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Are you ready to let the good times roll? I love this time of year for the Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando with parades, beads, and beignets! Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval kicked off on this past Saturday with a huge party. You can find delicious food, concerts, Mardi Gras parade with tons of beads, and so much more.
This event runs daily through April 16. Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is free with your paid admission into Universal Studios. You can enjoy a ton of family fun!
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Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando
Concerts
Enjoy eight live performances by top names in music like Sean Paul, Maren Morris and Goo Goo Dolls at the Music Plaza Stage on select nights. These concerts are usually over the weekends. The amazing news is these concerts are free with your regular admission into Universal Studios.
Mardi Gras Parade
Our favorite about Universal’s Mardi Gras is the parade with incredible floats and tons of beads. Catch beads by the handful during this year’s dazzling “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” parade – featuring six new floats inspired by fantastical creatures like dragons, phoenixes, unicorns and more that will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats – such as the iconic, two-story Riverboat and nearly 50-foot-long King Gator.
Plus, guests can take the celebration to the next level and be part of the festivities by tossing beads to fellow party goers by purchasing the new Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a 3-course meal at one of four participating restaurants and one Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation.
Mardi Gras Treats
We also love the Mardi Gras treats! Taste the mouthwatering flavors of global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond with an expansive menu featuring more than 50 tasting-sized items.
Mardi Gras Decorations
Stock up on the latest Mardi Gras merchandise at this year’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store, located in an all-new space in the Hollywood area of the park. The highly immersive retail location is themed to represent an international jazz celebration that leads to the traditional alleyways of New Orleans and ultimately into a speakeasy where the Mardi Gras festivities continue.
Universal CityWalk
Keep the party going at Universal CityWalk with special Mardi Gras menu items at select restaurants, including a new Masquerade Milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, along with food kiosks located throughout the complex featuring delicious menu items that offer a taste of the Mediterranean, the Islands and popular Mardi Gras fare.
Plus, guests can attend a Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O’Brien’s on select nights and enjoy special entertainment and theming at the Red Coconut Club – which will transform to the Cursed Coconut Club for the Mardi Gras season.
Are you ready to book your vacation to Universal Orlando Resort?