Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort: The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Parades, Food, Concerts & Travel Tips
If you're planning a Universal Orlando vacation and wondering what makes Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort one of the most celebrated theme park events of the year, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. As a travel advisor who attends Mardi Gras at Universal every single year, I’ve gathered insider tips, crowd-avoiding tricks, food recommendations, and all the best-kept secrets that will help you plan the perfect trip.
From the dazzling Mardi Gras parade and themed floats to the global cuisine at the International Flavors of Carnaval and star-studded concert lineup, this is one Universal event you don’t want to miss.
What Is Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort?
Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is an annual spring celebration included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. The event blends New Orleans-style festivities with Universal’s signature entertainment, offering:
A nightly Mardi Gras parade
Elaborate themed floats designed with Mardi Gras artisans
Colorful street performers, dancers, stilt walkers & musicians
International Flavors of Carnaval food booths
A live concert series featuring big-name artists
Seasonal merchandise, photo ops & themed décor
It’s one of the best seasonal events in Orlando and a major highlight for both theme park fans and first-time visitors.
The Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Orlando: Floats, Beads & Fan-Favorite Entertainment
The Universal Mardi Gras parade is the centerpiece of the event and one of the most spectacular theme park parades in Florida.
What to Expect from the Parade
Each night, the streets of Universal Studios come alive with:
Massive, beautifully themed floats designed by the same team responsible for New Orleans Mardi Gras floats
Dancers in vibrant, feathered costumes
Stilt walkers and roaming performers
Dozens of bead-throwers tossing brightly colored beads into the crowd
The parade theme changes each year, which makes every season unique. The excitement, music, and energy feel like a family-friendly version of Mardi Gras in New Orleans—right in Orlando.
Best Spots to Catch Beads
Want to maximize your bead haul? Stand:
Near the beginning or end of the parade route
On parade corners (float riders tend to toss more beads here)
Near the Music Plaza area for optimal float views
Pro Tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes early on weekends and concert nights to claim a good viewing spot.
Dancers, Performers & Costumes: The Heart of Universal Mardi Gras
One of the biggest reasons guests love Mardi Gras at Universal is the nonstop entertainment. During the day and evening, you’ll see:
Performers inspired by global Carnaval culture
Costumed dancers wearing sequins, feathers & masks
Street entertainers offering photo ops
Musical performers playing jazz, Latin rhythms & carnival beats
These performers rotate throughout the event, giving each visit a slightly different experience.
International Flavors of Carnaval: The Best Food at Universal Mardi Gras
If you're a foodie like me, the International Flavors of Carnaval is reason enough to visit. Universal Studios transforms into an outdoor food festival filled with flavors from around the world.
Popular Food Booths from Previous Seasons
Though the menus change each year, previous years have featured:
New Orleans: gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, shrimp & grits
Brazil: feijoada, crispy pastel pastries
Puerto Rico: mofongo, tostones, elotes locos
India: butter chicken, naan dishes
Trinidad & Tobago: doubles & spicy Caribbean bites
Belgium: waffles dipped in chocolate
This global menu makes Mardi Gras one of Universal’s top food festivals, on par with EPCOT festivals but with more bold, carnival-style flavors.
Money-Saving Tip: Universal often sells tasting lanyards or food & beverage cards—these frequently lower your average cost per item.
Universal Mardi Gras Concert Series: Included With Admission
On select nights, the Music Plaza Stage hosts a free concert series featuring mainstream artists. Past performers have included:
KC & The Sunshine Band
Gavin DeGraw
Diana Ross
LL COOL J
BUSH
Live!
The Goo Goo Dolls
Sean Paul
Zedd
These concerts fill quickly and are included in park admission for all guests; plan to arrive an hour or more early on major performer nights. If using an annual pass for access, please be aware that certain level passes are blacked out during concert nights.
LIVE performs at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras
BUSH performs at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardis Gras
Best-Kept Secrets, Insider Tips & Travel Hacks for Universal Mardi Gras
As someone who attends this event every year, these are my tried-and-true insider strategies for getting the best experience:
1. Sign Up to Ride a Mardi Gras Float
Yes—you can actually ride a Mardi Gras float at Universal.
Annual Passholders typically get priority, but day guests can sometimes join via the Virtual Line in the app. It’s one of the most unforgettable experiences Universal offers. Universal also offers dining packages that include the ability to ride on a Mardi Gras Float.
2. Visit on a Weeknight
Weekends (especially concert nights) draw the largest crowds. If you want to enjoy more food booths with shorter lines, go Monday–Thursday.
3. Don’t Miss the Mardi Gras Tribute Store
Every season features a themed store with multiple immersive rooms, exclusive souvenirs, and amazing photo spots. It’s a hidden gem many first-time visitors skip.
4. Start at the Back of the Park for Food
Crowds naturally gather near the front of the park and around the lagoon. Start your tasting journey in the back half of the park to avoid lines.
5. Plan Your Dining Ahead of Time
CityWalk restaurants fill up fast on concert and parade nights. Making a reservation ahead of time can save you 45–60 minutes of waiting.
6. Stay On-Site for Easy Access
Universal’s hotels offer:
Early park entry
Shorter transportation times
Lounge and poolside Mardi Gras offerings (varies by hotel)
Premium resorts offer Express Pass packages at no extra charge
Staying onsite makes attending the nighttime festivities significantly easier.
7. Check for Parade Times Early
Parade schedules change depending on the night; some evenings may have earlier start times for families.
Is Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Kid-Friendly?
Yes! Universal’s Mardi Gras is designed to be fun for the entire family. Kids love the parade, dancers, costumes, global food booths, and photo ops. Some parade routes even feature “Little Jester” areas for safer kid-friendly viewing.
Why Plan Your Trip With a Travel Agent Who Attends Mardi Gras Every Year
With new dishes, parade themes, floats, and performers each year, planning Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first visit. That’s where I come in.
As a travel agent who visits Mardi Gras annually, I provide:
Personalized itineraries
Hotel recommendations based on your travel style
Parade, concert, and food festival planning
Insider tips you won’t find in standard guides
Help maximizing your ticket value & time in the parks
Ready to Experience Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando?
If you're ready to enjoy the parades, concerts, food, and festive energy of Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort, I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
👉 Contact me today for more information or to book your Universal Mardi Gras vacation!
