If you’re looking for a reason to visit Universal in the spring, consider this your glitter-covered invitation. Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is bold, colorful, loud in the best way, and absolutely delicious.
It’s basically a mashup of a food festival, a concert series, and a parade where you get to throw beads at strangers and call it community bonding. And I am here for it.
And here’s the part I love telling my clients…
Mardi Gras does NOT require a separate event ticket.
It’s included with your regular admission to Universal Studios Florida.
That means parade, live entertainment, concert nights, and all those festive vibes are part of your park day.
You’re not paying extra just to experience the celebration. We love a value-packed vacation moment.
Let’s Talk Food Booths
The food booths? Elite.
They line the park with global flavors inspired by real Mardi Gras celebrations and beyond. Think savory, sweet, spicy, crispy, saucy… it’s a culinary passport with jazz playing in the background.
My favorite bite of the night?
The Fried Green Tomato Po’ Boy.
Crispy fried green tomatoes piled high on fresh bread with a creamy, tangy sauce that ties it all together.
It had crunch, it had flavor, it had personality. I would go back just for that sandwich. No Notes.
Pro tip: Go hungry. Pace yourself. Share if you must… but maybe don’t share that Po’ Boy.
The Jazz Bands = Vibes
The live jazz bands scattered throughout the park were phenomenal.
There’s something about walking through the streets of Universal with brass instruments echoing through the air that just flips a switch in your brain. It feels festive without feeling forced. Lively but not chaotic.
You’re sipping something cold, nibbling on festival food, beads around your neck, music floating through the air. It’s immersive in the best way.
Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine Experience
Now let’s talk about the highlight of my night.
I participated in the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience… and yes, I got to be IN the parade.
Not watching...Not waving from the sidewalk.
On. The. Float.
You get costumed up, climb aboard, and toss beads to the crowd while the parade rolls through the park. It’s high-energy, joyful chaos. The crowd cheers like you’re royalty. Your arm gets a workout. It’s fabulous.
If you’ve ever thought, “I want to be part of the magic instead of watching it,” this is it.
Dinner at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
After the parade, the experience includes a three-course dinner.
Mine was at Antojitos — and it was the perfect way to wind down from the bead-throwing excitement.
Fresh chips and salsa to start, flavorful entrées, and a sweet finish. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, which fits the Mardi Gras energy perfectly, but still relaxed enough to actually sit and enjoy your meal.
It felt like the celebration didn’t just end when the parade was over. It just shifted gears.
Is Mardi Gras at Universal Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you love:
• Festival-style food booths
• Live music and street party vibes
• High-energy parades
• Interactive experiences
• Incredible value included with your park ticket
This is your season.
I love recommending this time of year at Universal because you’re getting so much more layered into your vacation without needing a special event ticket. Oh, and the weather is perfection.
And if you want to level it up?
That Float Ride and Dine experience is the move.
