Universal Orlando Mardi Gras is one EPIC celebration. This year, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration takes place from February 6th- March 28th.  This celebration combines theme park entertainment with Mardi Gras floats, costumed performers, and authentic international food inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world.

This year, Mardi Gras looks a little different than years past due to Covid, but it’s still one awesome celebration! Universal’s Mardi Gras festivities are included in your theme park admission ticket for Universal Studios. As long as you have a ticket to get through the Universal Studios Florida turnstiles on a Mardi Gras event date, you will have access to everything!

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is definitely family-friendly and there is something for everyone to enjoy during this event. The Mardi Gras characters (including the stilt walkers) walk all around the streets and will pose for photos, hang out with your little ones, and even dance with them, which makes it super fun for all ages. This is also a great opportunity to get beads from all the floats found around the parks!

Culinary Journey

All around Universal Studios, you’ll find many different types of regional Carnaval dishes and drinks available for purchase.

New Orleans: Crawfish Boil, Beignet, Jambalaya

Puerto Rico: Pernil & Momfongo, Picadillo Empanadas, Quesitos

Trinidad & Tobago: Pholourie, Pineapple Trini-Chow, Queens Park Swizzle

Germany: Pork Schnitzel Sliders, Bavarian Pretzel

….and more!

Entertainment at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Pirate Treasure Themed Floats

A fleet of Pirate Treasure-themed floats will be on display throughout the park along with a collection of Universal’s classic Mardi Gras floats. You will also be able to catch beads from these floats as well, so be on the lookout! These floats are found all around Universal Studios and are stationary, so you’ll find them from park opening to park close. If you see them during the day, be sure to check them out at night to see them glow and sparkle with fun colors.

Surprises All Around the Park

You’ll find street entertainment, music, bead throwing, and more located all throughout Universal Studios!

Find Excitement at Music Plaza Stage

Visit the outdoor courtyard where you’ll find three floats around the stage. You can find a table, enjoy some food and drinks and listen to the jazz music playing throughout the parks.

Mardi Gras Tribute Store

Visit this fun store that is full of Mardi Gras inspired-park merchandise and photo ops in themed rooms:

A jazz parlor straight out of the 1920s with dueling pianos

A flower-filled nautical cemetery

A waterfront warehouse

A firefly-lit swamp

You’ll also find delicious snacks to purchase including:

King Cake

Praline Cookie

Moon Pie

Mixed Berry Sour Gummy Skull

Tasting Lanyard

Universal offers guests the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard. This allows you to try a certain amount of food samples for one flat price. If you know you plan to spend money and try multiple food options, this is a great option for you! You’ll be able to try international food and drink samples. This includes all 13 countries displayed at Universal Studios as well as the Dockside Bar at Universal CityWalk. This lanyard is available for purchase at all tasting locations as well as the Universal Studios Reservation Cart.

Sample 10 items for $55 + tax.

Passholders can purchase an exclusive lanyard that includes 15 items for $65 + tax.

This lanyard is available for purchase at all tasting locations as well as the Universal Studios Reservation Cart

If you haven’t had the chance to visit during the Mardi Gras time frame, I highly recommend you give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly