Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to go beyond the bayou and let the good times roll from February 4 through April 16, 2023 with the return of its annual Mardi Gras celebration.
The event features a dazzling Mardi Gras parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations and, on select nights, live concerts by top names in music, and it’s all included with regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.
The Concerts
This year’s concert series will feature a star-studded line-up featuring a variety of musical performers at the Music Plaza stage.
Here is the schedule:
- 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
The Parade
Guests of all ages can dance along with high-energy performers and catch beads by the handful during this year’s spectacular parade, which will showcase a new “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” theme inspired by fantastical creatures like dragons, phoenixes, unicorns and more.
Six incredibly detailed and festive new parade floats will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats to reflect the theme.
The Food
The flavors of global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond will come to life as part of an expansive menu featuring more than 50 tasting-sized items for guests to enjoy at this year’s event.
Guests can enjoy a classic Crawfish Boil and fluffy Beignets from New Orleans, Shrimp Ceviche Tostada from Mexico, a Mofongo Flight inspired by the Carnaval Ponceño in Puerto Rico, Indonesian Black Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango, and so much more.
Plus, for the first time ever, the other two parks will feature a limited selection of Mardi Gras items, including Gumbo, Jambalaya, and King Cake at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and the Muffuletta Long Board Pizza at Universal’s Volcano Bay.
The Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card is available for purchase at Mardi Gras food & beverage locations throughout Universal Studios Florida, and for a limited time, guests can save $10 on the purchase, which allows them to enjoy more for less 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 Merchandise
This year’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store will be located within an all-new space in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida.
Guests can shop from a new selection of Mardi Gras merchandise that ranges from apparel to accessories and collectibles such as keychains, pins, themed glasses and even some personalized options
CityWalk
Keep the party going at Universal CityWalk with special Mardi Gras festivities at select venues along with food kiosks featuring delicious menu items that offer a taste of the Mediterranean, the Islands, and popular Mardi Gras fare.
Pat O’Brien’s will host a Mardi Gras After Party on select nights from 4pm to 1am that includes live entertainment and exclusive food and drink offerings; as well as a special Fat Tuesday celebration on February 21 from 4pm to midnight featuring a dueling piano and more.
Reservations for the festivities at Pat O’Brien’s can be made by calling 407-224-3663.
Plus, the Red Coconut Club will transform for the Mardi Gras season into the Cursed Coconut Club.
Ticket Deal
Florida Residents can take advantage of a new offer to partake in the festivities that gives them two days of free admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with the purchase of a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket (valid for use through June 29, 2023; blockout dates apply) – and for just $25 more they can add one day of admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay.
Details on this and other Florida Resident and Universal Orlando Passholder deals can be found at UniversalOrlando.com.
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