Laissez les bons temps rouler! It’s time for Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort! The annual festival is a daily celebration that features a parade of floats, seasonal food and beverages as well as concerts on select dates from now until April 7, 2024.
For those who haven’t attended, it’s a family-friendly event that’s authentic to what you’ll experience in the Big Easy. Although the main aspects of the event are specific to Universal Studios Florida, that doesn’t mean that guests can’t “Mardi” their way across Universal property!
Celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal CityWalk
Grab a frozen drink at Fat Tuesday
What better way to begin your Mardi Gras celebration than at its namesake bar (Mardi Gras does translate to Fat Tuesday, after all!). Fat Tuesday boasts an impressive array of frozen daiquiri flavors and mixtures, like the Cat 5 Hurricane – a traditional favorite for the season.
However, this writer would strongly recommend the 44 Magnum from the menu’s Popular Combinations. The blend brings together the Cat 5 Hurricane with their 190 Octane cocktail for the most potent, and dare we say delicious, beverage on the menu.
Step into the speakeasy at the Cursed Coconut Club
The Red Coconut Club has rematerialized as Cursed Coconut Club for the Mardi Gras season. The CityWalk venue has found a new afterlife two-fold. On the first level, guests will discover that the bar and lounge have been transformed into a vine-encumbered cemetery where the living and dead can celebrate the season with a live band. Those brave enough to venture upstairs will find that the second level has become a speakeasy where guests may encounter their shapeshifting host, Raven.
Admission to Cursed Coconut Club is free, and the venue is open on select nights until April 7th. Both levels have a bar with a menu unique to each and seasonal selections specific to Mardi Gras.
Enhance that N’Awlins spirit at Pat O’Briens at Universal CityWalk
In addition to the Mardi Gras festivities in Universal Studios Florida, guests can keep the party going at another New Orleans staple, Pat O’Brien’s at Universal CityWalk. Grab yourself a table, one of their signature Hurricanes – a specialty drink that first made waves at the original location – and groove to the sounds of their dueling pianos.
Experiencing Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
The Mardi Gras Tribute Store
The Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida is a fan favorite of the parks. While it began as a unique extension of Halloween Horror Nights, The Tribute Store has found its way into every event since – including Mardi Gras!
This year, the Mardi Gras Tribute Store is themed as the P.S. Songbird, a haunted river steamboat luring guests to the bayou’s ghostly domain. As guests wind their way through the boat’s quarters, ballrooms, and even the bayou itself, they’ll find food and merchandise exclusive to the event. The creatives at Universal Orlando outdo the special effects and theming of the Tribute Store year after year, making it a must-visit spot for everyone.
Experience Mardi Gras like a foodie at the food and beverage stations
Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval is a celebration of tastes from around the world. Guests will find 18 food and beverage stations placed throughout Universal Studios Florida. Each station is themed after different global regions, offering a variety of delicious culinary selections. You’ll also find an exclusive selection of sweet treats at the Mardi Gras Tribute Store.
It should be noted that while the event itself is included with admission, the food and beverage selection is additional. Universal offers a Food and Beverage Card that gives you $75 worth of credit for $65 at any of the food and beverage locations in Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay – the perfect way to savor more for less. Best of all, it doesn’t expire, so whatever you don’t use can be applied at a later date.
It’s not Mardi Gras without a parade
Embracing the festival’s vibrant tradition, Universal’s Mardi Gras parade showcases six beloved floats from past celebrations alongside six brand-new floats, all crafted in New Orleans—the heartland of Mardi Gras. This year’s additions draw inspiration from the elements, featuring themes like wind and fire, complemented by performers dressed in coordinating attire.
Over the years, Universal has also made advancements to its parade floats, incorporating special effects and themed audio. 2024’s enhancements bring explosions of confetti and bursts of steam blasting from the King Gator float.
Guests wanting to view the Mardi Gras parade (and grab themselves a bead or three) will want to keep an eye on the app, as the parade times can vary.
Don’t miss Mardi Gras’ Live Performances
In addition to the full array of Mardi Gras festivities, Universal Orlando elevates the experience with top-tier live entertainment. On select nights, Universal Studios Florida hosts live concerts from the likes of DJ Khaled, Zedd, and Queen Latifah included as part of your admission and take place at the Music Plaza Stage near Minion Land on Illumination Avenue.
As someone who’s attended their fair share of shows at Universal, this writer can vouch that the standing area near the stage can fill up fast. However, even if you find yourself watching from Illumination’s Minions Café, rest assured the large screens and sound system ensure you won’t miss out on an impressive show. These are full-length performances, which adds an even better value to the experience when attending the parks on a concert night.
Mardi Gras at the Lowes’ Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
The event doesn’t stop at Universal Studios and CityWalk. Lowes’ Universal Orlando Resort Hotels are also getting in on the action with their own seasonal food and beverages. Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offers a Mardi Gras Empanada filled with chicken, andouille sausage, and Cajun aioli. Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s Galaxy Bowl also offers The Handsome Cajun, a chicken breast and andouille sausage sandwich that this writer may have to get his hands on, along with other incredible offerings at the sister properties.
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