Your Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2024 

Imagine a place where the music fills the air, a kaleidoscope of colorful floats parade down the streets, and mouth-watering Cajun cuisines are readily available to tantalize your taste buds. It’s no fantasy—it’s Universal Orlando Mardi Gras!

This sensational festival, inspired by the vibrant traditions of The Big Easy, brings a flavor of Louisiana right to the heart of Orlando, Florida. Universal Orlando comes alive with a celebration that is about fun and the spirit of unity and community.  Kick off your Mardi Gras experience by engaging in the lively parade marches. As a blend of traditional New Orleans flare and Universal’s unique magic, these parades are nothing short of spectacular.

Let yourself be swayed by the pulsating rhythms of Big Band Jazz music, marvel at the grand, vibrant, larger-than-life floats, and luxuriate in the radiant downpour of collected beads. No trip to the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras would be complete without catching these iconic beads.

Next, head on to the French Quarter Courtyard, where you’ll be enveloped in the infectious energy of live, rhythmic New Orleans music. Of course, don’t forget to stop by Universal CityWalk’s Mardi Gras Food and Beverage Tents. Delight your taste buds with a host of New Orleans-inspired delicacies such as gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée.

The anticipation is building and everyone wants to know, “when is Mardi Gras 2024 Universal Orlando?” Follow along as we unveil everything about this remarkable event.

As you plan your visit, consider our complete guide which shines a spotlight on all you can expect from this unforgettable fair.

 

Mark Your Calendars: Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Dates and Time

If you’re planning a visit, the Mardi Gras parade schedule Universal Orlando is key to making the most out of your time. With the information in hand, you can plan around and enjoy all the festivities that will take place.

“So when does Mardi Gras start at Universal Orlando?” you may ask. This event is set to kick off on February 3rd and run through to April 7th. The fun begins each day at 10:00 AM, offering you the luxury of an early start to immerse in the festivities promptly. The Park’s most excellent Orlando Universal Mardi Gras Parade sways to the rhythm each evening starting at 7:30 PM, so ensure you have a good spot to witness the spectacle. Moreover, on select nights, the live concerts ignite the stage with captivating performances, typically starting around 8:30 PM.

Related Post: Insider’s Guide to Universal Orlando Resort

Navigate the Festivities: Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Venue

Head to 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida, which is where the Mardi Gras festivities unfold before your eyes. Once there, vibrant New Orleans-style floats pass through the French Quarter Courtyard – the epicenter of the celebrations, located within the Universal Orlando theme park.

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval Attractions

Marvelous Parade and Colorful Performers

Picture a burst of colors, lively marching bands, stilt walkers, performers tossing colorful beads, and of course, elaborately themed floats.  This year, prepare to be enchanted by the “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” theme.

A unique and magical theme that has given birth to six unforgettable new floats. This theme blends whimsical creatures with Bourbon Street charm in the much-loved Universal Orlando Mardi Gras parade, boasting floats that have been meticulously designed and crafted in the heart of New Orleans. Overflowing with entertainers, performers, and pulsating music, this is an extravaganza that you simply can’t afford to miss.

Just remember, this parade comes to life only on select dates throughout the Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando.

The parade kick-off is at 5:15 pm on these days:

• February 5
• February 7
• February 12
• February 24
• February 27

Here are the dates when the parade begins at 6:15 pm:

• February 4
• February 6
• February 8 and 9
• February 11
• February 13 to 16
• February 21 to 23
• February 25 and 26
• February 28 to March 1
• March 3 to 8

The parade will start at 7:30 pm on these dates:

• February 19 and 20
• March 11 to 15
• March 18 to April 7

Check out the following dates for a 7:45 pm parade start time:

• • February 3
  • February 10
  • February 17 and 18
  • March 2
  • March 9 and 10
  • March 16 and 17

Front-Row Views: Where to Catch the Mardi Gras Parade?

Continuing over 15 minutes and taking about 45 minutes to travel around the park, the parade kicks off at the Horror Makeup Show before it navigates towards the Transformers attraction, moving counterclockwise. For the best viewing experience and the most personal space, we would recommend securing a spot between the Transformers and the lagoon.

Related Post: Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure: An Inside Look at Universal Orlando’s Theme Parks

Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience

From Feb. 3 to Apr. 7, 2024, secure your own place on one of the exuberant parade floats and become part of the entertainment by flinging colorful beads into the enthusiastic crowd. It’s the best strategy to guarantee you’re part of the parade excitement! Additionally, relish a gourmet 3-course meal from a comprehensive menu available at any of these four participating eateries at Universal Orlando Resort.

Everyday Menu

• Starters
• Scotch Eggs
• Irish Loaded Chips
• Chicken Stingers
• Finnegan’s Potato & Onion Webb (V)
• Reilly’s Chicken Wings
• Guinness Warm 3 Cheese Dip (V)

Finnegan’s Favorites

• Grilled Fillet of Salmon
• Bangers & Mash
• Shepherd’s Pie
• North Atlantic Baked Codfish
• Finnegan’s Chicken
• Country Cork Corned Beef & Cabbage
• Beef Tenderloin
• Kilkenny Pot Pie
• Irish Fish & Chips
• Guinness Beef Stew
• Finnegan’s Pork Shoulder
• Vegan Shepherd Pie (GS, VG)

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Fountain Soda
• Juice
• Hot Drinks
• Iced Tea
• Milk
• Water

Click here to view the full menu.

Lombard’s Seafood Grill

Appetizers

• Mission Street Shrimp Cocktail
• San Pablo Spinach & Artichoke Dip (V)
• Calamari
• Tuna Poké

Entrées

• Lombard’s Lobster Roll
• Filet Mignon
• Fish and Chips
• Shrimp Alfredo

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Fountain Soda
• Iced Tea
• Milk
• Water
• Frozen Drinks
• Hot Drinks
• Juice

Click here to view the full menu.

Universal CityWalk

Appetizers

• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
• Appetizers
• Crab Rangoon Dip
• Edamame
• Crispy Calamari
• Spicy Togarashi Shrimp
• Parmesan Bacon Truffle Fries (GS)
• Spicy Poke Dip
• Sesame Chicken Bites

Entrée

• Sushi Combos
• Fusion Specialty Rolls
• Burgers
• Burgushi Rolls & Pick-Ups
• Sashimi
• Bento Boxes

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Fountain Soda
• Water
• Hot Tea
• Iced Tea
• Hot Coffee

Click here to view the full menu.

NBC Sports Grill & Bar

Starting Line Up

• Large Warm Soft Pretzel (V)
• Margherita Flatbread (V)
• Artichoke & Spinach Dip (V)

Entrée

• Bases Loaded Burgers
• Championship Winning Wings
• “Grip It” Sandwiches

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Fountain Soda

Click here to view the full menu.

 

Feel the Beat: Mardi Gras 2024 Concerts Schedule

No Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without the lively, energetic pulse of music, and Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2024 embodies this spirit wholeheartedly. The vibrant concerts hosted at the event and performed at Music Plaza Stage have become an iconic part of Universal’s Mardi Gras tradition. Festival-goers from around the globe flock to the Park to let the good times roll and lose themselves in the energetic beats and captivating performances.

Experience electrifying live music at this Mardi Gras, with performances scheduled on select nights from the likes of DJ Khaled, Ava Max, Luis Fonsi, and many other celebrated musicians.

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Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2024 Concert Lineup:

February

• February 3 – Walker Hayes
• March 10 – The All-American Rejects
• March 17 – Nessa Barrett
• March 18 – KC and The Sunshine Band
• March 24 – Barenaked Ladies

March

• March 2 – DJ Khaled
• March 9 – Ava Max
• March 10 – Queen Latifah
• March 16 – Luis Fonsi
• March 17 – Zedd

The Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Concert lineup for April is still to be announced.

Mardi Gras Universal Orlando 2024 Food and Drinks Lineup

Break free from the usual and let your gastronomic spirit soar with delectable dishes inspired by Carnaval festivities worldwide. Try the crunchy Chicken Schnitzel from Germany, the zest of the Mexican Chilaquiles Verdes, and much more. It’s a globetrotting feast designed to engage your senses.

The much-anticipated Universal’s annual event showcases an impressive spread of N’awlins-style food and drinks that typically feature over 50 dishes and beverages, each reflecting the unique tastes of various Carnaval countries or cities. Your Mardi Gras culinary journey isn’t confined to just Universal Florida as well.

Expand your flavor horizons as, for the first time, both Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay are bringing a sprinkle of Mardi Gras magic to their menus. You can also find select Mardi Gras dishes throughout Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Florida Hotels.

If you’re up for an unforgettable culinary adventure, why not make your food journey easier with a Universal Orlando Resort Food & Beverage Card? It’s your passport to savoring the world’s Carnaval flavors. Just pay 65 for a 75-dollar worth dining experience.

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2024 Food Booths

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds! Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2024 is featuring an incredible variety of dishes from around the globe. From sizzling Spanish tapas to zesty Mexican cuisine, the event features an array of food stalls, each representing a different country and their unique culinary traditions. But that’s not all. Prepare your palate for mouth-watering French pastries, flavorful Caribbean dishes, and diverse Asian flavors like crawfish boil and lumpia.

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Sink your teeth into Mardi Gras food Universal Orlando food and drinks options and enter the culinary worlds of:

• Belgium
• Brazil
• Canada
• China
• Colombia
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Mexico
• New Orleans
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Spain
• Thailand

The food stalls kick into gear at 11:00 in the morning and run right up until about 30 minutes before the park winds down for the day. Expect to fork out anywhere from $5 to slightly over $15 for a bite to eat, although you’ll find the majority of the dishes sit comfortably in the $8-12 range.

If you would like an alcoholic drink, all stations are offering them. Expect to pay between $10 and $15 for a regular-sized drink.

Mardi Gras Tribute Store

An indispensable part of the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2024 has to be the Tribute Store; a themed retail area that wonderfully captures the lively spirit of the renowned festival. Every inch of the store immerses guests in the vibrant culture of Mardi Gras, count it as a mini-carnival right at your fingertips.

While you’re there, don’t miss out on the exclusive merchandise! Take home a piece of the Mardi Gras celebration with limited-edition items such as graphic tees, light-up lanyards, collectible pins, and more. There’s no better way to commemorate your fun-filled adventure at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras than with a souvenir that captures its essence.

Lastly, let your tastebuds in on the fun. Many of the snack options mirror the festival’s traditional Creole and Cajun cuisine. So, be sure to try mouth-watering treats like King Cake and jambalaya.

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval Tickets

The Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration is included with your general admission or annual pass.

Nearby Hotels and Lodgings

After living it up at the festival, you’ll need to recharge at a luxurious hotel that will get you rested for more days spent at Universal Orlando.

Tripster offers these hotels minutes away from the city’s top landmarks:

• Holiday Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando
• DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Clarion Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando Resort
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Universal Orlando Vacation Packages

Mardi Gras 2024 Universal Orlando is definitely a bucket-list experience. But the moment Universal Studio Orlando Mardi Gras is over, it’s time to embrace TV and movie-based adventures while conquering the rest of the Sunshine State.

Secure these discount vacation packages from Tripster:

• Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando Hotel Package – SAVE up to 7%
• Universal Orlando Vacation Package – SAVE up to 11%
• Universal Orlando & SeaWorld Hotel Package – SAVE up to 19%
• LEGOLAND Florida & Universal Orlando Resort Vacation Package – SAVE up to $13

 

Navigating Parking at Universal Orlando During Mardi Gras 2024

If you’re gearing up for a visit to Universal Orlando for the Mardi Gras 2024 festivities, the task of figuring out where to park may initially feel overwhelming. Worry not, as we’re here to help guide you. The go-to parking location for both day-visitors and overnight guests is none other than the Universal Orlando Parking Garage.

The garage is conveniently situated at 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, making it an easy and accessible choice for all attendees. If you’re aiming to plan your visit strategically and want to keep proximity in mind, be sure to consider the parking options at Universal CityWalk.

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Universal CityWalk is a popular spot for shopping and dining, with its location placing you directly in the core of the Mardi Gras 2024 action. Regular parking at this location will run you $25 per day, making it a viable choice for most budgets.

For those who wish to be even closer to the festival activities, Universal CityWalk also offers premium parking options. These are priced at $40 per day and offer an enticing level of convenience for those willing to splurge a bit more.

Experience Universal Orlando Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval

When it comes to Mardi Gras celebrations, Universal Orlando takes things seriously. For months, your favorite theme park will brim with colorful costumes, extravagant floats, and traditional music.

There will be authentic Cajun cuisine and more dishes from Brazil and beyond to taste. In other words, you don’t have to be in New Orleans to enjoy an over-the-top Mardi Gras experience!

Get ready to revel in the festive atmosphere, learn new cultural cuisine traditions from all over the world, and even join the awaited parade where you can throw beads at spectators. Afterward, find yourself bopping at the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras concerts 2024!

So, what are you waiting for? Save the Mardi Gras dates Universal Orlando, put on those glittering masks, and get your Universal Orlando Mardi Gras tickets today!