Every spring, Universal Orlando's biggest party comes alive during Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. Universal Orlando Resort plays host to the hoppin' New Orleans celebration, complete with Cajun and international flavors, toadally amazing concerts and entertainment — including a float-filled, electrifying parade — that would make the Big Easy proud. This year, the party is running from Feb. 1 until March 30, 2025, so it's time to send in your RSVP and start practicing your bead-catching skills! Here's everything you need to know, and we'll be sure to update as more party deets come in.
Between gorgeous weather, all-star music, killer food and festive floats ... what more could you ask for? French Quarter Courtyard is chock-full of dancers, jazz bands and delicious food. All of the extra fun is included with regular Universal Orlando park admission!
This fun, action-packed event takes place daily during our personal favorite season in Orlando, so you really can't miss it. Take a peek at our ribbeting guide for Mardi Gras, including tips to make the most of your visit. Let the good times roll, frog friends!
Universal Mardi Gras Parade 2025
Last year's parade brought the elements to life with six new, beautifully designed floats inspired by Earth, wind, fire, water, the sun and the moon. These terrestrial and celestial additions joined Universal's traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats, such as the iconic, two-story Riverboat and nearly 50-foot-long King Gator, and dozens of performers in festive costumes as they wind through the streets of Universal Studios Florida and throw out beads by the handful.
It's important to strategically plot your parade spot. Below is a list of the parade times in 2025 (times can be subject to change, so we'd recommend double-checking on the day of).
Parade starts at 5 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 4
Parade started at 6 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 2-3, 5-7, 9-13, 18-21, 24-28
- March 3-7, 9, 12, 18
Parade started at 7 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 14, 17, 23
- March 2, 10-11, 13-14, 17, 19-20, 23-28, 30
Parade started at 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 1, 8, 15-16, 22
- March 1, 8, 15-16, 21-22, 29
Later showings are when you really have to plan ahead!
If you want to attend the concert at 8:30 p.m., we recommend getting a spot right along the edge of the street in front of Music Plaza Stage for a quick turnaround to snag a concert spot. Try snagging a spot across the street from Illumination's Minion Cafe about an hour and 30 minutes before the parade starts. You'll be right at the front of that section when the ropes go up. As soon as the parade ends, you'll be able to make your way to the concert viewing area quickly and even snake your way to the front for a frogtastic view!
There's also a special viewing area near the Brown Derby Hat Shop in Hollywood for tadpoles under 10 and an accompanying grow-up, which was where Leap and Lily like to camp out. These are great locations, but don't bank on them unless you arrive early ... they typically fill up quickly!
@undercovertourist 📌 Save for the top 5 tips for visiting Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort! 💙💛💚🧡 Also, did you catch those beignets having a moment? 🤤 Tap our link in bio for more tips! #undercovertourist #mardigras #universalorlandoresort #uor #universalorlando #orlandovacation #uor ♬ original sound - Angelica Lopez
To land a solid parade spot anywhere, try lining up about 30 minutes ahead of time. On weekends, crowds are heavier, so arrive 45 minutes early ... and if you have a larger group or want front-row seating, find your spot at least 60 minutes ahead of the parade start. Front-row seating (or standing) gives you and your tadpoles a better shot at catching beads — especially since some viewing areas end up being pretty far from the floats and are, therefore, harder for riders to throw to. This is half the fun for us, so we'd highly recommend looking for a spot the earlier, the better!
Did you know you can also reserve a spot on a float?! Depending on availability, a limited number of Mardi Gras float spots may be available day-of for theme park guests to reserve. However, there is no guarantee that these spots will be available. This year, a Virtual Line is available for guests to attempt to nab these coveted spots! Start checking around 2 p.m. and continue checking up to one hour before the parade start time. Return times will be released intermittently throughout the window and are subject to availability. You never know when a spot will open up! Search for Mardi Gras Parade on the Universal Orlando app, click the Virtual Line icon, select your Travel Party Members and, if any are available, choose your Virtual Line return time. (Use your speedy fingers because spots are extremely limited, and they can fill up as quickly as they appear!)
The entire Float Riding experience lasts two to three hours, so you may miss the beginning of the concert, but if seeing the show isn't a priority for you, we can't recommend this experience enough. All riders must be at least 48 inches tall with a parent/adult guardian over 18 to sign a waiver. Floats are assigned upon availability. Get your throwing arm ready!
An epic add-on has returned this year that we're toadally jazzed about. On select dates, you can enjoy a three-course meal and get a reserved spot on a parade float! Here are the restaurants participating in 2025:
Universal Studios Florida
Universal CityWalk
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew
- Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (dinner only)
- Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom (dinner only)
- Pat O'Brien's (dinner only)
Universal Islands of Adventure
- Confisco Grille (2-Park ticket required)
This bundle is the best way to guarantee your place in the parade, and starts at $89.99 per person (tax included). Separate theme park admission is required for the same date of booking and your purchase must have been made 24 hours prior to the event date. Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine reservations are open now for 2025!
Universal Mardi Gras 2025 Concert Lineup
Universal Mardi Gras always has a super impressive lineup of performers from all different music genres for its concert series. On select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the celebration, Music Plaza Stage hosts some of radio's finest bands and artists. Performances usually begin at 8:30 p.m. and end around 10 p.m. (after official park closing time) on each concert night.
Mardi Gras 2025 Lineup
- Feb. 1: T-Pain
- Feb. 8: Joe Jonas
- Feb. 15: Kool & The Gang
- Feb. 16: Juanes
- Feb. 22: Scotty McCreery
- March 1: Foster The People
- March 8: Illenium
- March 15: All Time Low
- March 16: Lawrence
- March 21: Coco Jones
- March 22: DJ Pauly D
- March 29: TLC
Concert crowds will vary depending on the popularity of the artist and day of the week. This year, Lily is excited for Joe Jonas and Tad can't wait for Foster The People, but "the old frogs" like me and Leap were hoppin' for TLC and T-Pain. (T-Pain hit capacity at around 8 p.m. on opening night and we're expecting the same for Joe Jonas.) Saturdays generally bring in larger crowds than Sundays. If you don't mind missing the parade, we recommend landing your concert viewing spot at least an hour ahead of time for a spot on the grass.
Universal Mardi Gras 2025 Food and Drinks at Universal Studios Florida
New Orleans is known for its hoppin' delicacies, and the Cajun offerings at Universal Mardi Gras are no different. Last year, bold flavors ignited our taste buds with an array of delicious culinary delicacies inspired by various Carnaval celebrations around the globe. Food booths open at 10 a.m. and operate until 30 minutes before the park closes. Check out our favorite food and drink items of Universal Mardi Gras 2024!
Returning this year is the specialty "Mardi Gras Food and Beverage" gift card which is available for purchase at various locations throughout the park during the event. Pay $65 for a $75 card and lanyard (or, if you're an annual passholder, $120 for a $150 card and lanyard) — good for over 50 Mardi Gras tasting menu items! Give the gift of "good times" to a friend or use it for yourself and minimize the time you'd spend fishing for your wallet. The cards don't expire, so you can use your remaining balance for next year's event, as well!
Here are the menus for 2025:
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
Bites of the Bayou
- Food Menu:
- Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese: creamy spicy cavatappi pasta with andouille sausage, holy trinity and a cajun cream sauce, garnished with scallions
- Chicken & Sausage Gumbo: Stew of trinity, chicken, andouille, bacon over white rice
- Cajun Spiced Twisted Tater: Cajun season potato, Creole remoulade sauce, herb
- Drink Menu:
- Miller Lite
- NÜTRL
- Modelo
Canada
- Food Menu:
- Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon: griddled salmon fillet with a maple lacquer and an ancient grain mixed salad
- Margherita Poutine: Fresh mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, basil cream and pub fries
- Drink Menu:
- Ginger Snap: Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, lime juice, ginger purée and maple syrup
- Ginger Snap Mocktail: Lime juice, ginger purée, cinnamon syrup and maple syrup
- Collective Arts Brewing Life in the Clouds IPA
China
- Food Menu:
- Spicy Scezhuan Chicken Bites: crispy pieces of chicken with white rice, sesame seeds, Szechuan chili crunch
- Duck Xian Bing: shredded duck dumpling with Hoisin scallion ginger butter
- Drink Menu:
- Luck and Prosperity: Hokkaido Milk Tea powder, ginger puree, blood orange syrup, vanilla cream syrup and mango popping boba
- Heineken
- Bud Light
- NÜTRL
- Voodoo Brewing Co. Lacto-Kooler
Coca-Cola Market Square
- Drink Menu
- Frozen Brandy Milk Punch: Torres 10 year brandy, Old Forester bourbon, milk, cream, simply syrup and vanilla bean
- Frozen Irish Coffee: Jameson Irish whiskey, JF Haden's Espresso Liqueur, cold brew concentrate and vanilla ice cream
- Banana's Fosters Fizz: Cruzan Aged Dark Rum, Planetary O.F.T.D. rum, Bols crème de banana and Barq's Creme Soda
- Doberge Cake Cocktail: 360 Sorrento Lemon vodka, 360 Double Chocolate vodka, vanilla cream syrup, cupcake cold foam and Sprite
- Peach Cobbler Smash: Old Forester bourbon, peach puree, lime wedge and Coca Cola
- Peach Cobbler Smash Mocktail: peach purée, lime wedges and Coca-Cola
- Orange Coconut Snowball Mocktail: Pineapple juice, coconut milk, cream of coconut and Fanta orange
- BLTC Bloody Mary: New Amsterdam vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt and black pepper
- Premium Cocktail mixed with your choice of liquor: Tito's vodka, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, BACARDI Superior rum, Patron Silver tequila, Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 whiskey, Crown Royal whisky, Tanqueray London Dry gin
Colombia
- Food Menu:
- Colombian Burger: grilled burger with Monterey Jack cheese, pineapple cabbage slaw, cilantro garlic sauce and potato sticks
- Chicken Empanadas: crispy corn masa chicken empanadas with aji picante
- Pandebono: warm Colombian cassava bread
- Drink Menu:
- Aguapanela: Panela sugar, water and fresh cut lemon
France
- Food Menu:
- Duck a l'orange Crepe: freshly made crepes filled with shredded duck, onions, Boursin cheese, orange segments and an orange slice
Germany
- Food Menu:
- Leberkäse: German-style meatloaf served on a pretzel with mustard and sauerkraut
- Currywurst & Pommes: crispy bratwurst topped with spicy curry ketchup, served with fries and mayo
- Apple Strudel: flaky pastry layers wrapped around spiced apple filling
- Drink Menu:
- Beer Flight: Bitburger Premium Pils, Franziskaner Hefe Weissbier, ERDINGER Wiβbier Dunkel
- Bitburger Premium Pils
- Franziskaner Hefe Weissbier
- ERDINGER Weiβbier Dunkel
French Quarter Sips
- Drink Menu
- Category 5 Punch: Cruzan Aged Dark Rum, Myers's dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, passion fruit puree and grenadine
- Espresso Martini: Julius Meinl breakfast blend, JF Haden's Espresso Liqueur, New Amsterdam vodka and simple syrup
- Pimm's Cup: Pimm's NO 1 Cup and Seagram's ginger ale garnished with fresh cut orange, strawberry, lemon and cucumbers
- Bud Light
- Modelo
- Corona
- NÜTRL
India
- Food Menu:
- Potato Dosa: Griddled dosa filled with curried potatoes, onions, black mustard seeds, served with a coconut chutney
- Butter Chicken: Tender chicken in a spiced tomato butter sauce with Naan bread and cilantro
- Drink Menu:
- Jaljeera Soda: Jaljeera Spice mix, lemon juice and Sprite
- Iced Chai Latte: Chai, milk and house-made masala cold foam
Italy
- Food Menu:
- Trapizzini: Warm ciabatta, meatball, marinara and spied parmesan
- Drink Menu:
- Peachello Spritz: Pallini, Peachello, Cavicchioli 1928 Prosecco, club soda with peach bursting boba
Mexico
- Food Menu:
- Chilaquiles Verdes: Tortillas topped with chile braised shredded chicken, salsa verde, cilantro onion mix with lime crema and Cotija cheese
- Quesabirria: Birria beef in a corn tortilla with Monterey Jack and Oaxaca cheese served with birria broth
- Churro Loops: Crispy cinnamon sugar loops with dulce de leche and chocolate sauce
- Drink Menu:
- La Tormenta: Cuervo Tradicional blanco tequila, lime juice, orange juice, dragon fruit puree, Passion fruit Puree and smoked sea salt
- Elote Old Fashioned: Desert Door sotol, Nixta Licor de Elote, Del Maguey Vida mezcal and agave syrup
Puerto Rico
- Food Menu:
- Pinchos de Lechon: Char-grilled pork shoulder skewer with guava bbq sauce and pan sobao
- Pastelon Fritters: Crispy sweet plantain and picadillo beef fritters served with mayo ketchup
- Cheese Dog: All-beef hot dog with cheddar cheese wrapped in an empanada disc, served with mayo ketchup
- Limber: A Puerto Rican frozen iced treat with choice of coconut or guanabana
- Drink Menu:
- Piña Colada: Ron del Barrilito Three Star rum, lime juice, coconut cream, pineapple juice and smoked sea salt
- Ponche: Welch's grape juice, sweetened condensed milk and blackberry essence
Taste of the Quarter
- Food Menu:
- Red Beans & Rice: Vegan sausage with stewed beans, white rice and garnished with scallions
- Beignets: Sweet fried pastry wit powdered sugar
- King Cake: Traditional cake with cinnamon swirl icing, Mardi Gras sprinkles and a Mardi Gras baby
TODAY CAFE
- Food Menu:
- Mardi Gras Exclusive Desserts: chose from selection of Mardi Gras themed desserts
- Masquerade Cheesecake
- Banoffee Tart
- Mardi Gras Exclusive Desserts: chose from selection of Mardi Gras themed desserts
Universal Mardi Gras 2025 Food and Drinks at CityWalk and the Resorts
Once again, the Red Coconut Club in CityWalk will be serving up Mardi Gras-themed cocktails as the "Cursed Coconut Club" for Carnaval season! On Wednesdays through Sundays from Feb. 1 to March 30, frogs can enjoy fun, festive Mardi Gras décor and themed drink offerings for purchase, plus live entertainment on select nights. Check the official Universal Orlando Resort app for dates and hours of operation. Here you'll find three different bars — each with their own unique story and menu!
Bar #1
- Cocktails:
- Latitude 28: Planetary O.F.T.D rum, J.F. Haden's Espresso Liqueur, lime juice, cream of coconut and pomegranate syrup
- Sinister Smoke: Del Maguey Single Village Vida Clásico mezcal, Green Chartreuse, lime juice, agave syrup and ginger beer
- Voodoo Old Fashioned: Misguided Spirts Workingman's Whiskey, demerara sugar and Fee Brothers black walnut bitters, with a mist of Absente Absinthe and an orange slice
- Nightshade Margarita: Cuervo Tradicional Blanco tequila, lime juice, blackberry purée and agave syrup and a black salt rim
- Forbidden Fruit Punch Mocktail: Pomegranate syrup, lime juice and Sprite with cinnamon and a red glitter swirl
- Draft Beer:
- Parish Brewing "Ghost in the Machine"
- Blue Moon
- Stella Artois
- Bud Light
- Angry Orchard
- Abita "Purple Haze"
- Canned Beverages:
- Abita "Andygator"
- Abita "Mardi Gras Bock"
- NÜTRL
Bar #2
- Cocktails:
- Healing Elixir: New Amsterdam gin, Green Chartreuse, lime juice and soda water
- Aura Glow: New Amsterdam vodka, St-Germaine Elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, lavender syrup and blue glitter
- Supernatural Spritz: Bonne Chance sparkling wine, peach syrup and rosemary
- Sunbeam Margarita: A to Z Wineworks riesling, Bombay Sapphire gin, pineapple juice and orange wheels
- Golden Spell Mocktail: orange juice, mango purée, honey and ginger beer
- Draft Beer:
- Parish Brewing "Ghost in the Machine"
- Bud Light
- Stella Artois
- Blue Moon
- Angry Orchard
- Abita "Purple Haze"
- Canned Beverages:
- Abita "Angrygator"
- Abita "Mardi Gras Bock"
- NÜTRL
Bar #3
- Cocktails:
- Mystic Mirage: Empress 1908 gin, St-Germaine Elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and lavender syrup
- Eclipse Martini: 360 Vodka Madagascar Villa, DeKuyper Crème de Cacao, cold brew concentrate and simple syrup with a gold glitter spray
- Shadow's Delight: Misguided Spirits Workingman's Whiskey, Averna amaro, Woodford Reserve spiced cherry bitters and The Bitter Truth Old Chocolate bitters
- The Oracle's Glass: De Kuyper Crème de Cassis and Bonne Chance sparkling wine with a mist of Absente Absinthe
- Midnight Masquerade Mocktail: cranberry juice, blackcurrant syrup and Sprite
- Canned Beverages:
- Abita "Andygator"
- Abita "Mardi Gras Bock"
- NÜTRL
That's not all, though! Frogs can keep the good times rolling at the Mardi Gras After Party at Pat O'Brien's on Fridays and Saturdays from Feb. 1 to March 29.
Whether you're staying at a resort as a guest or just stopping in for a delicious meal, you'll also find a variety of menu items specially themed for the celebration at every resort on property! Here are the resort food and drink offerings for 2025.
The Thirsty Fish
- Boulevardier: Bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth
Splendido Bar & Grill
- Mojito Lampone (Italian for "raspberry"): Vodka, Chambord, simple Syrup, raspberry, mint
Trattoria del Porto
- Seafood Étouffée with Dirty Rice: Tomato, "Holy Trinity", Cajun-inspired dirty rice, scallions
The Kitchen
- Bourbon Street Beignets: Bourbon caramel sauce, powdered sugar
Velvet Bar
- Blackened Grouper Po' Boy: Seared Blackened Grouper, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Cajun Remoulade
beachclub
- Hurricane: Papa's Pilar Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, grenadine, pineapple and orange juice
Islands Dining Room
- Crawfish & Andouille Sausage Egg Roll: Served with creole aioli
Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar
- Orchid: Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, 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
Amatista Cookhouse
- Mardi Gras Empanada: Chicken and Andouille Sausage, Cajun Aioli
Strong Water Tavern
- Cucumber Hurricane Twist: Light rum, lime juice, Melon Liqueur, sliced cucumber
New Dutch Trading Co.
- Traditional King Cake
Bar 17 Bistro
- Bayou Shrimp and Grits: A blend of cheddar, parmesan and brie cheese grits, topped with Cajun shrimp seasoned with our house blend of spices and creole-seasoned butter
- Hurricane: Light Rum, Dark Rum, Passion fruit Puree, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Grenadine
- Sazerac: Rye Whiskey, Absinthe, Simple Syrup, Bitters
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Galaxy Bowl Restaurant
- Shrimp Po'boy: Crispy Cajun fried shrimp piled on a French baguette and topped with a creole-inspired creamy remoulade sauce with Cajun fried wedges
- Louisiana Lemonade: Vodka, Lemonade, Sprite, Mango & Raspberry Syrup
Bayliner Diner
- Muffuletta: Salami, Mortadella, Ham, Provolone Cheese and Olive Tapenade, House Made Chips, Fruit Salad or Pasta
Universal Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites
Beach Break Cafe
- New Orleans Chicken or Shrimp Po' Boy: Served with a Creole Remoulade Sauce and Fries
Sand Bar
- Frozen Bayou: Rum, blue curaçao, finest call mango, grenadine, Pineapple garnish
Universal Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites
Dockside's Pier 8 Market
- Cajun Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grits: Shrimp and Cheddar Grits served with Andouille Sausage and a Tomato Jam
Sunset Lounge, The Oasis Beach Bar and The Wave Maker's Pool Bar
- Fleur de Lis: Gin, Muddled Cucumber, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Elderflower liquor, Lime and Cucumber garnish
Cosmos Cafe and Market at Universal Stella Nova Resort
- Muffuletta: Stacked Italian meats, provolone cheese, pepperoncini, olive tapenade, French bread (cold sandwich)
- Catfish Po' Boy: Crispy catfish, crunchy coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, remoulade, French bread
Universal Mardi Gras 2025 Atmosphere and Experiences
Starting at around 3 p.m., the streets erupt with a party atmosphere you'd be hard-pressed to find outside the Crescent City. We love dancing along to The Beads & Brass Band (performance times on Universal Orlando app) and grabbing photos with Mardi Gras royalty and the ethereal creatures, critters and characters of 30 Years of Mardi Gras! Throughout the day, you'll even spot classic Universal characters roaming around the park in their Big Easy best, such as Mystery, Inc. (aka the Scooby Gang).
New this year is Honey's Mardi Gras Indians with NOLA Brass Band. A legendary figure in New Orleans' Mardi Gras Indian tradition, Irving "Honey" Bannister, Jr. is one of the longest running "masking" Mardi Gras Indians. As a form of both cultural expression and resistance, this performance honors African heritage and pays homage to Native American tribes that historically offered refuge to enslaved African. The dazzling beads, feathers and sequins represent the tribe's culture values, history and resilience. Bannister mentos new generations of maskers within the Creole Wild West Indian Tribe and ensures that the customs and history of Mardi Gras Indians are passed on. See the Universal Orlando app for showtimes.
The incredibly themed Mardi Gras Tribute Store has returned in the Hollywood area of the park! This year, you're invited to check out Cyrus T. Pavo's Legends of the Bayou Museum and Gift Shop. See the world famous Nusquam Nuisance and evidence of an array of other cryptids as you wander through the campy museum and gift shop, deep in the bayou where you never know what monsters are lurking and into Baron TonTon's voodoo shack where dark magick is a-brewing. This Tribute Store is truly one of our favorites to date! Everywhere we turned, there was a mind-blowing effect or hilarious gag. Not only can you get fancy beads, masks and event merchandise inspired by this year's event here, but it's also always the perfect place for some glorious photo-ops.
Universal Mardi Gras is the closest thing you can get to N'awlins ... without having to worry about your tadpoles seeing or hearing anything they shouldn't. The festive floats, atmospheric decor and delicious cuisine really give your little ones a taste of the Big Easy, which is a fun exploration of a different celebration they might not be familiar with. Allow your kiddos to try new foods, interact with performers and catch all the beads they can! (Fun fact: The floats in the Universal Mardi Gras parade are designed by Kern Studios, which has created authentic floats in New Orleans for over 60 years!)
Are you ready to put your dancing shoes on and visit Orlando's version of the Big Easy? You're sure to have a blast! Let us know if you have any questions about Universal Mardi Gras in the comments below.
Related: Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Events
Hoppy planning!
