Celebrate 30 Years of Mardi Gras Magic at Universal Orlando Resort!
Unleash the good times at Universal Orlando Resort's Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval! From February 1st through March 30th, immerse yourself in a vibrant world of music, dazzling parades, and international culinary delights.
Here's a taste of what awaits:
This parkwide celebration will transform Universal Studios Florida into Florida’s biggest party, complete with dishes inspired by Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Mexico to Canada and more. Guests will also be able partake in a lively parade filled with vibrant floats where partygoers can catch beads by the handful. On select nights, guests can cap the festivities with live concerts by top names in music.
Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida.
Mardi Gras Parade Theme
This year’s Mardi Gras will celebrate 30 years of beads, parades, music and food at Universal Studios Florida with six all-new floats inspired by some of the most famous Krewes in New Orleans. The new collection of floats will highlight food, beads and the bayou, and will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired signature floats – complete with energetic live music, dozens of performers and more.
Mardi Gras Parade Path
Get ready to shimmy! The vibrant parade winds its way clockwise, starting at the Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show in Hollywood. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as it meanders through Production Central and the bustling streets of New York before returning for another round of revelry. The entire spectacle lasts approximately 32 minutes, so grab your beads and get ready to catch!
Exclusive Viewing Locations:
Annual Passholder Panorama: Secure your prime spot right before the Parade hits Mel's Drive-In! Just flash your valid Annual/Seasonal Pass. Limited space, first come, first served!
Accessibility Avenue: In the New York area, between Revenge of the Mummy and Sahara Traders, a dedicated space welcomes guests with mobility devices and one companion. Come early to guarantee your spot!
Little Jesters' Jubilee: Young party animals (10 and under) can join the fun in their own special area across from The Bourne Stuntacular in Hollywood. Let the little ones loose!
2025 Mardi Gras Concert Lineup
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Universal Orlando Mardi Gras with electrifying live concerts on select nights!
Dance the night away under a starlit sky as chart-topping performers take the stage. These unforgettable concerts are the perfect complement to the dazzling Mardi Gras parade, mouthwatering cuisine, and electrifying atmosphere.
Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of Mardi Gras and the electrifying energy of live music at Universal Orlando!
Click here for the full concert lineup.
2025 Mardi Gras Parade Times
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spectacle of Mardi Gras! Dazzling floats dance through Universal Studios Florida every day from February 1st to March 30th. Catch a shower of beads and let the music whisk you away on a whirlwind of جشن! Parade times vary, so check the schedule for your chance to join the party.
February: 04
5:00PM
February: 02, 03, 05, 06, 07, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
March: 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 09, 12, 18
6:00PM
February: 14, 17, 23
March: 02, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30
7:00pm
February: 01, 08, 15, 16, 22
March: 01, 08, 15, 16, 21, 22, 29
7:30PM
Mardi Gras Tribute Store
Preview Dates & Times
Annual Passholder Preview: January 30, 2025
Open to the Public: January 31, 2025
Rooms
The tour starts at a roadside curiosity shop filled with local legends, souvenirs, and fantastical creatures. Guests then explore a swamp on a self-guided walk, encountering a spooky shack filled with instruments and potions before venturing into the deeper swamp. Here, they navigate through knee-deep water, passing by fishing villages and avoiding the legendary giant gator.
2025 Mardi Gras Ride and Dine
In 2025 Guests can take their Mardi Gras experience to the next level. Running during the event, Guest guests can enjoy a 3-course meal with selections from the full menu at one of four participating restaurants – The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill and Brew, Finnegan’s Bar and Grill or Lombard’s Seafood Grille. plus three new restaurants. After Guest will then head to Universal Studios Florida to toss beads from one of the dazzling parade floats. Learn more by clicking here.
Featured Food Options
BEIGNETS
SPICY SZECHUAN CHICKEN BITE
TRAPIZINNO
SPIKED AFFOGADO
HOT MAPLE LACQUERED SALMON
QUESABIRRA
ESPRESSO MARTINI
COLOMBIAN BURGER
CAJUN MAC & CHEESE
CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE GUMBO
PINCHOS DE LECHON
VEGAN POTATO AND ONION DOSA
LEBERKASE
DUCK A L'ORANGE CREPE
BAYOU PECAN SHAKE
In addition, brass bands straight from Bourbon Street in New Orleans perform daily throughout the park. They bring the soulful sounds of New Orleans to Universal Studios Florida. As the beat of the music makes you move your feet, you can grab a bite to eat made by Universal's award-winning chefs. This year's Mardi Gras celebration jad an array of delicious culinary delicacies inspired by various locations around the globe.
2025 Mardi Gras Food and Beverage Card
During 2022, Universal did not offer the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard, which was popular during 2020 and 2021. However, the Tasting Lanyards from 2021 was honored during this year's event. In addition, this year, a "Mardi Gras Food and Beverage" card will be available for purchase in the park during the event. For example, if you purchase a $65 "Universal Orlando Food and Beverage Card," you receive $75 or $120 for $150 (exclusive to passholders). There is no limit on the quantity for purchase. There's more good news though. Premier and Preferred Passholders can use their respective discounts valid Annual Pass on Food and beverage (excluding alcohol) when paying with their Food and Beverage Card at Mardi Gras kiosks and at all Universal Orlando owned and operated restaurants and carts.
Purchase Locations:
Mardi Gras food and beverage kiosk locations inside Universal Studios Florida from during regular operating hours
Redemption Locations:
Guests was able to redeem their activated Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card at any food and beverage location in Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal's Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk.
Cursed Coconut Club
Select nights during Universal Mardi Gras (February 1 – March 30) from 5pm - midnight on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays; and 5pm - 1am on Friday and Saturdays.
Admission: Free
Entertainment: Live entertainment on select nights
8pm – 12am (Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays)
9pm – 1am (Fridays & Saturdays)
Previews
Annual Passholder Preview: Saturday, January 31, 8pm-11pm (Subject to change)