Interested in going to Universal Studios Orlando Mardi Gras celebration? I highly recommend it! It’s been one of my favorite celebrations that I’ve gone to so far since I’ve been an annual passholder!
Mardi Gras at Universal runs from February 5 through April 24. The celebrations mostly take place in Universal Studios, not in Islands of Adventure, and is included in your park ticket to Universal Studios. We’re already about halfway through this year’s celebrations, but I wanted to share some of my favorite things to do at this year’s Mardi Gras.
Explore the Tribute Store
Walking through the Tribute Store, you can find photos of previous Mardi Gras celebrations, how they made the current year’s floats for the parade, so many fun types of merchandise (there’s lots of unique shirts and things that you can ONLY find in the Tribute Store), and many themed rooms. It’s always one of my favorite places to walk through during each of Universal’s celebrations.
Watch the performers
There are many different types of performers during Mardi Gras like the stilt walkers and jazz band parade, but some of the year-round performers like the Beat Builders also perform more Mardi Gras-themed music.
Image captions: Stilt walkers, jazz band parade walking through NYC
EAT!
I’m a foodie, and the food during Mardi Gras is some of my absolute FAVORITES! I love southern food. My favorite eats during Mardi Gras this year were the beignets and Purple Haze lager (if you’re over 21!), but there’s also potato twists (which are also super popular) and many other types of drinks and food items. There are food booths all throughout the park so be sure to look around and pick your favorites!
Image captions: Beignets, Purple Haze lager, one of the food stands
Watch the Mardi Gras Parade
This is obviously what you go to Mardi Gras for, right? All of the floats are made and shipped from New Orleans, Louisiana, which I think is amazing. During the parade, volunteers and Universal employees throw Mardi Gras bead necklaces for revelers to catch. It’s a tradition that comes from the traditional Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans – except much more PG. It’s always super fun and often times turns into a competition with your fellow travelers – how many can you catch??
Image captions: Many of the floats during the Mardi Gras parade
Volunteer to throw beads at the Mardi Gras parade
Did you know that you can volunteer to throw beads from the floats during the Mardi Gras parade? You can sign up online to throw the beads a few days before or the morning of, but it is a commitment for a few hours as you have to show up an hour or two before the parade starts, essentially giving up the last 3 hours or so of your park time. However, it is a unique and fun experience for visitors.
Attend a concert
On select nights (usually Saturday nights), Universal hosts concerts with both popular and not-as-well-known artists. Some of the more popular artists I’ve seen listed are Jason DeRulo and Marshmello, but I am sure that the park is going to be PACKED with people on those nights, so it’s something to consider. Concerts are free, included in your park ticket to Studios.
Overall, I really enjoyed Mardi Gras celebrations at Universal Studios Orlando this year! I absolutely love Mardi Gras, so it really came as no surprise. If you were planning to visit Universal during Mardi Gras, be sure to add a few of these items to your list!
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Thank you for reading! Have you ever been to Universal Studios Mardi Gras celebrations? Have I convinced you to?? Let me know in the comments below and like this post if you want more like it!
Xoxo’s
Emmalee
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Emmalee Mauldin 