Skip to main content

Universal Mardi Gras 2023


Universal Orlando Resort has so much to offer at all times of year, but from around February to April each year, the Universal Studios Florida park gets a little more pizazz as they add in Mardi Gras celebrations, all included with the price of your regular admission!  It includes international inspired food booths, a parade complete with beads, and concerts by some of your favorite artists on select nights.  Join us as we go beyond the Bayou for Universal's Mardi Gras, featuring NOLA favorites and the best of Carnaval celebrations around the world. 

The 2023 event is International Flavors of Mardi Gras and runs from February 4th to April 16th, 2023.  Due to a special event on March 31st, the parade will not be offered. 

The parade is always a great time, full of energy, beautiful floats and beads to catch while you watch. The parade this year will feature some favorite floats from the past and also introduce six brand new floats. But did you know, you can even ride on the floats yourself?  New for 2023, there is a brand new Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine option!

Includes:

  • Reserved spot for you and yours on one of the spectacular parade floats. Unique chance to guarantee a spot in the parade where you can wave to the crowds as you toss out beads!
  • Enjoy a 3-course meal selecting from the full menu at one of the four participating restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort.
  • Available for select dates Feb.4-Apr.16
  • Mardi Gras Float Riders must be 18+ or accompanied by a legal guardian 18 or older. All riders must be at least 48" in height to board the floats and must be able to stand for the duration of the parade.
  • Separate theme park admission is required
  • Prices start at $69.00 and purchase must be made at least 24 hours prior to event date
  • If you are interested in adding this to your vacation, contact your Kingdom Konsultant Agent today as we anticipate spots will fill up fast! 

Each year the concert lineup is eagerly awaited and I'm happy to say there are quite a few I'm excited about this year.  A big weekend kicks off early in the event with JVKE performing Friday, February 10th,  and The Goo Goo Dolls on Saturday February 11th.  I'm personally looking forward to 3 Doors Down on Saturday, February 25th.  Other artists announced include Patti LaBelle, Willow, and Sean Paul.  

Finally, there are numerous tasting booths throughout Universal Studios Florida to get a variety of bites throughout the day.  But the flavors don't stop there, Citywalk and Universal Resort restaurants and bars add specialty menu items to enjoy outside the parks as well.  Try some Bourbon Street Bengiets over at the Hard Rock Hotel or King Cake Pancakes at Loew's Royal Pacific. Of if you are more into something savory, Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer Shrimp Po' Boys. 

One of my favorite bites from past events was from the Brazil booth, and I can't wait to try even more this year!

Stuffed Coxinha – crispy pulled-chicken teardrop fritters from Brazil


For more details on this year's event including full concert lineup, click here.

For more on past year's celebrations, click here




Maci Schau
Maci is an avid foodie and loves trying out new restaurants and seasonal food offerings in the parks.  You can email Maci at maci@kingdomkonsultant.com.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Cruising with a Baby: A Complete Guide

You took a baby on a cruise!? Yep, and I'd do it again knowing what I know now. So, say goodbye to months of research - Everything you need to know is here!! One of the biggest challenges of traveling with a baby is planning what you need to bring. I wanted to share what worked for us, and hopefully help others who are planning their cruise! Remember, babies can only cruise after their 6-month birthday on sailings from the U.S. If you are going transatlantic, or have more than three days out at sea, they must be 12 months old by the first day of your cruise. Pre-Cruise   We flew to the cruise port, and I couldn’t bring all the food and snacks I needed, so I placed an Instacart order for pick up near the port. I chose Publix in Cocoa Beach which is a few miles from Port Canaveral. I placed the order a few days before we left home, and set the pickup time to 11:00 a.m. I ordered formula, a box of diapers, swim diapers, bottle brush, dish soap, baby food, and baby snacks. I also broug

The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel Review

I love staying at the Disneyland Hotel so when I got the opportunity to stay at the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel during opening weekend, I couldn’t pass it up. Because it was opening weekend, we were greeted in the entrance way of the lobby with balloons and many photo opportunities. When we arrived, there was a mural of the Haunted Mansion. I love how the seats in the main lobby were designed like the teacups in the parks. You can check in using the Disneyland app, drop your bags with bell services and head into the parks or use the amenities why you wait until your room is ready. When your room is ready, the resort will send you a text and you can use the Disneyland app on your mobile device to unlock the room. We dropped off our bags and went straight to the parks. We received a text around 1PM that our room was ready. In the new Discovery Tower (the Villas), you'll find that the lobby is very spacious with many places to sit while you read or wait for your family. Th

Chronos Club Review at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

I recently stayed at the Chronos Club at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. I've been a fan of Disney's Coronado Springs Resort since my first visit as it reminds me of my hometown, San Antonio. I've stayed in rooms ranging from preferred, Casita Suite, Tower King, and now Club Level access. The Chronos Club is located on the 15th floor of the Gran Destino Tower and can only be accessed with a key card or MagicBand to a corresponding Club Level reservation. I've previously stayed Club Level at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Inn, and Disney's Grand Californian Resort. These are all considered Deluxe Resorts. Something that makes the Chronos Club stand out is that it is located in what Disney considers a Moderate Resort. I was really excited to check out the difference in experience, since there can be a notable difference in price tag for Moderate vs. Deluxe Res