Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is my second favorite seasonal event at Universal.  In full disclosure, the only way it will ever peak as number one is if they hang up Christmas lights in March and allow the Grinch to throw beads in the Mardi Gras parade.  Can you just imagine the Grinch chucking Mardi Gras beads at people?!?!  I think I’m on to something here… (I might have used this same intro on our podcast episode, but it’s too good not to use it again, right??)

Mardi Gras happens every year February through April.  It is included in your park admission and is 100% family friendly. 

Parade

The Mardi Gras parade at Universal is a spectacular event that should not be missed.  There is a theme every year and this year’s (2022) theme was “Out Of This World.” That actually took me a little bit to pick up on and I was a little confused about why there were astronauts and planets, but it eventually made sense. 😉 The Mardi Gras parade has lots of floats, bold colors, music, streamers, fire… everything you would expect out of a (family-friendly) Mardi Gras parade.  But my favorite part of the parade is you can sign up to ride the floats!  Three of the Pineapple Escapes agents were able to participate as a float rider this year, and it was the BEST part of my day!  They supply you with boxes of beads to throw to the parade spectators.  There is training prior to the parade letting you know the proper way to throw them without potentially hurting a spectator.  (If you want to know which agent didn’t follow those instructions, you can listen to the podcast here Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Episode.)

Concerts

There are concerts on select nights during Mardi Gras season inside Universal Studios. The best thing about these concerts is they are FREE!  They are included in your park admission – there’s no additional charge to attend the concert.  The concerts are held on a stage in the Universal Music Plaza in front of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.  There aren’t any seats, only a large grassy area.  You can bring a blanket or a towel if you plan to stake out a place earlier in the day prior to the concerts. However, you should expect to stand for the duration of the concert unless you can find a curb or bench to sit on around the perimeter of the stage viewing area. 

2022 concert lineup consisted of:

-Sugar Ray                                -Becky G

-Diana Ross                              -Khalid

-Barenaked Ladies                    -Seal

-Styx                                         -Gavin DeGraw

-Jon Pardi                                -The Revivalists

-LL Cool J                                -Jimmie Allen

-Marshmello                             -Jason Derulo

-Lee Brice

Food

Saving the best for last.  The Mardi Gras food booths are amazing and worth the trip themselves!  I have my favorites, and they lure me back every year.  I also know the favorites of some of my fellow agents and that makes it very easy to talk them into going back with me each year.  There are specialty foods and drinks from around the world, including New Orleans.  These specialty food and drink options are only offered during the Mardi Gras season.  My favorites are the seafood boil and beignets.  They make me want to plan a trip to New Orleans just to eat.  (Universal, if you’re reading, please offer these year-round!)

I hope you decide to live wilder, louder, and spicier at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration!

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