Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval Kicks Off This Weekend

Universal Orlando Resort’s wildly popular event, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, begins this Saturday, February 1 and runs daily through Sunday, March 30, inviting guests to celebrate 30 years of beads, parades, music and food. The fan-favorite celebration returns to Universal Studios Florida with an all-new mouth-watering menu of international cuisine, a spectacular parade with dazzling floats where guests can catch tons of beads, and live concerts – on select nights – by some of the biggest names in music, like GRAMMY-winning artist T-Pain, global pop superstar Joe Jonas and Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Juanes. And guests can enjoy all of the fun as part of regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.

See below for more information about the festivities that await at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras, plus special offers guests can take advantage of this season:

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval Experiences
Guests can let the good times roll and enjoy: Live performances by the biggest names in music on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage inside Universal Studios Florida, following the Mardi Gras parade (see below for the full concert lineup).

• Mouth-watering flavors of global cuisine from New Orleans to Puerto Rico and beyond. Guests can venture through Universal Studios Florida and dine on the sweet, savory and spicy dishes – including Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from Canada, Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from China, a Colombian Burger and so much more. The best way to enjoy this year’s delicious menu is with the purchase of the Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card, where guests pay $65 for a $75 card. Annual and Seasonal Passholders also receive special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120.
• A dazzling Mardi Gras parade where they can celebrate 30 years of Mardi Gras and catch tons of beads by the handful. This year’s parade features six all-new floats inspired by some of the most famous Krewes in New Orleans. The new collection of floats will highlight food, beads and the bayou, and will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired signature floats – complete with energetic live music, dozens of performers and more.
  • Guests can also take their Mardi Gras party to the next level with the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a delicious three-course meal at one of eight participating restaurants, followed by an exclusive opportunity to be a part of the parade by tossing beads aboard one of the coveted floats as it travels down the streets of Universal Studios Florida. Click here for more information.
• An all-new incredibly-themed Tribute Store where they’ll uncover the wondrous, whimsical and weird legends of the bayou and explore a curiosity shop, swamp shack and marsh. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the bayou and shop an exciting array of Mardi Gras-themed merchandise. Highlights include a vibrant selection of apparel such as t-shirts, flannels, hats and hoodies, as well as accessories like headwear, backpacks, and vinyl toys. New must-haves include the eye-catching Gator Junior Shoulder Pal Plush and exclusive 30th anniversary collectibles, including a customizable commemorative beaded necklace, light-up Gator Junior popcorn bucket, a limited-edition bubble pin, and festive chocolate coins.
• Exclusive benefits including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks by staying at one of Universal Orlando’s nine hotels, where they can dine on Mardi Gras food and beverages from Bourbon Street Beignets at The Kitchen in Hard Rock Hotel to Bayou Shrimp and Grits at Bar 17 in Universal Aventura Hotel.
• Special Mardi Gras offerings at select venues at Universal CityWalk, including Pat O’Brien’s Mardi Gras After Party on select nights with live entertainment and exclusive food and drink offerings, and the Red Coconut Club, which will transform into the Cursed Coconut Club, open on select nights for the Mardi Gras season.
• And more!