From February 3 through April 7, guests will let the good times roll as they experience an authentic, family-friendly version of the Mardi Gras bash at Universal Studios Florida. The event will be held over 60+ nights – with the food booths open and the parade taking place every night.

Mardi Gras couples unparalleled theme park entertainment with a dazzling parade, authentic New Orleans musicians, mouth-watering international cuisine, tons of glittering Mardi Gras beads, and live concerts by high-profile artists.

We’ve gathered everything you need to know before heading out to the event, including parade times, and how to plan your night for the event; whether it be the 1st weekend, or during a very busy Spring Break.

The Basics

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is designed to be family-friendly and is included with park admission. The event occurs rain or shine; so if rain is in the forecast, bring an umbrella. The Mardi Gras Parade runs each night of the event, while concerts are held on weekends.

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an annual pass. Seasonal Passholders are completely blacked out on Mardi Gras concert days.

The Parade

Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with dozens of energetic street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade winds through the streets of Universal Studios. The floats are made by Kern Studios, the same company that has created Mardi Gras floats for the event in New Orleans since 1947.

The parade will have different start times depending on the night you go:

February 5, 7, 12, 27:  5:15 PM
February 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13-16, 21-23, 25, 26, 28-29; March 1, 3-8: 6:15 PM
February 19, 20; March 11-15, 18-31; April 1-7: 7:30 PM
February 3, 10, 17, 18, 24; March 2, 9, 10, 16, 17: 7:45 PM (Concert Nights)

Some of the same floats from previous years will be featured – like the traditional favorites the Krewe, King Gator, Riverboat, King & Queen – but will also feature 6 newly-designed floats, rounding out the line-up to 12 total. The new parade floats are themed to “elements” – earth, wind, fire, water, the sun, and the moon.

To ensure a good spot to view the parade, we recommend picking out a location about an hour before the parade starts, especially during weekend/concert nights. Weekday parades are expected to be less crowded but that does not mean large crowds aren’t possible, especially during Spring Break time. For ADA accommodations, there are designated viewing areas in New York.

The parade makes several stops to perform a mini-celebration and release confetti in the sky. The stops are usually made down Hollywood Blvd and in New York by the Revenge of the Mummy attraction. These locations are more likely to attract a bigger crowd, so make sure to arrive there earlier.

If you’re traveling with children, kids get their own private parade experience in the Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Area located in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop. In addition, several ADA viewing areas will be set up along the parade route for those in need. Make sure to ask a Universal Team Member ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.

Annual Passholders can enjoy the Mardi Gras parade from a special viewing area at Mel’s Drive-In.

We do have to stress that while it is fun to catch the beads tossed from the floats, please be mindful of your surroundings and other guests around you.

Ride a Float

If you want to experience being a part of the Mardi Gras, you’re in luck! A limited number of guests can be part of the festivities and ride through the streets of Universal Studios on one of the floats, tossing beads to the crowd. Reservations are required and will be accepted in-park via the Virtual Line experience in the Official Universal Orlando App. There are some restrictions, however:

Float Rider Restrictions:

  • Must be at least 18 years (or accompanied by an adult)
  • Must be at least 48 inches in height
  • No bags or strollers
  • Can accommodate standard push wheelchairs only with advance notice
  • All participants will be required to complete and sign a Waiver prior to riding the float.
  • All minor participants will be required to complete a Minor Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to riding the float.

Check-in is located by Animal Actors On Location! theater in Universal Studios Florida.

There is a small possibility last-minute spots open up for float riding, so make sure you continuously check the Universal Orlando app.

Ride and Dine

Guests can get a reserved spot on a parade float and toss beads to the crowd, as well as enjoy a 3-course meal from one of four participating restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Studios Florida
• Finnegan’s Bar & Grill
• Lombard’s Seafood Grill
Universal CityWalk
• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
• NBC Sports Grill & Brew
The Ride & Dine Add-on starts at $84.99 and is subject to availability. Dinner times depend on Parade Start times.
• 3:30 pm Dining Reservation on days with 5:15 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
• 4:30 pm Dining Reservation on days with 6:15 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
• 5:45 pm Dining Reservation on days with 7:30 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
• 6:00 pm Dining Reservation on days with 7:45 pm Mardi Gras parade start time

Fun in the Streets

Parade performers will be out and about around the park before the parade starts for some fun, dancing, and photos! They can be found near the park entrance or around New York.

When it comes to the music, local New Orleans bands will be playing on each night of the event in the Courtyard.

International Flavors

Mardi Gras guests can savor the mouthwatering flavors of global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Spain to China and beyond with an expansive menu featuring more than 60 tasting-sized items. While venturing throughout the parkwide celebration, guests will find kiosks featuring delicious culinary delicacies inspired by various locations from around the globe – including the classic Fried Green Tomato Po’boy and fan-favorite fluffy Beignets from New Orleans, Chicken Schnitzel from Germany, Chilaquiles Verdes from Mexico and so much more.

It wouldn’t be a Mardi Gras celebration without the traditional Bayou favorites like jambalaya, gumbo, andouille sausage, beignets and much more.

Here’s a look at the food & drunk menu for every country featured at this year’s event:

Belgium

Food

Sweet & Savory Gouda & Onion Waffle – $8.99
Warm crystalized waffle, smoked gouda, beer braised onions, black forest ham
Paired with Delirium Red – $21.99

Cookie Butter Leige Waffle – $7.99
Warm crystalized waffle topped with cookie butter, whipped topping, Biscoff cookies

Beverages

Hoegaarden
20 oz. Souvenir cup – $15.00
Refill – $11.00
20 oz. – $12.00

Delirium Red
20 oz. Souvenir cup – $17.00
Refill – $13.00
20 oz. – $14.00

Brazil

Food

Shrimp Moqueca – $7.99
Shrimp and coconut cream stew, micro cilantro, white rice
Paired with Mango Caipirinha – $19.99

Pão de Queijo – $6.99
Brazilian cheese bread

Brigadeiros – $6.49
A Brazilian classic, chocolate with condensed milk and Mardi Gras sprinkles

Beverages

Mango Caipirinha
Piras 51 Cachaça, Bols orange curaçao, lime juice, simple syrup, mango juice, mango purée, fresh min, lime wedge
20 oz. Souvenir Cup – $17.00
Refill – $13.00
12 oz. – $13.00

Canada

Food

Candied Bacon & Onion Poutine – $10.49
Candied bacon spiced curly fries with caramelized onion gravy, cheese curds, spiced maple bacon and parsley
Paired with La Fin Du Monde – $23.49

Vegan Wild Mushroom Poutine – $9.99
Seasoned curly fries with vegan cheddar, mushroom gravy, truffle oil

Beverages

Fire Cider
Fireball cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, cinnamon stick
20 oz. Souvenir cup – $17.00
Refill – $13.00
12 oz. – $13.00

LaBlatt Blue Light
20 oz. Souvenir – $15.00
Refill – $11.00
20 oz. – $12.00

La Fin Du Monde Draft
20 oz. Souvenir cup – $17.00
Refill – $13.00
20 oz. – $14.00

China

Food

Szechuan Noodle Salad – $5.99
Spicy cold noodle salad with cucumbers, peanuts, cilantro, scallions

Spicy Smashed Cucumber – $5.99
Spicy marinated cucumbers with peanuts, cilantro, scallions

Potstickers – $5.49
Pork potstickers served with a black vinegar and chili oil dipping sauce

Beverages

Lucky Buddha Beer – $10.75
12 oz. bottle

Hong Kong Boba Tea – $9.00
Hong Kong-style oolong milk tea over ice with coffee boba and salted cheese foam

Columbia

Food

Colombian Burger – $9.99
Grilled burger with Monterey Jack cheese, pineapple cabbage slaw, cilantro garlic sauce, potato sticks
Paired with Aguardiente Punch – $21.99

Arepa de Choclo – $8.49
Traditional sweet corn cake filled with cheese and griddled with honey butter

Oblea – $6.99
Crispy wafer filled with dulce de leche, strawberries

Beverages

Aguardiente Punch
Cumbe Aguardiente, lime juice, simple syrup, blackberry concentrate, berry gummies
20 oz. Souvenir Cup – $17.00
Refill – $13.00
12 oz. – $13.00

France

Food

Bananas Foster Crème Brûlée Crepe – $11.99
Banana caramel, vanilla cream, fresh bananas, whipped topping, brûléed sugar
Paired with Grand Framboise Slush – $25.99

Beverages

Grand Framboise Slush – $15.00
A decadent mélande of Grey Goose vodka, Gabriel Boudier Créme de Framboise, raspberry purée, white chocolate syrup
Add a float of Chambord for – $2.00

Charles De Fére Cuvee – $12.00

Patient Cottat Sauvignon Blanc – $13.00

Feudo Maccari Grillo – $12.00

Domaine du pavillon Chavannes Côte De Brouilly – $17.00

Germany

Food

Chicken Schnitzel – $8.99
Fried crispy chicken thigh cutlet served with mustard and a lemon wedge

Currywurst – $7.99
Crispy skin German bratwurst sliced and topped with a spicy curry ketchup
Paired with Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier – $18.99

Käsespätzle – $4.99
Cheese spätzle topped with crispy onions

Bavarian Pretzel with Obatzda – $11.49
Warm pretzel with Bavarian beer cheese dip

Mutzen – $6.99
Fried lemon-vanilla fritters dusted with powdered sugar

Beverages

Beer Flight – $12.50
Flight with Warsteiner Pilsner, Weihensthaner Hefe Weissbier, Ayinger Celebrator

Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Radler
20 oz. Souvenir Stein – $16.00 Refill – $11.00
20 oz. Souvenir Cup – $15.00 Refill – $11.00
20 oz. – $12.00

Warsteiner Pilsener
20 oz. Souvenir Stein – $16.75 Refill – $11.75
20 oz. Souvenir Cup – $15.75 Refill – $11.75
20 oz. – $12.75

Ayinger Celebrator
20 oz. Souvenir Stein – $16.75 Refill – $11.75
20 oz. Souvenir Cup – $15.75 Refill – $11.75
20 oz. – $12.75

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
20 oz. Souvenir Stein – $16.00 Refill – $11.00
20 oz. Souvenir Cup – $15.00 Refill – $11.00
20 oz. – $12.00

Schladerer Himbeergist Brandy – $13.00
1.25 oz. pour

Jägermeister – $11.50
1.25 oz. pour

Italy

Food

Roman Suppli – $7.99
Mozzarella and provolone filled risotto with vodka sauce, roasted red pepper aioli

Zabaglione with Berries – $5.99
Frangelico anglaise with mixed berries topped with toasted hazelnuts (contains alcohol)
Paired with Aperol Spritz Sorbet – $18.99

Beverages

Aperol Spritz Sorbet – $14.00
Aperol aperitivo with blood orange sorbet

Bollini Pinot Grigio – $15.00
6 oz. pour

Querceto Chianti – $11.00
6 oz. pour

Bertani Valpolicella – $14.00
6 oz. pour

Mexico

Food

Chilaquiles Verdes – $7.49
Tortillas topped with chile braised shredded chicken, salsa verde, cilantro onion mix with lime crema and cotija cheese
Paired with Gran Añejo Margarita – $19.49

Quesabirria – $8.99
Birria beef in a corn tortilla with Monterey Jack, Oaxaca cheese, served with birria broth

Churro Loops & Chocolate – $7.99
Cinnamon sugar churro loops with Mexican chocolate dipping sauce

Beverages

Classic Margarita
el Jimador blanco tequila, lime juice, Dekuyper triple sec, agave nectar, smoked sea salt
20 oz. Souvenir cup – $17.00
Refill – $13.00
12 oz. – $13.00

Gran Añejo Margarita
Jose Cuervo Añejo tequila, DeKuyper Triple Sec, lime juice, agave, smoked sea salt
20 oz. Souvenir cup – $17.00
Refill – $13.00
12 oz. – $13.00

Jose Cuervo Añejo Tequila – $11.50
1.25 oz. pour

Modelo – $11.00

Modelo Chelada Lime – $14.50
Modelo Lime y Sol can

Modelo Chelada Pineapple – $14.50
Modelo Pineapple can

Agua Frescas – $5.49
Mango, Strawberry, Jamaica Hibscus

New Orleans

Food

Beignets – $6.99
Sweet fried pastry with powdered sugar

King Cake Mini – $6.49
Traditional cake with cinnamon swirl icing, Mardi Gras sprinkles and a Mardi Gras baby

Crawfish Étouffée – $7.49
Creamy crawfish and vegetable stew over white rice

Chicken & Andouille Jambalaya – $7.49
Mixed rice with andouille, blackened chicken, peppers and tomatoes

Fried Green Tomato Po’Boy – $12.49
Flash-fried green tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, and Cajun remoulade served with Cajun kettle chips

Shrimp Gumbo – $7.49
Stew of trinity, shrimp, andouille, and bacon over white rice

Shrimp & Crawfish Boil – $14.49
Mixed bag with crawfish, shrimp, andouille, potatoes, and corn on the cobb

Beverages

Category 5 Punch
Cruzan dark rum, Myers dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, passion fruit puree, grenadine
Souvenir cup – $17.00
Refill – $13.00
12oz – $13.00

Espresso Martini – $14.00
Brewed coffee, JF Haden Espresso liqueur, New Amsterdam vodka, black sugar syrup

Chicory Coffee 16oz – $8.00
Chicory coffee, toasted marshmallow syrup, with toasted marshmallow cold foam

Philippines

Food

Pancit Bihon – $8.49
Rice noodles, sautéed vegetables, pulled chicken, garlic, soy sauce

Crispy Lumpia – $4.49
Pork-filled crispy rice paper roll with dipping sauce
Paired with Buko Juice – $18.49

Pandan Cheesecake – $6.99
Pandan cheesecake with whipped topping, shaved toasted coconut

Beverages

Buko Juice – $12.00
Coconut water, coconut milk, coconut cream, pandan extract, smoked sea salt. Served in a souvenir coconut cup.

San Miguel – $10.75
European-style pale lager bottled

Puerto Rico

Food

Pastelón – $8.99
A layered casserole of sweet plantain, picadillo beef topped with Edam cheese
Paired with Piña Colada – $20.99

Bacalaitos – $7.99
Crispy salt cod fritters with bell peppers, cilantro, and onions served with mayo ketchup

Pastelitos de Guayaba – $5.99
Guava-filled puff pastry with powdered sugar

Beverages

Piña Colada
Ron del Barrilito Santa Ana Overproof rum, lime juice, coco cream, pineapple juice, smoked sea salt
20 oz. Souvenir cup – $17.00
Refill – $13.00
12 oz. – $13.00

Fanta Piña Colada – $4.99

Spain

Food

Ensalada de Pulpo – $8.99
Traditional Spanish salad with octopus, fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, paprika, sherry vinegar
Paired with Sangria Rosado – $19.99

Papitas Bravas – $5.99
Seasoned crispy potatoes, paprika aioli

Crèma Catalana – $6.49
Brûléed citrus milk custard with candied orange peels

Beverages

Sangria Flight – $17.00
Flight of Sangria Tinto, Sangria Blanco, Sangria Rosado

Sangria Tinto – $12.00
Red sangria with Honoro Rioja, Torres 10 brandy, Ferrand dry curaçao, lemon juice, orange juice, blackberry extract, simple syrup

Sangria Rosado – $12.00
Rosé sangria with Honoro Rosé, New Amsterdam gin, strawberry purée, a pinch of smoked sea salt

Sangria Blanco – $12.00
White sangria with Honoro Vera Rueda, Bacardi rum, pineapple and lemon juices, simple syrup, lemon bitters, a pinch of smoked sea salt

Thailand

Food

Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp – $8.49
Sautéed shrimp on a salad of shredded green papaya, carrots, with Thai basil, peanuts, tossed in a spicy Thai dressing
Paired with Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea – $20.49

Green Curry with Chicken – $6.99
Spicy green curry chicken with shiitake mushrooms, eggplant, snap peas, red bell pepper, jasmine rice

Chicken Satay – $8.99
Marinated grilled chicken skewer with Thai cucumber, topped with peanut sauce

Beverages

Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea
New Amsterdam gin, butterfly tea matcha, passion fruit syrup, mint syrup, simple syrup, lime juice in pipette
20 oz. Souvenir cup – $17.00
Refill – $13.00
12 oz. – $13.00
Mocktail – $8.00

The best way to experience the flavors of Mardi Gras is with the specialty Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card, which allows guests to taste and save more by paying $65 for a $75 card. Annual and Seasonal Passholders also receive special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120. The Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card will be available for purchase at Mardi Gras food and beverage locations throughout Universal Studios Florida.

Water and sodas are also included in the lanyard. You can roll over unused items during any Mardi Gras day, and it can be reloaded until 4/7. Any unused value does not expire, so you can purchase snacks including soft pretzels, popcorn, and bottled water during normal hours.

The Concerts

The main event of the evening features a performance of the night’s scheduled act. This year, Mardi Gras features an incredible variety of music. Below is the line-up and schedule dates:

February 3
Walker Hayes
February 10
All-American Rejects
February 17
Elle King
February 18
KC and the Sunshine Band
February 24
Barenaked Ladies
March 2
DJ Khaled
March 9 Ava Max
March 10
Queen Latifah
March 16
Luis Fonsi
March 17
Zedd

 

Concerts take place at the Universal Music Plaza Stage. Depending on the act, guests may begin to line-up early in the morning. If your sole purpose for attending Mardi Gras is for the musical act, we recommend skipping the parade to ensure a good spot to view the concert.

Concerts begin shortly after the parade ends and are scheduled to take place at 8:30 pm. The duration of the concert varies but usually lasts for an hour to an hour and a half.

The Music Plaza stage is Standing Room only. For those traveling with children, please be mindful of those around you and try to refrain from hoisting kids up to sit on your shoulders. It’s an obstruction to other guests who are trying to view the concert, but also can present itself as a safety issue. If you MUST lift your child so they can see the concert, try to keep them level with your head.

The viewing area for hearing and visually impaired guests is located at the far left side of the stage, near the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit entrance. Wheelchair viewing is located along the concrete walkway on either side of the tech booth near the back of the Music Stage plaza.

Mardi Gras Tribute Store

Located in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida, The Mardi Gras Tribute Store offers a highly-themed shopping experience that features all-new Mardi Gras merchandise collections, as well as themed treats. This year’s store takes guests on a haunted river cruise through the Mississippi – featuring 4 different rooms. First welcoming guests aboard the fictional steamer, The P.S. Songbird. As guests make their way through the ship, they’ll encounter ghostly apparitions. Guests will eventually find themselves deep in the heart of the bayou before ending up in Baron TonTon’s quarters.

Cursed Coconut Club

Mardi Gras has taken over the Red Coconut Club and transformed it into the Cursed Coconut Club. The themed nightclub & lounge features Mardi Gras decor, along with live music and specialty drinks. The specialty drinks include:

  • Undead Gentleman
    Plantation Pineapple Stiggins Rum, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, Pimento Bitters, Orgeat, Grapefruit, Lime Juices, topped with Cinnamon-dusted Orange slice
  • Classic Espresso Martini
    JD Hadens Espresso Liqueur, Brewed Coffee, New Amsterdam Vodka, and a touch of Black Sugar Syrup
  • Drive Me Batty
    Cruzan Aged Light Rum. Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Coca-Cola, topped with Chocolate Shavings
  • Obituary
    Beefeater’s Gin, Martini & Rossi Dry Vermouth, Olive Brine, and a dash of Absente Absinthe, with olive.
  • Bayou Banshee
    Beefeater’s Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Cointreau, and lemon juice, topped with Orange.

In addition, the Mardi Gras festivities extend to CityWalk with specially-themed food and drink offerings in several venues. Be sure to check out The After Party and Fat Tuesday at Pat O’Brien’s, or order a new Year of the Dragon Shake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.

Hotels

Universal Orlando is extending the Mardi Gras to fun throughout all 8 hotels, featuring a specialty menu of food & drink.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

The Thirsty Fish

Boulevardier
Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Campri, sweet vermouth

Splendido Bar & Grill

Mojito Lampone
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chambord, simple syrup, raspberry, mint

Hard Rock Hotel

The Kitchen

Bourbon Crème Brûlée
Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Sugar in the Raw Brûléed, fresh berries

French 75
Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, champagne

Velvet Bar

Blackened Mahi Po’ Boy
Blackened mahi-mahi, lettuce, tomato, onion, Cajun remoulade, toasted French bread

French 75
Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, champagne

beachclub

Hurricane
Papa’s Pilar Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, grenadine, pineapple and orange juice

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Islands Dining Room

Crawfish & Andouille Sausage Egg Roll
Served with creole aioli

Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar

Orchid
Nikka Coffey Gin, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Creme De Violette Violet Liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, pea flower float

Tuk Tuk Market

Chocolate Bomb
Choose from: chocolate and caramel with spiced pecan with Mardi Gras purple, green, and gold decor, s’mores, or cookies & cream

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Amatista Cookhouse

Mardi Gras Empanada
Chicken, andouille sausage, and Cajun aioli

Strong Water Tavern

Cucumber Hurricane Twist
Light rum, lime juice, Midori Melon Liqueur, sliced cucumber

New Dutch Trading Company

Traditional King Cake

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Galaxy Bowl Restaurant

The Handsome Cajun
Crispy chicken breast sandwich with grilled andouille sausage, topped with Cajun aioli. Served with Louisiana spice-dusted potato wedges.

Laissez les bons temps Roulér Hurricane
Let the good times roll. Bacardi Light Rum, Wicked Dolphin Black Rum, Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur, orange juice, lemon juice, and grenadine. Served in a light-up souvenir Galaxy Bowl tumbler with straw

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Bar 17 Bistro

Bayou Shrimp & Grits
Blend of cheddar, parmesan, and brie cheese grits, topped with Cajun shrimp seasoned with our house blend of spices and creole-seasoned butter

Hurricane
Bacardi Superior Rum, Myers’s Original Dark Rum, passion fruit, tropical juices

Sazerac
Rye whiskey, absinthe, simple syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters

Bar Ventura

Hurricane
Bacardi Superior Rum, Myers’s Original Dark Rum, passion fruit, tropical juices

Sazerac
Rye whiskey, absinthe, simple syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

Beach Break Cafe

New Orleans Jambalaya
A classic creole dish. Sautéed shrimp and chicken, onions, peppers, Cajun spiced rice with andouille sausage

Sandbar

Voodoo Doll
Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, blue curaçao, melon liqueur, and lemonade, garnished with gummy voodoo doll candy

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

Pier 8

New Orleans Cajun Roasted Chicken & Dirty Rice
A classic creole dish. Cajun spiced oven-roasted half chicken on a bed of flavorful Creole rice with andouille sausage and topped with spicy sweet candied bacon

Sunset LoungeThe Oasis Beach Bar, and The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar

Voodoo Doll
Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, blue curaçao, melon liqueur, and lemonade, garnished with gummy voodoo doll candy

Annual Passholder Benefits

As a passholder, Universal gives some great perks for the Mardi Gras event. This year, the perks include:

  • Passholders Save 15% on the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience

  • The Annual Passholders Special viewing area for the Mardi Gras Parade near Mel’s Drive-In.

  • Passholders can receive one free UOAP Specialty Mardi Gras Magnet, while supplies last, from the UOAP Lounge in Toon Lagoon in Universal Islands of Adventure and at the Five and Dime in Universal Studios Florida.
  • Passholders save $30 with a limited-time offer Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card. The card retails for $120 for a $150 value plus.
  • Head to select locations in Univesal Studios Florida to enjoy exclusively crafted treats just for Passholders.Louie’s Gelato Window
    • Spiked Affogato – $12.00 + Tax
      • Vanilla Gelato, Espresso, and Coffee Liquor
    • Affogato – $5.50 + Tax
      • Vanilla Gelato and Espresso
    • Spiked Gelato Float – $14.50 + Tax
      • Vanilla Gelato, New Amsterdam Vodka, Gran Gala, Orange Fanta

    Chez Alcatraz Mardi Gras

      • Bon Temps Cocktail – $14.25 + Tax
        • New Amsterdam Gin, blackberry syrup, lime juice
  • Exclusive Mardi Gras Passholder merchandise will be available at select locations.
  • Seasonal Passholders will not be able to participate on Mardi Gras concert nights.

The Crowds

With the event spanning over 60+ nights, weekdays are known to be less crowded – especially mid-week. However, the event can bring in some heavy traffic, especially during a Holiday weekend or “Spring Break” time. As a general rule of thumb, any Mardi Gras weekend that features 2 acts are the weekends where Universal expects huge turnouts, so plan accordingly. We recommend adding an extra 30-40 minutes of time to plan for your parade/concert viewing spot.

Make sure to check back throughout the event as we will update this page as the event kicks off.

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news on Universal Parks & Resorts and follow along on our forums & discussion boards.