Universal Orlando Mardi Gras is one EPIC celebration. This year, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration takes place from February 4th  to April 16th, 2023. This celebration combines theme park entertainment with a Mardi Gras parade, costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, and Cajun cuisine. But wait- it gets better! On select nights, there are live concerts with some of the nation’s top recording artists! The event dates vary year by year but just know it always starts around February and goes until early April.

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 turnstiles on a Mardi Gras event date, you have access to everything that is included with Universal Mardi Gras. (Note: Some annual passholders are blocked out of visiting Universal Studios on concert nights so be sure to check your pass for current blockout dates before visiting Universal Studios)

Daytime Entertainment

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios is definitely family-friendly and there is something for everyone to enjoy during this event. Kids will love the Mardi Gras Parade. The floats, characters in the parade, and stilt walkers are so fun. You’ll also find dancers, bands, and other street performers during the day at Universal Studios.  It’s a great way to catch beads (but be careful and try to cover your head because those beads landing on you can hurt! I would not recommend the concert area, which is a free concert on select nights. This area gets SO PACKED, especially depending on the musical act that night. I would suggest skipping this area if you have little ones on concert nights.

Concerts at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Music is such a big part of New Orleans and Mardi Gras traditions. The concerts take place at Universal Music Plaza. This area is off to the left which is right next to Rip Rid Rock It. The Music Plaza is a lot like an open field. It is a standing room only and no ticket is required to watch the concert. If you plan to be up close and personal to see your favorite music act, just make a note to get there EARLY. This area fills up quickly, especially for really popular musical acts! You can see these concerts on weekends through March 5th which is included with your admission ticket to Universal Studios.

Usually, the concerts begin at 8:30 PM. This is generally right after the Mardi Gras parade ends. You should always double-check the park map or official Universal app for all times that evening you are visiting the parks.

If you plan to watch the Mardi Gras concert, just keep in mind that it is generally standing only. You can watch the performance wherever you are standing around the Universal Music Plaza. There is no VIP area to upgrade to and no special seating even if you have a Universal Express Pass. However, there is an ADA view area, which is located near Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon. Like I said earlier, if you really want to see this concert up close, you will need to be there REALLY early. This area gets really crowded and even more crowded depending on who the musical act is.

This year, musical acts include:

Patti LaBelle

JVKE

Goo Goo Dolls

Maren Morris

WILLOW

3 Doors Down

Sean Paul 

Lauren Daigle

Universal’s Mardi Gras Parade

Universal’s Mardi Gras parade is SO fun! If you can’t attend the real Mardi Gras in New Orleans, this is a great option to experience Mardi Gras in a different way. This parade is full of street performers and park guests throwing beads into the crowd. The parade is awesome because Universal likes to keep it fresh and fun by replacing older floats with new floats each year. Not only do we get to see new floats every year if you keep coming back during this time, but these floats are also handcrafted by Blaine Kern Artists. This is the same company that designs floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, which is just one more way Universal tries to stay authentic to Mardi Gras traditions.

The parade times can depend on the night that you plan to visit Universal Studios. The times vary between 5:15 PM and 7:47 PM. Make sure to check the time through the Universal APP when you are visiting Universal Studios so you can make sure to add this parade to your plans for the day. Note: There is no parade on March 31st. This parade starts near the Horror Makeup Show Theater (Hollywood) and goes all around Universal Studios and ends where it started, lasting about a full 20 minutes. I like to watch the parade right in front of where the Jason Bourne attraction is because you get a straight shot of the parade coming right at you and it seems to be the least crowded area when I arrive about an hour to an hour and a half before the parade start. I also like this location because if you want to leave right after the parade, you are at the closest spot for the exit and see the parade before anyone else does. If you are wanting a front-row seat, I recommend getting a spot about an hour (or more) before the parade starts. This gives you plenty of time to get a seat and have someone in your group go and grab a snack or drink while you hold your spot.

If you are looking for a special viewing of the parade, there are a couple of different options. The Little Jester’s Viewing Area is a special viewing location just for kids. This is located toward the front of the park across the street from the new Jason Bourne attraction. The ADA viewing area is right near the Revenge of the Mummy. The Annual Passholder viewing area is located right at the start of the parade in front of Mel’s Drive-In. I personally think the location I have for the parade is better and would suit all the needs above, but you just need to plan your time properly and arrive early.

Remember when I mentioned that guests could ride on a parade float?? YEP, I wasn’t joking! This is such a fun and awesome experience, and if you are able to do it, I HIGHLY suggest it!

Annual Passholders have the option to apply online to ride on a parade float based on the night of their choice.  The other option is to get picked through the Virtual Line. Virtual Line passes are first-come, first-serve with limited availability and will be available from around 3 PM until one hour prior to the parade start. Once available, tap the “Reserve Virtual Line Experience Pass” below and select the number of guests in your party. Choose the available time you’d like to return to ride your float. Float riding experiences last 2-3 hours. You may miss the Mardi Gras concert start depending on the night you are booked to be a float rider. As your virtual line return time, check in at the Animal Actors On Location! one hour to one hour 45 minutes ahead of the parade start.

I always recommend trying this on a weekday to help with your chances of getting on a float and earlier during the Mardi Gras Celebration. March tends to be much busier than February with Spring Break happening all of March.

There are some rules to keep in mind if you want to ride on a parade float:

Space is limited, and signing up does not guarantee a spot

Must be 18 years of age (or accompanied by an adult)

Must be at least 48 inches tall

No bags or strollers

Floats can accommodate guests in push wheelchairs with advance notice

New this year is Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. You can get a reserved spot on a parade float and toss beads into the crowd. It’s the best way to guarantee your place in the parade. With this experience, you will also get to enjoy a 3-course meal selecting from the full menu at one of four participating restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort. This price is $84.99 (plus tax) per person. Gratuity is included. Separate theme park admission is required for the same date of booking and purchase must be made 24 hours prior to the event date.

Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience Restaurants Include:

Finnegan’s Bar and Grill (Universal Studios)

Lombard’s Seafood and Grill  (Universal Studios)

Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (Islands of Adventure)

NBC Sports Grill and Bar (Islands of Adventure)

Food & Beverage Card and Lanyard

Save money on your Mardi Gras food and drink purchases with the Mardi Gras Food and Beverage card. The best part is that these can also be used at any food and beverage location in the parks and City Walk.

Enjoy 50+ Mardi Gras Tasting Menu Items with The Food & Beverage Card and Lanyard:

Pay $65 for a $75 Universal Orlando Resort Food & Beverage Card and Lanyard

Pay $120 for a $150 Universal Orlando Resort Food & Beverage Card and Lanyard (for passholders only)

No limit on the quantity for purchase

No expiration date

Guests can use the remaining balance on their previously purchased Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyards at Mardi Gras 2022’s food & beverage kiosk locations.

Guests will be able to redeem their activated Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card at any food and beverage location in Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk.

Mardi Gras Celebration Booths

This year, Universal’s Mardi Gras theme is International Flavors of Carnaval. You can find dishes and drinks inspired by Mardi Gras and Carnaval Celebrations around the world.

Universal does a great job trying to bring authentic New Orleans-style food and drinks to Orlando with tons of different options to pick from. These options are mostly served in normal size portions, so each food item can be filling!

Mardi Gras Food Choices Around the World

Spain: Paella Mixto, Papas Bravas, Spanish Bocadillo

India: Pav Bhaji, Onion Bhaji,Gulab,  Jamun with Rose Water

Indonesia: Indonesia Style Chili, Crabnasi Goreng, Bubur Ketan Hitam

Denmark: Frikadeller Meatballs, Rod Polse

Germany: Chicken Schnitzel, Potato Pancake

Belgium: Liege Waffle Berries and Cream, Liege Waffle Smores, Brussels Frites Flight

France: Mufalette Crepe

Brazil: Pichana Skewers, Linguica Skewers, Chicken Cochina, Brigardeiros Trio

Trinidad: Chick Pea Doubles, Crab and Dumplings, Pholourie

Columbia: Columbian Empanadas, Arepas De Queso

Mexico: Taco Al Pastor, Baja Shrimp, Ceviche Tostada, ElotesVegan Churros

Japan: Ube Ice Cream, Okonomiyaki, Nikuman Bun Sampler

Italy: Tour of Italy Arancini Flight, Gelatto Stuffed Pressed Brioche

French Quarter: Beignets, King Cake, Crown Cookie, Cajun Twisted Tater, Cajun Twisted Frank, Shrimp Gumbo, Fried Green Tomato,  Po Boy, Jambalaya

Central City: Shrimp Boil, Crawfish and Shrimp Boil, Crawfish Boil

Canada: Canadian Snowshoe, Maple Canadian Snowshoe, NutellaPoutine, Candied Bacon

Puerto Rico:Monfonfo Trio, Bacaliaitos, Piragua Frambuesa, Piragua Frambuesa, Piragua Tamarindo,Alcapurrias

Mardi Gras Tribute Store

Step inside Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store.  This year’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store invites guests to an international jazz celebration. This party leads to the traditional alleyways of New Orleans and ultimately into a speakeasy where the Mardi Gras celebration continues. Plus, you can purchase masks, beads, t-shirts and tasty Mardi Gras-themed treats. If you have been to Universal Mardi Gras in previous years, you will see that this store has moved.  It is no longer located next to the Revenge of the Mummy in the New York area of the park. This new Tribute Store is now located at the Williams of Hollywood, which is the previous Annual Passholder lounge.

Mardi Gras Celebration Outside Universal Studios

This year, the Mardi Gras festivities have extended to CityWalk with specially-themed food and drink offerings in a number of venues. Be sure to check out The After Party and Fat Tuesday at Pat O’Brien’s. The Mardi Gras party has also taken over the Red Coconut Club and transformed it into the Cursed Coconut Club.

For the first time, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay have added some Mardi Gras food/drinks to their menus.

There is also special Mardi Gras-themed food and drinks at Universal hotels.

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! I’d love to help you plan your next Universal vacation. It’s not too late to visit during Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration. Reach out to me for a free quote!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly