Universal Studios brings back its annual Mardi Gras event once again, celebrating their 30th annual celebration. With tasty foods, live dancers and singers, and massive parade floats, Orlando indulges in a cultural carnival for all to dance, eat, and have fun. Activities such as attempting to collect as many beads as possible, inviting famous singers and bands to perform, and even being able to sit at the top of some of these floats while enjoying a full three-course meal. Park tickets are $153, which allows guests to enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities while indulging in the thrilling rides they have to offer. This fun and colorful event brings the spirit of New Orleans to the parks with its festive energy.
One of the park’s greatest demands is catering to “foodies.” Sometimes, enthusiasts buy tickets to these events just to try what they have to offer. Every year, Universal Studios mixes up its menu, bringing fresh, fun flavors for all to enjoy. The chefs try to include a variety of foods so even those with allergies or personal food preferences can indulge in these tasty treats. This year, while walking around the park, kiosks can be found with specialty snacks from around the world. From France to India and Colombia, a wide variety of dishes are included to make sure everyone gets a taste of different cultures they have not experienced before. As for the traditional Cajun New Orleans food, there is a Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese, a Bayou Pecan Milkshake, and Chicken and Sausage Gumbo at Bites of the Bayou. This booth provides the most food, as it represents the true carnival lifestyle of Mardi Gras. There are also multiple other booths from around the world that include a new vegan potato dosa from India, Leberkäse from Germany, a Trapizzini from the Italian booth, duck a l’orange crepe from France, and hot maple lacquered salmon at the Alaskan booth.
Another attraction that brings tourists here is the concerts that are included with the tickets. On the weekends during the months of February and March, celebrities perform in front of the Rip Ride Rocket to entertain with a set list curated for their fans. In the past, a wide variety of artists attended, such as Pitbull, Flo Rida, Sabrina Carpenter, Karol G, Jason Derulo, and Marshmallow. This year, fans rush to buy tickets to see former boy band member Joe Jonas perform on February 8. With certain bands, singers, or performers, Universal Studios is flooded with guests and is packed to a capacity of 10,000 guests. This past February 1, 2025, artist T-Pain’s show reached max capacity and left fans with an extraordinary performance.
What really does bring this whole experience together is the parade itself. The parade features massive floats that roll down the streets of Universal Studios with bright and exciting colors, costumes, dancers, and performers. Guests on sidewalks can catch these beads that are tossed at them and either keep them or try to hang them on the famous bead tree before heading to the parking lot. For an extra fee, guests are allowed to ride on the floats and are driven around while throwing these beads to those below, adding to their collection.
Along with the extra bonuses the park offers, Universal Studios usually extends their park hours to allow guests to have more time to enjoy everything this carnival has to offer. For a more exclusive experience, people can book a VIP Tour Package during Mardi Gras, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the park, along with some added perks. The VIP experience often includes front-of-the-line access to rides, shows, and attractions, meaning guests can spend more time enjoying the Mardi Gras festivities rather than waiting in line. A VIP guide will walk patrons through the event and help parkgoers navigate the best parts of Mardi Gras and the park, ensuring that no one misses out on the highlights. Ticket holders also receive special seating for the Mardi Gras parade, ensuring an unbeatable view. Last but most definitely not least, some VIP experiences may include a gourmet meal at one of Universal Studios’ fine dining locations or food tastings with a Mardi Gras twist.
Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras event in Orlando, Florida offers an exciting celebration that perfectly blends the vibrant traditions of New Orleans with the unique flair of Universal’s theme park. With this being the 30th annual celebration, it’s clear that the event has evolved into a major draw for both tourists and locals, offering a display of activities, experiences, and entertainment. From the lively parade with its stunning floats and bead-throwing fun to the delicious food offerings from around the world, guests are treated to an unforgettable cultural carnival. The addition of live concerts featuring big-name artists and the opportunity for VIP experiences elevates the event to another level, making sure visitors of all tastes and preferences have something to look forward to. Whether you’re a food enthusiast eager to try innovative dishes, a fan of live music excited to see your favorite artists, or simply someone who wants to experience the magic of Mardi Gras in a fun amosphere, Universal Studios provides the perfect setting for a memorable celebration. The Mardi Gras event not only highlights the spirit of the holiday but also reinforces Universal Studios’ commitment to creating magical, diverse experiences that cater to everyone, making it a must to visit for anyone seeking fun, food, and festivity in Orlando.
