The Ultimate 2023 Guide to Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort

Written By Megan Hamilton
The Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Orlando is  easily one of the most exciting events Universal Orlando puts on each year!
The Mardi Gras Celebration at Universal Studios Florida runs  February 4th and will run until April 16, 2023.
This guide covers all the infomation about Mardi Gras 2023, concerts, parade viewing, everything new to the celebration, what to expect,  and how to maximize your time & money.

Mardi Gras Overview

Event Dates:

  • Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs Feb. 4-April 16, 2023

Parking:

  • If you’re driving, plan to park in the Universal Orlando Resort parking garage
  • Parking is free after 6PM

Tickets:

  • With a theme park ticket to Universal Orlando's Universal Studios Florida  during the Mardi Gras Celebration, you have access to all the Mardi Gras festivities!

Location in the Park:

  • The Mardi Gras Celebration takes place in the Universal Studios Florida side of Universal Orlando
  • New this year, there will be some festive foods added to menus at Universal's Islands of Adventure

Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Orlando

The Mardi Gras parade features talented street performers and stilt-walkers decked out in colorful costumes. From the authentic New Orleans’ music, lights, confetti, and bead throwing, this is  a must-see experience. The parade takes place on select dates throughout the Mardi Gras season.
The theme for the 2023 Mardi Gras Parade is Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras, which will be inspired by fantastical creatures, such as dragons phoenixes, and unicorns. The parade will include 6 floats, in addition to Universal's traditional floats, including 50-foot King Gator float, and the two-story riverboat.

Note that there’s NO Mardi Gras parade on March 31st, 2023.

When to See The Mardi Gras Parade

Parade Starts at 6:15 pm:
• Feb 5-9, 12-16, Feb. 26-Mar. 2

Parade Starts at 7:30 pm:
• Feb. 17, 20–24; Mar. 3, Mar. 6 – Apr. 16

Parade Starts at 7:45 pm:
• (Concert Nights) Feb. 4, 10-11, 18-19; Mar. 4-5

*Parade will not run March 31st, 2023.

Mardi Gras Perk for Annual Passholders

A cool perk for annual passholders is the option to be a float rider. This experience lasts about 2-3 hours, and annual passholders get to throw beads to guests watching the parade. 
You have to register for this experience. Click  here.

Mardi Gras Concerts at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras concerts are located at  the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios Florida. You can enjoy concerts on select nights during Mardi Gras season. These concerts are included with your park admission to UFS and start at 8:30 pm.

Headliners for Mardi Gras 2023:

  • February 4 – Patti LaBelle
  • February 10 – JVKE
  • February 11 – Goo Goo Dolls
  • February 18 – Maren Morris
  • February 19 – WILLOW
  • February 25 – 3 Doors Down
  • March 4 – Sean Paul
  • March 5 – Lauren Daigle
There have been no Mardi Gras concerts announced for April for 2023.

Mardi Gras Food & Drink at Universal Orlando

Hands down best part of Mardi Gras season at Universal!
Universal’s Mardi Gras event features a large variety of yummy New Orleans inspired dishes and beverages.  This year Mardi Gras will have over 50 menu items at Universal Studios Florida.

New this year, there will be some festive foods added to menus at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Mardi Gras Menus for 2023:

Belgium Menu

Food

  • Liège Waffle Berries and Cream: pearled sugar waffle, topped with strawberries, whipped topping, and strawberry and cream crumbs
  • Liège Waffle S’mores: pearled sugar chocolate chip waffle, topped with marshmallow cream, chocolate sauce, and graham cracker crumbs
  • Brussels Frites: crispy seasoned fries served with Andalouse and Joppiesaus sauces

Beverages

  • Orval Trappist: complex malt flavor combined with prominent fruitiness and an earthy herbal, peppery bitterness
  • Rochefort Trappist: full bodied with strong notes of plum, raisin, and black currant

Bloody Mary Bar Menu

  • Bloody Mary Wild 
a spicy (Louisiana hot sauce and Sriracha hot chili sauce) version of a traditional Bloody Mary spiked with New Amsterdam vodka, garnished with a variety of Cajun toppin
  • Bloody Mary Mild 
mild version of a traditional Bloody Mary spiked with New Amsterdam vodka, garnished with a variety of Cajun toppings

Brazil Menu

Food

  • Picanha Skewers: beef sirloin cap, with chimichurri, smoked salt, and pão de queijo
  • Linguiça Skewers: grilled Brazilian sausage with pão de queijo
  • Chicken Coxinha: tear drop chicken fritters
  • Brigadeiros Trio: Brazilian classic with condensed milk, cocoa powder, chocolate sprinkles, and hazelnuts

Beverages

  • Mango Caipirinha: Pirassununga Cachaça, Bols orange curaçao with lime juice, mango nectar, syrup, and simple syrup
  • Guava Caipirinha: Pirassununga Cachaça combined with guava nectar, lime juice, simple syrup, mint extract, and a pinch of salt

Canada Menu

Food

  • Canadian Snowshoe Maple: fried sweetened dough, cinnamon sugar, and maple syrup
Poutine with Short Rib Gravy: crispy fries with short rib, cheese curds, and brown gravy
  • Candied Maple Bacon: chewy Maple taffy covered pork belly with chopped peanuts and chocolate
  • Canadian Snowshoe Nutella: fried sweetened dough, Nutella, sugar, and chopped toasted hazelnuts

Beverages

  • Slocum Maple Smash: sweet and refreshing combination of New Amsterdam vodka, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cardamom bitters
  • Collective Arts: New England style IPA, Simcoe and Mosaic hops
  • Maple Lemonade: simple yet refreshing mix of maple syrup and lemon juice

Central City Menu

Food

  • Crawfish & Shrimp Boil: mixed bag of crawfish, shrimp, andouille sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob
  • Crawfish Boil: mixed bag of crawfish, andouille sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob

Photo curtesy of Universal Orlando

  • Shrimp Boil: mixed bag of shrimp, andouille sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob
  • Beignets: sweet fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar

Beverages

  • Category 5 Punch: Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passionfruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
  • Abita Purple Haze: a lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops
  • Oh Baby: this custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt

Colombia Menu

Food

  • Colombian Empanadas: crispy corn masa beef and chicken empanadas, served with aji picante

Photo curtesy of Universal Orlando

  • Arepas de Queso: white corn masa cake with queso blanco

Beverages

  • Refajo: refreshing and authentic mix of light beer and Colombiana soda
  • Coco Loco: Limonada de Coco spiked with rum and tequila
  • Limonada de Coco: Limeade sweetened with coconut cream
  • Choladas: shaved ice with sweetened condensed milk, mango, strawberry sauce, wafers, and Lulo syrup

Denmark Menu

Food

  • Rød Pølse: Danish red hot dog, with curry remoulade, pickled cucumber, and crispy onions
  • Frikadeller Meatballs with Danish Gravy: beef and pork meatballs in a creamy gravy, topped with apple butter and dill

Beverages

  • Mead Flight: Viking Blod, Odin’s Skull, and GI. Dansk Mjod
  • Odin’s Skull: composed of honey, sour apple juice, hops, and cinnamon
  • GI. Dansk Mjod: sweet and semi-dry notes of ginger and the sweetness of honey
  • Viking Blod: sweet honey flavors evolving into cinnamon, clove, and citrus
  • Carlsberg: full bodied Danish pilsner with a hoppy aroma and flavor

France Menu

Food

  • Muffaletta Crepe: savory crepe filled with olive relish, mortadella, salami, ham, mozzarella, Cajun mayo, arugula, and sesame seeds

Beverages

  • Domaine Paul Buisse Chinon: highly aromatic robust, intense with silky tannins that produce a lovely finish
  • Dopff & Irion Crustaces Blanc: crisp medium bodied, with notes of peach, wet stone, and minerality
  • Bertrand Cote Des Roses Rosé: dry rosé with notes of grapefruit, stone fruit, and crisp apple
  • Wine Flight 
  • Domaine Paul Buisse Chinon, Dopff & Irion Crustaces Blanc, and Bertrand Cote Des Roses Rosé

French Quarter Bar Menu

Beverages

  • Oh Baby: this custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt
  • Category 5 Punch: Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
  • Abita Purple Haze: a lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops
  • Goombay Smash: Cruzan Aged Dark rum, Don Q Coconut rum, Grand Marnier, Coco Lopez cream of coconut, mixed with pineapple, orange and lime juices

French Quarter Menu 1

Food

  • King Cake: traditional cake with cinnamon swirl icing and colored sanding sugar
  • Beignets: sweet fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar

Beverages

  • Abita Purple Haze: a lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops
  • Oh Baby: this custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt

French Quarter Menu 2

Food

  • Twisted Frank with Cheddar Sauce: stuffed twisted tater, foot-long hot dog, spicy white cheddar sauce and your choice of seasoning
  • Twisted Frank: stuffed twisted tater with a foot-long hot dog and your choice of seasoning
  • Twisted Tater: fried spiralized potato topped withyour choice of seasoning:
    • seasoned salt
    • garlic parmesan
    • sour cream & chives 
    • ghost pepper

Beverages

  • Goombay Smash: Cruzan Aged Dark rum, Don Q Coconut rum, Grand Marnier, Coco Lopez cream of coconut, mixed with pineapple, orange and lime juices
  • Category 5 Punch: Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
  • Abita Purple Haze: a lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops
  • Oh Baby: this custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt

French Quarter Menu 3

Food

  • Jambalaya: mixed rice, andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, peppers and tomatoes topped with a crawfish
  • Shrimp Gumbo: stew of shrimp, andouille sausage, bacon, and trinity over white rice

Beverages

  • Category 5 Punch: Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passionfruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice

French Quarter Menu 4

Food

  • Fried Green Tomato Po Boy: flash-fried green tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, Cajunremoulade, served with Cajun kettle chips
  • Crown Cookie: vanilla short crust cookie dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkles

Beverages

  • Category 5 Punch: Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passionfruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice

Germany Menu

Food

  • Chicken Schnitzel with Käsespätzle: fried chicken thigh cutlet served with baked spätzle and beer cheese sauce
  • Potato Pancakes: crispy potato and parsnip pancake with apple butter and sour cream

Beverages

  • Reissdorf: light brew with minty, hop aromas; sweet vanilla malt flavors and a crisp, dry, cedary finish
  • Warsteiner Pilsener: pale golden pilsner with a clean refreshing taste balanced with hints of barley malt, yeast tones, and mild hoppy bitterness
  • Weihenstephaner Helles: easy drinking with full flavor, light body and clean crisp finish
  • Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen  
  • Gaffel Kolsch 
  • Ayinger Celebrator 

India Menu

Food

  • Pav Bhaji: spiced vegetable stew served with a toasted King’s Hawaiian roll
  • Onion Bhaji: curry spiced crispy onion fritter with green chutney dipping sauce
  • Gulab Jamun with Rose Water Syrup fried dough balls soaked in saffron and rose water syrup, with chopped pistachios

Beverages

  • Nimbu Pani: lime juice, mint extract, a pinch of salt and pepper, and our house made garam masala syrup
  • Aam Panna: lemon juice, mint extract, a pinch of salt and pepper, and our house made amchur syrup

Indonesia Menu

Food

  • Indonesian Style Chili Crab with Fried Mantou(SFS): fried soft shell crab tossed in a sweet & spicy crab stew, served with fried sweet buns
  • Nasi Goreng: Indonesian style fried rice with egg, Thai fried shallots, cucumber, and a prawn cracker
  • Indonesian Black Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango: Purple sticky rice pudding with coconut condensed milk, mango, and shaved toasted coconut

Photo curtesy of Universal Orlando

Beverages

  • Bali Punch: Batavia Arrack Van Oosten Indonesian rum, guava and lime juices, simple syrup, mint extract, and Peychauds bitters
  • Java Cooler  
  • Batavia Arrack Van Oosten: Indonesianrum,grapefruit and lime juices, and simple syrup

Japan Menu

Food

  • Ube Ice Cream Sesame Bubble Waffle Cone: ube soft serve ice cream served in a toasted black sesame bubble waffle with cookie crumbs, pocky, and a Meiji panda cookie
  • Nikuman Bun Sampler: trio of soft fluffy steamed buns filled with char sui park, teriyaki chicken, and a sweet coconut matcha custard
  • Okonomiyaki: savory cabbage and bacon pancake topped with Kewpie mayonnaise, hoisin, cilantro, sesame, and katsuobushi

Beverages

  • Japanese Highball: Nikka Days Japanese Whisky and Perrier sparkling mineral water

  • Hakutsuru Chika: light bodied and slightly dry with light aromas of honey and sugarcane
  • Hakutsuru Draft: fruity yet dry in a classic Japanese style. Aromas of sweet rice, nuts, pear, green melon, coconut and light cream
  • Joto One Cup: combining tradition and innovation in one delicious sake, light and fresh, notes of juicy green grape and watermelon
  • Choya Sparkling Umeshu: tart Japanese Ume with back notes of citrus and white peach
  • Kirin Ichiban: light bodied with aromas of sweet malt and crisp flavors of citrus
  • Sapporo Silver: refreshing lager with crisp and refined flavor and a clean finish
  • Calpico Mini Bottles: sweet and tangy with a smooth texture

Italy Menu

Food

  • Tour of Italy Arancini Flight: tomato basil with marinara, mushroom with garlic cream sauce, and seafood served with basil pesto
  • Gelato Stuffed Pressed Brioche  
  • Ice cream sandwich pressed to order: 
    • OREO & mint 
    • Nutella & vanilla
    • Strawberry

Photo curtesy of Universal Orlando

Beverages

  • Bollini Pinot Grigio: intense varietal aromas with a fragrant bouquet and elegant, fruity, and floral flavors
  • Bertani Valpolicella: notes of red fruit, cherry, raspberry, and strawberry
  • Fantinel Extra Dry Prosecco: exotic stone fruits and nutty elements combine with bright minerality and the scent of wet slate
  • Tondo Soave Monte: bright and clean, with delicate yellow apple and floral notes

Mardi Gras Hits Menu
Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Food

  • Jambalaya: mixed rice, andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, peppers and tomatoes topped with a crawfish
  • Shrimp Gumbo: stew of shrimp, andouille sausage, bacon, and trinity over white rice

Beverages

  • Category 5 Punch: Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
  • Oh Baby: this custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt

Mexico Menu

Food

  • Tacos Al Pastor: pork al pastor off the spit with pineapple, pickled red onion, and habanero mango sauce
  • Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostada: marinated shrimp with avocado crema and a crispy blue corn tortilla

Photo curtesy of Universal Orlando

  • Vegan Churros: crispy cinnamon sugar vegan churros with coconut nectar and chocolate sauce
  • Elotes: char-grilled corn, jalapeño mayo, ancho chili powder, cotija cheese, cilantro

Beverages

  • Grapefruit Paloma: El Jimador tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and a pinch of smoked sea salt, finished with Fresca soda
  • Modelo Especia: pilsner style lager, characterized by an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb
  • Modelo Chelada Lime: Modelo’s authentic Mexican beer with the flavors of lime and salt for a crisp and refreshing taste
  • Modelo Chelada Pineapple: Modelo’s authentic Mexican beer with sweetness of pineapple and a dash of spice
  • Modelo Chelada: a classic michelada-style beer with authentic flavors of tomato, salt, and lime

New Orleans Desserts Menu
Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Food

  • Beignets: sweet fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar
  • King Cake: traditional cake with cinnamon swirl icing and colored sanding sugar

Photo curtesy of Universal Orlando

Beverages

  • Category 5 Punch: Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
  • Abita Purple Haze: a lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops

New Orleans Menu 1 in CityWalk

Food

  • Shrimp and Smoked Cheddar Cheese Rice Grits(SFS): Sauteed shrimp, Tasso ham and trinity, in a pan sauce, over smoked cheddar cheese rice grits
  • Yakamein: Braised beef, poached shrimp, and a seven-minute egg, over noodles with a spicy beef broth

Beverages

  • Category 5 Punch: Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
  • Oh Baby: this custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt

New Orleans Menu 2 in CityWalk

Food

  • Cauliflower Dirty Rice: Riced cauliflower, Gardein® crumbles, black eyed peas, and Cajun spices
  • Crawfish Etouffee: Creamy crawfish and vegetable stew, over white rice

Beverages

  • Category 5 Punch: Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
  • Abita Purple Haze: a lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops

Puerto Rico Menu

Food

  • Mofongo Trio: a mix of smashed plantains, bacon, chicharrónes with shrimp criolla, crispy chicken thigh, and mayo ketchup

Photo curtesy of Universal Orlando

  • Alcapurrias: crispy green banana and yautia masa, filled with picadillo beef, served with mayo ketchup
  • Vegan Alcapurrias: crispy green banana and yautia masa served with mayo ketchup

Beverages

  • Classic Piña Colada: Cruzan light rum, Coco Real cream of coconut, with lime and pineapple juice
  • Piragua: shaved ice with your choice of flavorings: 
    • crema 
    • coco 
    • frambuesa 
    • tamarindo 
  • Ponche: non-alcoholic Welch’s grape juice mixed with sweetened condensed milk and blackberry extract

Spain

Food

  • Paella Mixto: saffron yellow rice, chorizo, squid, mussels, and shrimp
  • Spanish Bocadillo: serrano ham and drunken goat cheese with parsley sauce, on a gently pressed baguette
  • Leche Frita: crispy fried condensed milk, vanilla, and cinnamon

Beverages

  • Sangria Flight: sangria tinto, sangria blanco, and sangria rosado
  • Sangria Tinto: our red sangria with Flaco Tempranillo, Torres 10 brandy, Ferrand dry curacao, lemon juice, orange juice, blackberry extract, and simple syrup
  • Sangria Rosado: our rosé sangria with Marq Caceres Rioja Rosé, New Amsterdam gin, strawberry mix, and a pinch of smoked sea salt
  • Sangria Blanco: our white sangria with Honoro Vera Rueda, Bacardi light, pineapple and lemon juices, simple syrup, pineapple extract, lemon bitters and a pinch of salt

Trinidad & Tobago Menu

Food

  • Crab & Dumplings: curried chickpeas, spicy bara flatbread, micro cilantro, and mango chutney
  • Chickpea Doubles: curried chickpeas, spicy bara flatbread, micro cilantro, and mango chutney
  • Pholourie: deep fried spicy split pea dough with turmeric, curry powder, and a side of tamarind chutney

Beverages

  • Carib: a full-bodied golden brew with a rich combination of malt and hops
  • Shandy Ginger: Carib brewed beer combined with a zing of ginger
  • Shandy Lime: Carib brewed beer combined with a kick of lime
  • Shandy Sorrel: Carib brewed beer combined with the spicy sweetness sorrel with a kick of lime

Taste of the Mediterranean Menu in CityWalk

Food

  • Crepe Suzette: topped with a Grand Marnier orange sauce
  • Grilled Octopus with Potatoes: marinated grilled octopus with tomato, oregano, and lemon herb rice

Beverages

  • Francois Montand Brut Sparkling: aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit give way to a creamy and smooth palate with flavors of freshly baked bread, golden delicious apples, and Meyer lemons
  • Bertrand Corbieres Heresie: a velvety texture with a balanced finish, notes of fresh fruit, morello cherry, wild raspberry, and spices
  • Mas La Chevaliere Cabernet Sauvignon: intense fruit concentration laced with developed tannic structure, good intensity and nice, juicy mouthfeel
  • French Wine Flight: Francois Montand Brut Sparkling, Bertrand Corbieres Heresie, Mas La Chevaliere Cabernet Sauv
  • Monograph Agiorgitiko: Nemea grapes present a smooth body and complex aroma of prickly pear, pomegranate and butterscotch
  • Monograph Assyrtiko: youthful with refreshing acidity with notes of citrus fruits, honeysuckle, lemongrass, and stone fruit with a touch of salinity

Universal's Islands of Adventure

Mardi Gras Hits

  • Food:

    • Jambalaya: mixed rice, andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, peppers and tomatoes topped with a crawfish
    • Shrimp Gumbo: stew of shrimp, andouille sausage, bacon and trinity over white rice

  • Drinks:

    • Category 5 Punch: Myers's Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
    • Oh Baby: this custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Masquerade Milkshake- $16.00

  • Ube ice cream, matcha cream pop tart, chocolate mask, whip topping, mardi gras sprinkles

Mardi Gras Food and Beverage Card

Universal Orlando is offering the  Mardi Gras  Food and Beverage Card again this year. Guests can purchase Food & Beverage Gift Cards to use on the various Mardi Gras food and drinks. 
These cards can be used throughout Universal Orlando Resort  and CityWalk.

2023 Pricing for The Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Card:

  • Pay $65 for a $75 Universal Orlando Food & Beverage Card
  • Not reloadable
  • No expiration date
  • No limit on the quantity for purchase
Note-- Annual Passholder's also get discounts at the Mardi Gras food booths (10% for Preferred and 15% for Premier). AP's can also Pay $120 for a $150 Universal Orlando Food & Beverage Card 
Guests  who purchased one in 2022 can use the remaining balance on their previously purchased Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Card at Mardi Gras 2023’s food & beverage kiosk locations.

Mardi Gras Drink Cups - 2023

For the seasonal cocktail aficionados, a selection of specialty Mardi Gras beverages are available Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

Souvenir Light-Up “Blinky” Cup

  • There are 2 different cup sizes
  • The 12 oz. is $1.50 and the 20 oz. is $4.50 with a drink

If you plan on trying more than one alcoholic drink, I would purchase the refillable Blinky cup to save more money on refills.

Mardi Gras Coke Freestyle Cup

  •  $17.99

  • This reusable cup allows the buyer free refills all day at Coke Freestyle machines across the resort, and ICEEs

2023 Mardi Gras Tribute Store

The Tribute Store is a themed, immersive shop that has become a fan favorite during all the Universal Orlando annual events. It's a great place to grab up all your Mardi Gras souvenirs and apparel. 
The Mardi Gras Tribute Store is located on Hollywood Blvd. This year's theme "invites guests to an international jazz celebration that leads to the traditional alleyways of New Orleans and ultimately into a speakeasy"

Some of the 2023 Mardi Gras Merch Items & Prices:

  • Tie-dye Gator Tee – $40.00

  • Black Gator Float Tee – $30.00

  • Mardi Gras Throw Blanket – $70.00

  • Stainless Steel Tumbler – $29.99

  • Mardi Gras Bucket Hat – $34.00

  • Mardi Gras Scented Candle – $20.00

  • Mardi Gras Space Backpack – $28.00

  • Mardi Gras Purple Tank – $35.00

  • Light-up Fleur de Lis – $10.00

  • Mardi Gras 2023 Magnet – $9.00

  • Floral Masks – $20.00

  • Assortment of Beads – 3 for $15.00 or $6.00 each

  • Collectible Pin Set – $50.00

  • Women’s Black “Louder, Wilder, Spicier” Tee – $40.00

  • “Louder, Wilder, Spicier” Hat – $28.00

  • Spirit Jersey – $60.00

  • Fanny Pack – $32.00

  • Ceramic Mug – $16.00

  • Ceramic Shot Glass – $10.00

  • 4 Pack, Buttons – $11.00

  • White Unisex “Louder, Wilder, Spicier” Tee – $30.00

  • Mardi Gras Lanyard – $15.00

  • Mardi Gras Souvenir Picture Frame – $25.00

$35.00

Tribute Store Desserts

There’s also a variety of fun Mardi Gras treats for purchase in one of the rooms inside the Tribute Store

Mardi Gras Trifle Cake

  • $12.00

Universal Mardi Gras Food & Drinks at the Resorts

All of Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels have their own special Mardi Gras offerings.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Trattoria del Porto

  • Cajun Jambalaya Pasta: Shrimp, smoke sausage, chicken, onions, peppers and mushroom
  • Masquerade Cannoli: Mixed berry insalada

The Thirsty Fish

  • Boulevardier: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Campari, Sweet Vermouth

Splendido Bar & Grill

  • Mojito Lampone (Italian for "raspberry") - Aviation Gin, Chambord, simple syrup, raspberry and mint

Hard Rock Hotel

The Kitchen

  • Bourbon Street Beignets: Bourbon caramel sauce, powdered sugar
  • French 75: Hendrick's Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar champagne

Velvet Bar

  • N'awlins Po' Boy Sliders: Smoked Andouille sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, 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

  • King Cake Pancakes: Lemon and powdered sugar glaze, spiced walnuts (breakfast only)
Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar
  • Orchid: Nikka Gin, St. Germain, Crème de Violet, 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

  • Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Gumbo Pot Pie with vegetables and okra

Strong Water Tavern

  • Cucumber Hurricane Twist: Light rum, lime juice, Midori, sliced cucumber

New Dutch Trading Co

  • Traditional King Cake

Universal's Aventura Hotel

Bar 17 Bistro

  • Crawfish Étouffée: Classic dish of crawfish, the holy trinity of onions, celery and bell pepper served over rice
  • Muffuletta Sandwich: Genoa Salami, Mortadella, ham, provolone and Swiss cheese and olive salad

Bar 17 Bistro and 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 Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Galaxy Bowl Restaurant

  • Shrimp Po'Boy With Zappa Chips: Crispy Cajun fried shrimp piled on a French baguette and topped with a creole inspired creamy remoulade sauce - add $7 for a choice of 16-ounce Abita draft beer or 12-ounce Anita king cake soda (also available a la carte)
  • Laissez Les Boys Temps Rouler Hurricane - “Let The Good Times Roll” – Bacardi Light Rum, Cruzan 12 Year Single Barrel Rum, passionfruit purée, orange juice and grenadine served in a 32-ounce souvenir Galaxy Bowl cup

Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn & Suites

Beach Break Cafe

  • New Orleans BBQ Shrimp & Dirty Rice: A classic creole dish. Sautéed shrimp in a rich butter and Worcestershire sauce on a bed of flavorful Cajun spiced rice with andouille sausage

Sand Bar

  • The Endless Carnival: Castillo Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, a pinch of dried blackberries, pineapple wedge and a green sugar rim

Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn & Suites

Dockside Pier 8 Market

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

The Oasis Beach Bar & Sunset Lounge

  • The Endless Carnival: Castillo Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, a pinch of dried blackberries, pineapple wedge and a green sugar rim

Mardi Gras Entertainment

Mardi Gras Performers

Enjoy festive Mardi Gras performers some on stilts  as they're out and about walking and dancing around Universal Studios Florida. You'll see them the most in the afternoons usually around 3-4PM.

Characters in their Mardi Gras Fits

Beads and Brass Band

Periodically, you can catch this high energy marching band walking around Universal Studios Florida on Mardi Grass event days!

Add On Mardi Gras Experiences at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine Experience

New for 2023! Available on select dates Feb. 4–Apr. 16th.
  • You get a reserved spot on a parade float, and get to toss beads to the crowd
  • It’s the best way to guarantee your place in the parade! 
  • 3-course meal selecting from the full menu at one of the 4 participating restaurants at Universal Orlando

Universal CityWalk Options:

Universal Studios Florida Options:

Price for Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Dine & Float Experience

  • Starts at $84.99 pre tax
  • A lot the slots are already sold out!

Mardi Gras Offerings at Universal CityWalk

Red Coconut Club

The Red Coconut Club in CityWalk has transformed for the Mardi Gras season into the Cursed Coconut Club. On select nights from Feb. 4 to April 16, frogs can explore the mysteries of the club's highly-themed, bayou-inspired atmosphere and enjoy incredible entertainment, exclusive drink offerings and more. Check the official Universal Orlando Resort app for dates and hours of operation.

Pat O'Brien's Mardi Gras Party

Let the good times roll into the night with Pat O’Brien’s Mardi Gras After Party at Universal Orlando CityWalk .
The party takes place at Pat O’Brien’s on select nights through the end of Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (February 4 – April 16) from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The party includes live DJs, stilt walkers, exclusive food and drink offerings, and more.
Admission is complimentary, reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made through Zomato or by calling 407-224-3663.

2023 Mardi Gras – FAQ

How do I get on One of The Mardi Gras Parade floats?

  • A limited number of spots are available per night. Reservations will be accepted in-park via the Virtual Line experience in the Official Universal Orlando App.
  • Purchase the “Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience.”
  • Universal Orlando offers its annual passholders the ability to sign up as a bead tossing float rider.  The requirements are that the passholder be at least 18 years of age or 48 inches in height and accompanied by an adult.  Last year Universal posted the sign up alert on the Universal Annual Passholder Facebook Group and Twitter.

How Do You Collect Mardi Gras Beads?

Keep those hands raised high during the Mardi Gras parades! Kiddos in the front of the parade seem to really rack up the beads, lol.
Universal Orlando also has some really cool specialty ones for purchase.($3.99+)  You can buy those at the Universal CityWalk store, the Universal Studios Florida gift shop, the Mardi Gras Tribute Store, and at some of the smaller outdoor shopping carts.

Are There Any Nights the Mardi Gras Parade Won’t Happen? 

The Mardi Gras parade will not run on March 31st due to an early Universal Studios Florida park closure for the Grad Bash special event.

Is Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Appropriate for Children?

Yes! Everything is kid-friendly, and it’ll make for a memorable family experience.  The atmosphere is very festive, with lots of New Orleans party music. There’s also Mardi Gras “characters” who walk around, and they love interacting with kiddos. They’re known to hand out beads, and pose for family photos.

It’s not comparable to the real Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Halloween Horror Nights.

Where to Stay During Mardi Gras?

Both on-site and nearby off-site hotels book up quickly, so I recommend that you make you hotel reservations as early as possible. Crowd levels have been historically pretty high after the end of February. This is due not only to the Mardi Gras event, but there’s always school holidays as well large conventions coming to Orlando where many hotels block off room for the convention attendees.

DoubleTree by Hilton Next to UOR

Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando During Mardi Gras Season

Mardi Gras Food Tips 

  •  Part of the fun of Mardi Gras is the delicious food you get to experience and at Universal’s Mardi Gras Celebration you’ll be transported to the Streets of New Orleans. To try the most while staying on budget, consider buying the Mardi Gras Food and Beverage Card.
  • Go with friends and family to split more food and drink options.
  • Buy the refillable Mardi Gras souvenir cup if you plan on try multiple alcoholic beverages. You’ll save a ton of money!

Mardi Gras Parade Tips 

  • If you want to see the Mardi Gras Prade and get a good spot for the concert (if on same night) position yourself closer to the Music Plaza Stage. That way once the parade is over, you can go get a good spot for the concert. 
  •  Best viewing spots:
    •  Entrance to the Horror Make Up Show. You get double the beads, since the parade enters and exits near the theatre.

Don’t Skip the Mardi Gras Concert

  • Concerts are included in your ticket! 
  • Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras event always have a great lineup of performers to jam out too, and this year is no different. There’s 8 exciting performers lined up for Mardi Gras 2023.

Get to the Concerts Early 

  •  If you plan on seeing any of Mardi Gras’ many concerts make sure you get to the Music Plaza Stage early.  Depending on whose performing that night, front row lawn seats are claimed very early, like 2 – 3 hours before the performance so make sure you head that way with enough time so ensure you get the seats you want. 
  • If you want to enjoy the concert, but don’t feel like getting to the stage 2 – 3 hours early there really is  no bad spot.  Even far back nearJimmy Fallon. If front row seats aren’t a priority, don’t sweat it.

Crowds Level at Universal During Mardi Gras 

For the lowest crowds during Mardi Gras, aim to visit during the weekdays. More Floridians have weekends off from work than weekdays. 
Concerts also take place on Fridays and Saturdays, at 8 pm February 4 through March  6th. The concerts always pack the park. If you’re wanting to visit on a lower crowd day, avoid going on a concert night. 
Mardi Gras season at at Universal Orlando is truly magical! You’ve picked a special time to visit the parks. I hope this Mardi Gras guide makes planning easy and enjoyable. 
For more information about Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort, visit Universal's website, here.
Megan Hamilton
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