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. Next 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 2024
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 what times the parade hoppened last 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. 5, 7, 12, 27
Parade starts at 6:15 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 4, 6, 8-9, 11, 13-16, 21-23, 25-26, 28-29
- March 1, 3-8
Parade starts at 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 19-20
- March 11-15, 18-31
- April 1-7
Parade starts at 7:45 p.m. on the following dates:
- Feb. 3, 10, 17-18, 24
- March 2, 9-10, 16-17
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. Last year, a Virtual Line was available for guests to attempt to nab these coveted spots! While you can start checking around 3 p.m., Virtual Line Passes will usually become available on a first-come, first-served basis via the Universal Orlando app roughly an hour to two hours before the parade starts. If available, tap Reserve Virtual 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 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 last year that we were toadally jazzed about. On select dates from Feb. 3 to Apr. 7, frogs could enjoy a three-course meal at either Finnegan's Bar & Grill, Lombard's Seafood Grille, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar or NBC Sports Grill & Brew and get a reserved spot on a parade float! This bundle was the best way to guarantee your place in the parade and started at $84.99 per frog. Separate theme park admission was required for the same date of booking and your purchase must have been made 24 hours prior to the event date.
Universal Mardi Gras 2024 Concert Lineup
Universal Mardi Gras always has a super impressive lineup of performers from all different music genres for its concert series. On select 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, last year, Lily was excited for Ava Max and Tad couldn't wait for DJ Khaled, but "the old frogs" like me and Leap were hoppin' for KC and The Sunshine Band and Queen Latifah. 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.
Universal Mardi Gras 2024 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 11:30 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 last year was the specialty "Mardi Gras Food and Beverage" gift card which was 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!
Take a look at the menus for 2024:
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
Belgium
- Food Menu:
- Sweet & Savory Gouda & Onion Waffle: Warm crystalized waffle, smoked gouda, beer braised onions, Black Forest ham
- Cookie Butter Liege Waffle: Warm crystalized waffle topped with cookie butter, whipped topping, Biscoff cookies (vegetarian)
- Drink Menu:
- Hoegaarden
- Delirium Red
Brazil
- Food Menu:
- Shrimp Moqueca: Shrimp and coconut cream stew, micro cilantro, white rice (gluten-sensitive; contains shellfish; contains tree nuts)
- Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread (gluten-sensitive; vegetarian)
- Brigadeiros: A Brazilian classic, chocolate with condensed milk and Mardi Gras sprinkles (gluten-sensitive; vegetarian)
- Drink Menu:
- Mango Caipirinha: Piras 51 Cachaça, Bols orange curaçao, lime juice, simple syrup, mango juice, mango purée, fresh mint, lime wedge
Canada
- Food Menu:
- Canadian Bacon & Onion Poutine: Candied bacon spiced curly fries with caramelized onion gravy, cheese curds, spiced maple bacon and parsley
- Vegan Wild Mushroom Poutine: Seasoned curly fries with vegan cheddar, mushroom gravy, truffle oil
- Drink Menu:
- Fire Cider: Fireball cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, cinnamon stick
- LaBlatt Blue Light
- La Fin Du Monde Draft
China
- Food Menu:
- Szechuan Noodle Salad: Spicy cold noodle salad with cucumbers, peanuts, cilantro, scallions (contains peanuts; vegan)
- Spicy Smashed Cucumber: Spicy marinated cucumbers with peanuts, cilantro, scallions (contains peanuts; vegan)
- Potstickers: Pork potstickers served with a black vinegar and chili oil dipping sauce
- Drink Menu:
- Lucky Buddha Beer
- Hong Kong Boba Tea: Hong Kong-style oolong milk tea over ice with coffee boba and salted cheese foam
Colombia
- Food Menu:
- Colombian Burger: Grilled burger with Monterey Jack cheese, pineapple cabbage slaw, cilantro garlic sauce, potato sticks
- Arepa de Choclo: Traditional sweet corn cake filled with cheese and griddle with honey butter (vegetarian)
- Oblea: Crispy wafer with dulce de leche, strawberries (vegetarian)
- Drink Menu:
- Aguardiente Punch: Cumbe Aguardiente, lime juice, simple syrup, blackberry concentrate, berry gummies
France
- Food Menu:
- Bananas Foster Crème Brûlée Crepe: Banana caramel, vanilla cream, fresh bananas, whipped topping, brûléed sugar (vegetarian)
- Drink Menu:
- Grand Framboise Slush: A decadent mélande of Grey Goose vodka, Gabriel Boudier Créme de Framboise, raspberry purée, white chocolate syrup
- Charles De Fére Cuvee
- Patient Sauvignon Blanc
- Feudo Maccari Grillo
- Domaine de pavillon Chavannes Côte De Brouilly
Germany
- Food Menu:
- Chicken Schnitzel: Fried crispy chicken thigh cutlet served with mustard and a lemon wedge
- Currywurst: Crispy skin German bratwurst sliced and topped with a spicy curry ketchup (gluten-sensitive)
- Käsespätzle: Cheese spätzle topped with crispy onions
- Bavarian Pretzel with Obatzda: Warm pretzel with Bavarian beer cheese dip (vegetarian)
- Mutzen: Fried lemon-vanilla fritters dusted with powdered sugar
- Drink Menu:
- Beer Flight: Flight with Warsteiner Pilsner, Weihensthaner Here Weissbier, Ayinger Celebrator
- Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Radler
- Warsteiner Pilsener
- Ayinger Celebrator
- Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier
- Schladerer Himbeergeist Brandy
- Jägermeister
Italy
- Food Menu:
- Roman Supple: Mozzarella and provolone filled risotto with vodka sauced, roasted red pepper aioli
- Zabaglione with Berries: Frangelico anglaise with mixed berries topped with toasted hazelnuts (contains alcohol; gluten-sensitive; contains tree nuts; vegetarian)
- Drink Menu:
- Aperol Spritz Sorbet: Aperol aperitif with blood orange sorbet
- Bollini Pinot Grigio
- Querceto Chianti
- Bertani Valpolicella
Mexico
- Food Menu:
- Chilaquiles Verdes: Tortillas topped with chile braised shredded chicken, salsa verde, cilantro onion mix with lime cream and cotija cheese (gluten-sensitive)
- Quesabirria: Birria beef in a corn tortilla with Monterey Jack, Oaxaca cheese, served with barrio broth
- Churro Loops & Chocolate: Cinnamon sugar churro loops with Mexican chocolate dipping sauce (vegetarian)
- Drink Menu:
- Classic Margarita: el Jimador blanco tequila, lime juice, Dekuyper triple sec, agave nectar, smoked sea salt
- Gran Añejo Margarita: Jose Cuervo Añejo tequila, DeKuyper Triple Sec, lime juice, agave, smoked sea salt
- Jose Cuervo Añejo Tequila
- Modelo
- Modelo Chelada Lime
- Modelo Chelada Pineapple
- Agua Frescas: Mango, Strawberry, Jamaica Hibiscus
New Orleans
- Food Menu:
- Beignets: Sweet fried pastry with powdered sugar (vegetarian)
- King Cake Mini: Traditional cake with cinnamon swirl icing, Mardi Gras sprinkles and a Mardi Gras baby (vegetarian)
- Crawfish Étouffée: Creamy crawfish and vegetable stew over white rice (contains shellfish)
- Chicken & Andouille Jambalaya: Mixed rice with andouille, blackened chicken, peppers and tomatoes
- Fried Green Tomato Po'Boy: Flash fried green tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles and Cajun remoulade served with Cajun kettle chips (vegan)
- Shrimp Gumbo: Stew of trinity, shrimp, andouille and bacon over white rice (contains shellfish)
- Shrimp & Crawfish Boil: Mixed bag with crawfish, shrimp, andouille, potatoes and corn on the cobb (gluten-sensitive; contains shellfish)
- Drink Menu:
- Category 5 Punch: Cruzan dark rum, Myers dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, passion fruit puree, grenadine
- Espresso Martini: Brewed coffee, JF Haden Espresso liqueur, New Amsterdam vodka, black sugar syrup
- Chicory coffee 16oz: Chicory coffee, toasted marshmallow syrup, with toasted marshmallow cold foam
Philippines
- Food Menu:
- Pancit Bihon: Rice noodles, sautéed vegetables, pulled chicken, garlic, soy sauce
- Crispy Lumpia: Pork-filled crispy rice paper roll with dipping sauce
- Pandan Cheesecake: Pandan cheesecake with whipped topping, shaved toasted coconut (contains tree nuts)
- Drink Menu:
- Buko Juice: Coconut water, coconut cream, pandan extract, smoked sea salt. Served in a souvenir coconut cup (contains tree nuts)
- San Miguel: European-style pale lager bottled
Puerto Rico
- Food Menu:
- Pastelón: A layered casserole of sweet plantain and picadillo beef topped with Edam cheese (gluten-sensitive)
- Bacalaitos: Crispy salt cod fritters with bell peppers, cilantro and onions served with mayo ketchup
Pastelitos de Guayaba: Guava-filled puff pastry with powdered sugar (vegetarian)
- Drink Menu:
- Piña Colada: Ron del Barrilito Santa Ana Overproof rum, lime juice, coco cream, pineapple juice, smoked sea salt
- Fanta Piña Colada
Spain
- Food Menu:
- Ensalada de Pulpo: Traditional Spanish salad with octopus, fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, paprika, sherry vinegar (gluten-sensitive; contains shellfish)
- Papitas Bravas: Seasoned crispy potatoes, paprika aioli (gluten-sensitive; vegan)
- Crème Catalina: Brûléed citrus milk custard with candied orange peels (gluten-sensitive; vegetarian)
- Drink Menu:
- Sangria Flight: Flight of Sangria Tinto, Sangria Blanco, Sangria Rosado
- Sangria Tinto: Red sangria with Honorojo, Torres 10 brandy, Ferrand dry curaçao, lemon juice, orange juice, blackberry extract, simple syrup
- Sangria Rosado: Rosé sangria with Honoro Rosé, New Amsterdam gin, strawberry purée, a pinch of smoked sea salt
- Sangria Blanco: White sangria with Honoro Vera Rueda, Bacardi rum, pineapple and lemon juices, simple syrup, lemon bitters, a pinch of smoked sea salt
Thailand
- Food Menu:
- Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp salad of shredded green papaya, carrots, Thai basil, peanuts, tossed in a spicy Thai dressing (contains peanuts; gluten-sensitive; contains shellfish)
- Green Curry with Chicken: Spicy green curry chicken with shiitake mushrooms, eggplant, snap peas, red bell pepper jasmine rice (gluten-sensitive; contains shellfish; contains tree nuts)
- Chicken Satay: Marinated grilled chicken skewer with Thai cucumber, topped with peanut sauce (contains peanuts; contains tree nuts)
- Drink Menu:
- Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea: New Amsterdam gin, Butterly tea matcha, passion fruit syrup, mint syrup, simple syrup, lime juice in a pipette
Universal Mardi Gras 2024 Food and Drinks at CityWalk and the Resorts
Last year, the Red Coconut Club in CityWalk served up Mardi Gras-themed cocktails as the "Cursed Coconut Club" for Carnaval season! On select nights throughout the event season, frogs could explore the mysteries of the club's highly-themed, graveyard-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 could keep the good times rolling at The After Party and Fat Tuesday at Pat O'Brien's.
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 were the resort food and drink offerings for 2024.
The Thirsty Fish
- Boulevardier: Maker's Mark Bourbon, Campri, sweet vermouth
Splendido Bar & Grill
- Mojito Lampone (Italian for "raspberry") - Tito's Handmade Vodka, Chambord, simple Syrup, raspberry, mint
The Kitchen
- Bourbon Crème Brûlée: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Sugar in the Raw Brûléed, fresh berries
- French 75: Hendrick's Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, champagne
Velvet Bar
- Blackened Mahi Po' Boy: Blackened mahi-mahi, lettuce, tomato, onion, 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
Islands Dining Room
- Crawfish & Andouille Sausage Egg Roll: Served with creole aioli
Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar
- Orchid: Nikka Coffey Gin, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Creme de Violette Violet Liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, pea flower float
Tuk Tuk Market
- Chocolate Bomb: 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, andouille sausage and Cajun aioli
Strong Water Tavern
- Cucumber Hurricane Twist: Light rum, lime juice, Midori Melon Liqueur, sliced cucumber
New Dutch Trading Co
- Traditional King Cake
Bar 17 Bistro
- Bayou Shrimp & Grits: Blend of cheddar, parmesan and brie cheese grits, topped with Cajun shrimp seasoned with our house blend of spices and creole-seasoned butter
- Hurricane: Bacardi Superior Rum, Myers's Original Dark Rum, passion fruit, tropical juices
- Sazerac: Rye whiskey, absinthe, simple syrup, Peychaud's Bitters
barVentura
- Hurricane: Bacardi Superior Rum, Myers’s Original Dark Rum, passion fruit, tropical juices
- Sazerac: Rye whiskey, absinthe, simple syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Galaxy Bowl Restaurant
- The Handsome Cajun: Crispy chicken breast sandwich with grilled andouille sausage, topped with Cajun aioli. Served with Louisiana spice-dusted potato wedges
- Laissez les bons temps Roulér Hurricane: Let the good times roll. Bacardi Light Rum, Wicked Dolphin Black Rum, Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur, orange juice, lemon juice, and grenadine. Served in a light-up souvenir Galaxy Bowl tumbler with straw
Universal Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites
Beach Break Cafe
- New Orleans Jambalaya: A classic creole dish. Sautéed shrimp and chicken, onions, peppers, Cajun spiced rice with andouille sausage
Sand Bar
- Voodoo Doll: Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, blue curaçao, melon liqueur and lemonade, garnished with gummy voodoo doll candy
Universal Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites
Dockside Pier 8 Market
- New Orleans Cajun Roasted Chicken & Dirty Rice: A classic creole dish. Cajun spiced oven-roasted half chicken on a bed of flavorful Creole rice with andouille sausage topped with spicy sweet candied bacon
Sunset Lounge, The Oasis Beach Bar & The Wave Maker's Pool Bar
- Voodoo Doll: Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, blue curaçao, melon liqueur and lemonade, garnished with gummy voodoo doll candy
Universal Mardi Gras 2024 Atmosphere and Experiences
Starting at 3 p.m., the streets erupted 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 ethereal elemental creatures, critters and characters! Throughout the day, we spotted 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, back in the Hollywood area of the park, returned. Last year, we were invited aboard the P.S. Songbird riverboat. The "Peacock of the Mississippi" — as it was called in its heyday — this once grand and glorious paddle steamer has rotted away in the alligator-infested bayou and become a watercraft haunted by the echoes of the past. This Tribute Store was truly one of our favorites to date! Everywhere we turned, there was a mind-blowing special effect or epic animatronic. Not only could you get fancy beads, masks, event merchandise and tasty treats inspired by last year's event here, but it was also always the perfect place for some glorious photo-ops.
Ever wondered what it's like for scare actors to transform into terrifying monsters? Well, Universal debuted a new offering that ran throughout the entirety of Mardi Gras season where you could get your own movie star moment! Over at the Five & Dime store on the streets of Hollywood in Universal Studios was a Monster Makeover experience. We sat back, relaxed and let one of Universal Orlando's highly talented and experienced professional make-up artists (who work on events such as Halloween Horror Nights and Grinchmas) work their magic. There were 38 spooktacular designs to choose from and ranged from $65 for a half-face design (which took about 25 minutes) to $125 for a full-face design (which took about 45 minutes). The best part? Because they use airbrush paint instead of normal face paint, our makeover lasted all day through the Florida heat and humidity!
We're howling with excitement that this experience is being brought over to Dark Universe in Universal Epic Universe when the park opens in 2025!
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!