Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll) from February 3 through April 7 during Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. This year’s festivities present a vibrant Mardi Gras party like no other, featuring an expansive menu of sweet, savory, and spicy dishes inspired by New Orleans favorites and iconic Carnaval flavors from around the globe, a dazzling Mardi Gras parade featuring all-new, incredibly detailed floats inspired by elements, and – on select nights – live concerts by top names in music like DJ Khaled, Ava Max, Luis Fonsi and more. And guests can enjoy all of the fun as part of regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.
Here is an overview of what’s in store at this year’s celebration:
SPECTACULAR MARDI GRAS CONCERT LINEUP
This year’s spectacular concert series will feature ten live performances by some of the most popular names across all genres of music – including GRAMMY-winning artist DJ Khaled, the artist behind the mega-hit, “Sweet but Psycho” – Ava Max, and five-time Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Luis Fonsi. Performances will take place on select nights following the Mardi Gras parade at the Music Plaza stage, located in front of the thrilling Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. See below for the complete concert line-up.
| UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2024
CONCERT LINEUP |
|||
| Date | Headliner | ||
| February 3 | Walker Hayes | ||
| February 10 | The All-American Rejects | ||
| February 17 | Elle King | ||
| February 18 | KC and the Sunshine Band | ||
| February 24 | Barenaked Ladies | ||
| March 2 | DJ Khaled | ||
| March 9 | Ava Max | ||
| March 10 | Queen Latifah | ||
| March 16 | Luis Fonsi | ||
| March 17 | Zedd | ||
NEW ELEMENTS PARADE THEME
This year’s Mardi Gras parade theme will bring the elements to life in six new, beautifully designed parade floats inspired by Earth, wind, fire, water, the sun and the moon. The new collection of element floats will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats to create this year’s parade – complete with high-energy music, dozens of performers donning elaborate costumes and tons of beads.
TASTE THE INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS OF CARNAVAL
Mardi Gras guests can savor the mouthwatering flavors of global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Spain to China and beyond with an expansive menu featuring more than 60 tasting-sized items. While venturing throughout the parkwide celebration, guests will find kiosks featuring delicious culinary delicacies inspired by various locations from around the globe – including the classic Fried Green Tomato Po’boy and fan-favorite fluffy Beignets from New Orleans, Chicken Schnitzel from Germany, Chilaquiles Verdes from Mexico and so much more.
The best way to experience the flavors of Mardi Gras is with the specialty Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card, which allows guests to taste and save more by paying $65 for a $75 card. Annual and Seasonal Passholders also receive special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120. The Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card will be available for purchase at Mardi Gras food and beverage locations throughout Universal Studios Florida.
THE PARTY CONTINUES AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S HOTELS
The best way to experience Universal Mardi Gras is with a stay at one of Universal’s eight incredible hotels, where guests can enjoy exclusive benefits including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks. Universal Orlando hotels will offer exclusive Mardi Gras food and beverages this season, such as the Crawfish and Andouille Sausage Egg Roll at Islands Dining Room in Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Mardi Gras Empanadas at Amatista Cookhouse in Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Jambalaya at Beach Break Cafe in Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites and more.
INCREDIBLE OFFERS TO GET THE CELEBRATION STARTED
Access to Universal Mardi Gras is included with regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida. Guests can now take advantage of these incredible offers to experience Mardi Gras and all that Universal Orlando’s theme parks have to offer:
- Florida and Georgia residents get two days free with the purchase of a 2-Park, 1-Day ticket – allowing them three days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure (click here to learn more).
- U.S., Canada and Latin America residents can enjoy two free days of admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure with the purchase of a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket – giving them four days of theme park thrills (click here to learn more).
- Become a Universal Orlando Passholder and get three months free on any 2-Park or 3-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass. Universal Annual and Seasonal Passholders also receive exclusive event perks, including a complimentary Mardi Gras-themed magnet, access to a special viewing area to enjoy the Mardi Gras parade, food and beverage discounts up to 15% off, special merchandise and more. Click here to learn more.
Plus, Universal Orlando Passholders and Florida residents can save 40% on rooms at all Universal Orlando hotels during select dates this Mardi Gras season.
For more information about Universal Mardi Gras and additional offerings, like the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter @iamcg83