjoy live music from real Louisiana jazz and zydeco bands as you stroll the food and drink tents. Or drop a dance move and snap a picture with the incredibly talented, fun, and glittery Mardi Gras performers.
TIP
The French Quarter Courtyard festivities start around 4 p.m. every day. I recommend arriving early to snag a park bench or table to enjoy the music and food. This area can get a bit crowded at night when it gets closer to parade time!
A new experience has come to Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020! The Tribute Store is more than your typical gift shop. It’s transporting you into scenes inspired by iconic locations from New Orleans, while also offering themed merchandise to buy like beads, masks, T-shirts…all the requirements for a great Mardi Gras! There are photo ops throughout the store and the level of detail with the props and characters are perfect for insta. You can find the Tribute Store across from the French Quarter Courtyard, right next to the entrance of Revenge of the Mummy.
Attractions
One of the great things about Mardi Gras is that the rides and attractions throughout Universal Studios are open during the event, too. All of your favorites like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Revenge of the Mummy, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D, and more. Make sure to check your park map and the Universal Orlando Resort Mobile App for ride times. And with all the Mardi Gras festivities, this typically allows for shorter wait times!
TIP
One of my favorite things to do is ride Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit while one of the concerts is playing down on the Music Plaza Stage. Not only is the ride AWESOME at night, but it’s pretty cool to see the concert crowd down below with the music blasting.
After Party in CityWalk
If you don’t want the party to stop after the park closes, head over into Universal CityWalk. You get free admission to five CityWalk bars and clubs with your park ticket on a Mardi Gras event night. There are even themed Mardi Gras food and drink options that you can try, like a Mardi Gras themed Voodoo Doughnut.
Bars and clubs include:
Rising Star (my personal favorite – karoake with a live band!)
the groove (the dance club to get your… wait for it… groove on)
Red Coconut Club (the chill club with excellent cocktails)
Pat O’Brien’s (dueling piano bar)
Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom (live reggae music)
WHAT TO EAT
French Quarter Courtyard
Photo; Universal Orlando Resort Blog
We’ve already talked about the entertainment in the French Quarter Courtyard, now let’s chat FOOD! In the Courtyard, you’ll find all of the mouth-watering bites and sips for the event with rows of tents and bars. You can find the classic Cajun dishes like jambalaya and gumbo, and other unique creations our Food & Beverage team has developed. You can also find festive signature drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
My Top Recommendations:
Jambalaya – This is my all-time favorite dish, with all those Cajun spices and topped with a crawfish.
Beignets – A classic and must-have! You can’t go wrong with these little fried treats dusted with powdered sugar.
Bayou Bog Water – This fruity non-alcoholic drink is fun for both adults and kids alike, with boba pearls that pop in your mouth and gummy worms and fish.
Now, THIS is the way to do Mardi Gras. Take your experience to the next level for an additional cost with these event upgrades.
Bayou Boil: Experience what a crawfish boil is like with a Universal spin on it. The Bayou Boil gives you a tray piled high with a crawfish boil, an exclusive bar, and a VIP viewing of the parade. I absolutely loved doing the Bayou Boil with my friends and highly recommend trying it out. *Available on concert event nights
Tasting Lanyards: These lanyards are the perfect option if you’re going to come for multiple nights of Mardi Gras, I’m looking at you UOAPs. They allowyou the option to enjoy multiple food and drink options during Mardi Gras event nights for one fixed cost. There is even an exclusive UOAP version of the lanyard.
The greatest and most important thing to know about Universal’s Mardi Gras? It’s included with your park admission or Annual Pass* to Universal Studios Florida. There is no extra cost to experience all the fun and excitement, and it makes for a great addition to your family’s spring vacation.
The App Will Be Your Best Friend
Think of the Universal Orlando Mobile App as your personal little robot butler in the palm of your hand. You can set up a virtual wallet, mobile-order food to where you’re waiting for the concert, check ride wait times, the parade and concert start times, and even sign up for float riding via Virtual Line.
If you’re not already a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder (UOAP), you might become one after this. UOAPs get the best perks when it comes to Mardi Gras. They get first dibs on float riding, an exclusive viewing area in front of Mel’s Diner, and freebies like a fun-themed button and magnet. *Supplies are limited and first come, first served
*Seasonal Passholders are blocked out at Universal Studios Florida on all Mardi Gras concert event nights.
WHAT TO BRING & WEAR
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
Deciding what to bring or wear to a theme park can be tricky. The general consensus is to pack light and wear layers, but Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 can be a unique event to think through. Here’s a list I’ve put together throughout my years of attending the event.
Small Bag (emphasis on small): There’s no real reason to bring a big bag with you to Mardi Gras, unless you’re traveling with little ones. You want to stay light and nimble to maneuver the concert crowds and catch beads! Try to carry your tickets and cards in a lanyard or sport one of those nifty phone cases with the card slots. If you do need to bring a bag, opt for a fanny pack or small crossbody that can fit into one of the free small lockers.
Phone Charger: This will come in handy if you’re sitting around waiting for the concert or parade to start. Plus, you may need it after all the photos you’ve taken and posted on the gram.
Check the Weather: Mardi Gras falls in that weird Florida-weather timeframe when the temperature can flux from being hot during the day and chilly at night. Check the weather and consider bringing a light jacket just in case. Also, don’t forget those pesky rain showers that can pop up!
Comfy Shoes: Comfortable shoes are kind of a duh when going to a theme park, but you’re going to be doing some quick walking and dodging during Mardi Gras. I also recommend close toed as your feet may get stepped on during the concert.
Your Krewe: The best way to experience Mardi Gras is with your friends and family. Grab the krewe and come party with us!
OK, so who’s ready for Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 at Universal Orlando Resort!? Share your excitement and tips in the comments below and don’t forget to share your pics using #UniversalMardiGras. My one guarantee: You’ll have “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now” stuck in your head and handfuls of beads you won’t know what to do with at the end of the night.
If you love catching countless beads from vibrant parade floats, eating delicious authentic N’awlins style food and listening to some of the biggest names in music then Mardi Gras 2019 at Universal Orlando is the place for you.
The best part Florida Residents? You don’t have to fly to New Orleans to have that authentic Mardi Gras celebration because it’s right in your backyard.
1. Live Concerts with Some Of The Biggest Names In Music
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
First and foremost, on select nights, you can watch some of the biggest names in music take to the Music Plaza stage in Universal Studios Florida for unforgettable performances including…
February 9 – BUSH
February 16 – Gavin DeGraw
February 17 – Dan + Shay
February 23 – Macklemore
March 2 – Sabrina Carpenter
March 9 – Becky G
March 10 – Sean Paul
March 16 – Steve Miller Band
March 17 – Ziggy Marley
March 23 – NF
March 24 – Pitbull
March 30 – Bazzi
March 31 – To be announced
*Blockout dates apply for Seasonal Passholders on all concert event nights at Universal Studios Florida. You will still receive access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Insider Tip: Head over to the Music Plaza stage early to get up close and find a nice spot in the grass for the nightly concert. Visiting with a group? Take turns grabbing your fill of N’awlins inspired food & spirits for the best picnic ever.
2. Universal Mardi Gras Parade
Get ready to unleash your wild side with this year’s parade theme –– Party Animals! You will experience returning fan-favorites and new vibrant floats with lively characters decorated in animals from around the world including the jungle, arctic, swamp and more.
Passholders can also enjoy the parade from a special viewing area in front of Mel’s Drive-In™. Don’t worry! No matter where you’re viewing the parade from, be prepared to catch beads by the handful.
Interested in riding and tossing beads from the Mardi Gras parade floats? Passholders can sign up for a chance to be a Mardi Gras float rider with up to five guests! Visit the sign-up page here.
Insider Tip:Love catching and collecting Mardi Gras beads from the parade floats? Make your way towards the Horror Makeup Show to catch both the beginning and the end of the parade.
3. Dig Into N’awlins Style Delicious Food
Make your way to the French Quarter Courtyard located in the New York area, loosen up your belt and get ready to try a wide variety of mouthwatering bite-sized Cajun favorites including jambalaya, shrimp gumbo, Andouille sausage, sugary-sweet beignets, and more!
Quench your thirst with our refreshing Mardi Gras themed specialty beverages, featuring slushies, a wide variety of craft beer selections and delicious cocktails including the Ragin Rumbalaya, Carnival Cocktail and Vicious VooDoo.
Stay tuned for more mouthwatering details.
Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.
5. Live Entertainment and Performers
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
Visit the French Quarter Courtyard and join in the Mardi Gras celebration as you encounter stilt walkers, dancers, colorful parade characters and more wandering the streets.
Don’t forget, not only do the Mardi Gras characters carry extra beads, they love to interact with you and take photos. So make sure your camera is handy and don’t be shy to ask for a photo.
6. Big Easy Tunes in the French Quarter
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
Now that you have a full stomach and a drink in hand, stick around the French Quarter to hear the signature sounds of these authentic Big Easy bands.
February 9 – 17: Dirty Bourbon River Show
February 18 – 27: Naughty Professor Brass Band
February 28 – March 18: Free Agents Brass Band featuring Honey Bannister
March 19 – April 4: New Breed Brass Band
7. Have The Time Of Your Life!
Whether you’re coming for a day of family-friendly fun, or to wild out with friends, start the countdown now and for a limited time, take advantage of great Universal Orlando Annual Pass Deals to help throw the party and get up to 6 months FREE.
Get ready to find your inner party-animal with us at Mardi Gras!
Tell us about some of your favorite experiences at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2019 in the comments below. And make sure to share your Mardi Gras 2019 moments on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with #UniversalMardiGras.
The start of a new year is upon us. Time to set those New Year’s resolutions, start planning out your year, and most importantly, get ready for Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019. This year’s event returns Feb. 9 – April 4 to Universal Studios Florida with nightly parades, live concerts on select nights, Cajun food and drinks and beads, beads and more beads!
Let’s dive into the star-studded concert lineup with new and returning fan-favorites. Catch these live performances on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage.
Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 Concert Lineup
February 9 – BUSH
February 16 – Gavin DeGraw
February 17 – Dan + Shay
February 23 – Macklemore
March 2 – To be announced
March 9 – Becky G
March 10 – Sean Paul
March 16 – Steve Miller Band
March 17 – Ziggy Marley
March 23 – NF
March 24 – Pitbull
March 30 – To be announced
March 31 – To be announced
New Nighttime Parade Theme
The nightly parade returns with 12 floats, beads, colorful dancers and stilt performers. This year’s new theme is one of my all-time favorites – Party Animals! You’ll see floats and performers dressed as their spirit animals from all over the world like the arctic, jungle, ocean, swamp and more.
French Quarter Food and Drinks
The French Quarter Courtyard is getting a new culinary twist this year. All food and drinks will be served in tasting sizes. You’ll now be able to enjoy a variety of the New Orleans dishes during your visit.
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog
To add to the excitement, our culinary team has whipped up new and returning fan-favorite food and drink options. We’re talking beignets, frog legs, crab etouffee, and crawfish! Plus, we’re going to have a signature Mardi Gras cocktail, craft beer and more. Stay tuned to the blog for more mouthwatering details.
French Quarter Entertainment Lineup
You can’t have the French Quarter Courtyard without the beats of the Big Easy. Catch these authentic New Orleans bands performing daily in the French Quarter.
February 9 – 17: Dirty Bourbon River Show
February 18 – 27: Naughty Professor Brass Band
February 28 – March 18: Free Agents Brass Band featuring Honey Bannister
This spring we’ve got the perfect way for Florida residents to experience ANY day of Mardi Gras and Universal Orlando thrills and excitement. For a limited time get 3 days for just $159.99 plus tax with a valid promo code from Coca-Cola or Coke Zero Sugar now through April 4, 2019. You can use your three days anytime now through June 30, 2019. That means no blockout dates and you can use them non-consecutively.
OR you can upgrade to an Annual Pass* to enjoy the parks all year long and our special events like Mardi Gras. Right now – April 4, you get up to six months free with the purchase of any Annual Pass. That’s a whole year now and up to half a year free!
Plus, Passholders get awesome perks during Mardi Gras like an exclusive parade viewing area, float riding opportunities and more.
*Blockout dates apply for Seasonal Passholders on all concert event nights at Universal Studios Florida. You will still receive access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Grab your tickets and get ready to party with us at Mardi Gras 2019! Don’t forget to share with #UniversalMardiGras on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Florida’s biggest party is back for more nights than ever before starting Feb. 3 – April 7. This gives you even more chances to dance along with dazzling festival krewes, see stunning float designs during the nightly parade, taste mouthwatering Cajun-style bites and catch live performances by your favorite acts on select nights – all for the price of regular park admission.
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
This year, you can sing along to the hits of GRAMMY Award-winning rapper, Macklemore; international superstar and recording artist, Sean Paul; and Billboard“Hot 100” pop group, Fifth Harmony, as they take the stage in the Music Plaza at Universal Studios.
Check out the full lineup for Universal’s 2018 Mardi Gras celebration:
Feb. 3: Sean Paul
Feb. 10: The Beach Boys
Feb. 17: Kelsea Ballerini
Feb. 18: Andy Grammer
Feb. 24: Macklemore
March 3: 311
March 4: Phillip Phillips
March 10:To Be Announced
March 11: Fitz and the Tantrums
March 17: Foreigner
March 18: Fifth Harmony
March 24:To Be Announced
March 25: BUSH
Joining these chart-topping artists are some of New Orleans’ most talented brass bands, bringing sounds of the Bayou to The French Quarter Courtyard:
Feb. 3 – Feb. 20: Free Agents Brass Band
Feb. 21 – March 6: Naughty Professor Brass Band
March 7 – March 20: New Breed Brass Band
March 21 – March 31: Young Pinstripe Brass Band
April 1 – April 7: Dirty Bourbon River Show
And that’s not all. This year, the parade is getting a new celestial feel. The nightly constellation-themed parade will feature dancers, colorful stilt performers and 12 handcrafted floats. Sure to keep the good times rolling, this year’s parade floats includes six new designs themed for ethereal creatures:
Taurus
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Virgo the Maiden
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Scorpius
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Andromeda
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Orion the Hunter
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Orphiuchus
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
And, of course, no Mardi Gras would be complete without beads – A LOT of beads!
Whether you choose to start a bead-catching competition with family and friends, or relax and enjoy a mouthwatering shrimp po’boy while listening to authentic sounds of New Orleans straight from Bourbon Street, the opportunities to celebrate Universal’s 2018 Mardi Gras are endless.
(Photo: Universal Orlando Resort Blog)
Universal’s 2018 Mardi Gras festivities are included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an Annual Pass.* And this year, Florida Residents can get three months free with a purchase of an Annual Pass – click here for details. That’s 15 months to experience all of the new and exciting experiences at Universal Orlando.
Grab your tickets today and get ready for Mardi Gras!
*Blockout dates apply for Seasonal Passholders on all concert event nights at Universal Studios Florida. You will still receive access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.
2017 Dates for Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort Announced
In just a few months, it will be time to let the good times roll as Universal Orlando’s annual Mardi Gras celebration returns to Universal Studios Florida. 2017 Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort will offer a bigger party than ever before with 49 nights spanning from February 4 through March 24, 2017!
And next year, Universal is changing things up a bit. Mardi Gras will run for a total of 49 consecutive nights from February 4 to March 24.
That means you’ll have 49 nights to catch as many beads as possible during the dazzling Mardi Gras parade.
…49 nights to interact with Mardi Gras characters and hear live music from bands straight from The Big Easy…
…49 nights to enjoy the delicious authentic Cajun cuisine in the French Quarter Courtyard, like jambalaya, gumbo and more…
And on 12 select nights, some of the biggest names in music will take the stage for live concerts. Stay tuned – the concert lineup for Mardi Gras 2017 will be revealed in the next few months.
Mardi Gras is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida. Will you be in Florida next year to celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort?
Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.
It all starts with 16 concerts by 16 big name artists over 16 select nights between Feb 7 and Apr 18. Each night, a different headliner gets the party started playing their biggest hits and favorite tunes live on stage. And it just keeps getting better.
Mardi Gras is a Universal Orlando® tradition like no other. Good times and great food are on the menu with boatloads of tasty shrimp, sweet stacks of delicious beignets and so much more. A brilliant parade of wild and wonderful floats toss out a total of over a million beads through the air. Amazing, outrageous performers dance and laugh down the promenade. Jazz music has everyone’s feet tapping and the party is officially underway in classic New Orleans style.
Every night of Mardi Gras is unique a celebration all its own—with its own big-name headliner live in concert and big fun being had by all. Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras happens on select nights Feb 7 through Apr 18. The party’s included with Universal Studios® theme park admission or a Universal Orlando® Annual Pass. For dates and complete concert listings, visit universalorlando.com.
Would you like to attend Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras this year? It’s not too late to plan your visit! Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information.
Universal has officially announced the line-up for Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort for 2015 and you won’t want to miss this incredible event! There are more than two months of live music that is all included with regular park admission! Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras will be held every weekend from February 7 through April 18, 2015. Check out the schedule:
February 7, 2015- Olivia Newton-John
February 14, 2015-Jessie J
February 15, 2015- Barenaked Ladies
February 21, 2015- Kelly Clarkson
February 28, 2015- Heart
March 7, 2015- Trace Adkins
March 13, 2015- TBD
March 14, 2015- Styx
March 15, 2015- American Authors
March 20, 2015- Becky G
March 21, 2015- Yandel
March 22, 2015- The B-52’s
March 28, 2015- TBD
April 4, 2015- The All-American Rejects
April 11, 2015- The Band Perry
April 18, 2015- Trey Songz
Don’t miss Florida’s biggest party, Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort! Who are you most excited to see?
If you book a Universal Orlando vacation package with us by February 28, 2015, you will receive a $5 gift card to try Butterbeer on us!
Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Orlando’s Agency of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information.
