From the Universal Orlando Resort Blog:

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

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.

Click here to learn more about this year’s parade, parade start times, and how to sign up to ride a float.

Live Concerts

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?

Click here to see this year’s concert lineup and concert start times.

French Quarter Courtyard Entertainment

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!

Click here to see what Louisiana bands are playing this year.

Mardi Gras Tribute Store

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

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.

Click here to see this year’s food and beverage offerings.

Dining Upgrades

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.

Click here for more details on pricing, dates/times, and more.

THINGS TO KNOW

No Extra Cost to Party!

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.

Download it now: iPhone or Android

UOAPs Get All the Perks

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

Click here to check out all the UOAP perks and more information. 

*Seasonal Passholders are blocked out at Universal Studios Florida on all Mardi Gras concert event nights.

WHAT TO BRING & WEAR

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.