Our Jubilant Guide to Universal Orlando Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval

Summary

Every spring, Florida'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 started Feb. 4 and runs until April 16!

Hop To

• Mardi Gras Parade
• Mardi Gras Concerts
• Food and Drinks at Universal Studios Florida
• Food and Drinks at CityWalk and the Resorts
• Mardi Gras Atmosphere

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 ... beignets, anyone? 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 2023

This year's original parade theme is "Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras" and features six brand-new floats inspired by fantastical creatures such as dragons, pegasi, sea serpents and more — with a Mardi Gras twist. These magical additions are joining 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 and throw out beads by the handful.

It's important to strategically plot your parade spot. Below is a list of what times the parade are hoppening this year (subject to change — so be sure to double-check on the day of your visit).

Parade starts at 5:15 p.m. on the following dates:

• Feb. 7
• March 30

Parade starts at 6:15 p.m. on the following dates:

• Feb. 5-6, 8-9, 12-16, 22, 26-31
• March 1-2

Parade starts at 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Feb. 17, 20-21, 23-24
• March 3, 6-29
• April 1-16

Parade starts at 7:45 p.m. on the following dates:

• Feb. 4, 10-11, 18-19, 25
• March 4-5

No Parade on the following dates:

• March 31

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. Last year, Tad and I snagged a spot across the street from the former Universal Studios' Classic Monsters Cafe about an hour and 15 minutes before the parade started and were right at the front of our section when the ropes went up. As soon as the parade ended, we were able to make our way to the concert viewing area quickly and snake our 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 camped out. These are great locations, but don't bank on them unless you arrive early ... they typically fill up quickly! This year, we snagged a spot nearly two hours early near The Bourne Stuntacular. While it gave us a frogtastic vantage point of the parade, the walk toward the concert viewing area, once it ended, was exponentially more hectic.

@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?! Starting at around 3 p.m. until one hour prior to parade start, Virtual Line Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis via the Universal Orlando app. Once available, tap Reserve Virtual Line Experience Pass and select the number of frogs in your party. Choose the available time you'd like to return to ride your float and you're all set! (Use your speedy fingers because spots are extremely limited, and they filled up within seconds on opening day!) The entire Float Riding experience lasts two to three hours, so you will definitely 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!

This year, Universal Orlando has is offering an epic add-on that we're toadally jazzed about. On select dates from Feb. 4 to Apr. 16, frogs can enjoy a three-course meal at either Finnegan's Bar & Grill, Lombard's Seafood Grill, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar or NBC Sports Grill & Bar and get a reserved spot on a parade float! This bundle is the best way to guarantee your place in the parade and is $84.99 per frog. Separate theme park admission is required for the same date of booking and your purchase must be made 24 hours prior to the event date.

Universal Mardi Gras Concerts 2023

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.

Concert crowds will vary depending on the popularity of the artist and day of the week. For instance, Lily is excited for WILLOW and Tad can't wait for 3 Doors Down, but "the old frogs" like me and Leap are hoppin' for Patti LaBelle and Goo Goo Dolls. Fridays and Saturdays generally bring in larger crowds than Sundays. If you don't mind missing the parade, we recommend landing your concert viewing spot about an hour ahead of time for a spot on the grass. Patti LaBelle brought down the house on opening night with spectacular renditions of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Bad Girls" and, of course, her disco hit, "Lady Marmalade."

Universal Mardi Gras 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. This year, bold flavors will ignite our taste buds with an array of delicious culinary delicacies inspired by various Carnaval celebrations around the globe. Food booths open at 11:30 a.m. and operate until 30 minutes before the park closes. For the first time ever, the theme park culinary delights are just limited to Universal Studios. Indulge in gumbo, jambalaya, king cake and more at Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Muffuletta Long Board Pizza at Universal's Volcano Bay!

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 — 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!

Take a look at the menus for 2023:

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA

Belgium

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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

• Drink 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 toppings
  • Bloody Mary Wild - mild version of a traditional bloody Mary spiked with New Amsterdam vodka, garnished with a variety of Cajun toppings

Brazil

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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

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

• Food Menu:
  
  • Colombian Empanadas: crispy corn masa beef and chicken empanadas, served with aji picante
  • Arepas de Queso: white corn masa cake with queso blanco
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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

• Food Menu:
  
  • Muffuletta Crepe: savory crepe filled with olive relish, mortadella, salami, ham, mozzarella, Cajun mayo, arugula and sesame seeds
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Domaine Paul Puisse 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

• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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 #1

• Food Menu:
  
  • King Cake: traditional cake with cinnamon swirl icing and colored sanding sugar
  • Beignets: sweet fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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 #2:

• Food Menu:
  
  • Twisted Frank with Cheddar Sauce: stuffed twisted tater, foot-long hot dog, spicy white cheddar sauce and your choice of seasoning: seasoned salt / garlic parmesan / sour cream & chives / ghost pepper
  • Twisted Frank: stuffed twisted tater with a foot-long hot dog and your choice of seasoning: seasoned salt / garlic parmesan / sour cream & chives / ghost pepper
  • Twisted Tater: fried spiralized potato topped with your choice of seasoning: seasoned salt / garlic parmesan / sour cream & chives / ghost pepper
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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 #3

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

French Quarter #4

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

Germany

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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

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

Indonesia

• Food Menu:
  
  • Indonesian Style Chili Crab with Fried Mantou: 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
  • Bubur Ketan Hitam: Indonesian purple sticky rice pudding with coconut condensed milk, mango and shaved toasted coconut
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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 Indonesian rum, grapefruit and lime juices and simple syrup

Japan

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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 with 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 finis
  • Calpico Mini Bottles: sweet and tangy with a smooth texture

Italy

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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 Day 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

Mexico

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
  • Vegan Churros: crispy cinnamon sugar vegan churros with coconut nectar and chocolate sauce
  • Elotes: char-grilled corn, jalapeño mayo, ancho chili powder, cotija cheese and cilantro
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Grapefruit Paloma: El Jimador tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup and a pinch of smoked sea salt, finished with Fresca soda
  • Modelo Especial: 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

Puerto Rico

• Food Menu:
  
  • Mofongo Trio: a mix of smashed plantains, bacon, chicharrónes with shrimp criolla, crispy chicken thigh and mayo ketchup
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • Classic Piña Colada: Cruzan light rum, Coco Real cream of coconut, with lime and pineapple juice
  • Piragua: shaved ice with your choice of flavorings: cream / coco / frambuesa / tamarindo
  • Ponche: nonalcoholic Welch's grape juice mixed with sweetened condensed milk and blackberry extract

Spain

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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: rosé sangria with Marq Caceres Rioja Rosé, New Amsterdam gin, strawberry mix and a pinch of smoked sea salt
  • Sangria Blanco: 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

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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

UNIVERSAL'S ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE

Mardi Gras Hits

• Food Menu:
  
  • 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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 Desserts

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

UNIVERSAL CITYWALK

New Orleans #1

• Food Menu:
  
  • Shrimp and Smoked Cheddar Cheese Rice Grits: 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
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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 #2

• Food Menu:
  
  • Cauliflower Dirty Ride: Riced cauliflower, Gardein crumbles, black eyed peas and Cajun spices
  • Crawfish Étouffée: Creamy crawfish and vegetable stew, over white rice
• Drink Menu:
  
  • 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

Taste of the Mediterranean

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

Our undisputed favorite booths this year had to be Japan, Indonesia and Colombia. Japan came through with delicious sweet and savory options in the form of the frog-favorite Ube Ice Cream Sesame Bubble Waffle Cone which tadpoles are sure to love and the Okonomiyaki which felt like comfort food at its finest! Indonesia was a surprise hit with the entire frog squad on opening day as we all devoured the Nasi Goreng, which is the culmination of everything you want from a more savory option, the Bubur Ketan Hitam, which is light, fruity and slightly sweet and the Bali Punch, which was perfectly refreshing with its combination of guava, lime and mint. Lastly, if you're looking for some cold, refreshing options for that grueling mid-day heat that both tadpoles and parents are sure to enjoy, hit up the Colombia booth which is serving up Limonada de Coco and Choladas — both of which are deliciously creamy and fruity.

Of course, we can't froget to mention the iconic Mardi Gras desserts. As always, the King Cake (which you can find in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure this year) is like one giant cinnamon roll that can't be conquered by frog alone. What can be devoured alone, however, is the Mardi Gras Rum Cake at TODAY Cafe. This slice of heaven was one of the most rich and delicious cakes this frog has ever tasted. Check out other amazing desserts here and at San Francisco Pastry Company.

Universal Mardi Gras Food and Drinks at CityWalk and the Resorts

As you can see, the Mardi Gras festivities extend beyond the parks! In addition to food booths serving up New Orleans and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, CityWalk is joining in on the fun in other festive ways.

Always one to celebrate, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen has concocted the Masquerade Milkshake that we can't wait to get our hands on!

If you wandered around CityWalk during Halloween Horror Nights and the holidays this past year, you may have seen that the Red Coconut Club adopted event-appropriate theming for each season — rebranding as the "Dead Coconut Club" and the "Green & Red Coconut Club," respectively. Well, I'm so frogcited to share that the club is serving up Mardi Gras-themed cocktails as the "Cursed Coconut Club" for Carnaval season! 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.

That's not all, though! Frogs can also keep the good times rolling at Pat O'Brien's Mardi Gras Party. Taking place from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on select nights from Feb. 4 to April 16, this party includes live DJs, stilt walkers, exclusive food and drink offerings and more. While admission is complimentary, reservations are encouraged and can be made through Zomato or by calling 407-224-3663.

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! I'm very hoppy to share the resort food and drink offerings for 2023!

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 and 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 and 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

Universal Mardi Gras Atmosphere

Starting at 3 p.m., the streets erupt with a party atmosphere you'd be hard-pressed to find outside the Crescent City. We loved dancing along to The Beads & Brass Band and grabbing photos with Mardi Gras royalty and the fauns, fairies and anthropomorphic foliage of the Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras! Throughout the day, you'll spot classic Universal characters roaming around the park in their Big Easy best, such as Mystery, Inc. (aka the Scooby Gang), the undisputed King of Mardi Gras (and Madagascar), King Julien and even the Ghost with the Most, Beetlejuice.

The incredibly themed Mardi Gras Tribute Store, now in a new location in the Hollywood area of the park, has returned for 2023. This year, the store invites frogs to an international celebration that takes you from the grand Ambassador Ballroom complete with a full-size bandstand to the traditional alleyways deep in the heart of the Big Easy to a swingin' speakeasy where the Mardi Gras celebration continues! Not only can you get fancy beads, masks, event merchandise and tasty treats inspired by this year's event here, but it's also 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!