Universal Orlando Resort invites you to “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll) at their popular Mardi Gras celebration. The park transforms into “Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval,” happening now through March 30.
This year’s event invites guests to celebrate 30 years of beads, parades, music and food at Universal Orlando. Here are five things you need to know about the celebration, from tasty treats to star-studded concerts.
Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to celebrate 30 years of Mardi Gras through March 30 during “Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval.”
1. Who is performing at Universal Mardi Gras 2025?
This year’s concerts, included in the price of admission, will feature live performances by some of the most popular names in music. Performances will take place on select nights after the Mardi Gras parade. Make your way to the Music Plaza stage, located in front of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster near the front of the park.
Joe Jonas will perform at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration on Feb. 8. Visit universalorlando.com.
Here’s the lineup.
-
March 1: Foster the People
2. Will there be a parade?
Of course! This year’s Mardi Gras parade will have newly designed floats inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras traditions like masks, beads, food, music, and more. These floats will join Universal’s classic lineup, complete with high-energy music, dozens of performers wearing elaborate costumes and tons of beads.
Parade times vary by date. For updated information, visit Universal Orlando’s website and app.
Lora Sauls, assistant director of creative development and show direction at Universal Orlando, describes the parade as an authentic New Orleans experience.
“30 years ago, our leadership wanted to bring authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras to Universal Studios,” Sauls said. “We had built this wonderful partnership with Kern Studios, the builders of most of the largest Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans.”
“Our design crew hand glitters all the floats,” she said. “We have six new floats this year, a brand new parade lineup all the beads that you’ll ever want.”
3. What is the ‘Float Ride and Dine Experience’?
If you want to be part of the action, check out the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. Guests can toss beads from a Mardi Gras float and enjoy a three-course meal at one of the participating Universal Orlando restaurants, which include Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, Lombard’s Seafood Grill, Pat O’Brien’s and more.
Riders must be 18 or older, or be accompanied by a legal guardian. This experience starts at $89.99, which is separate from park admission. To reserve, visit universalorlando.com.
4. What specialty food will be available?
The chefs at Universal Orlando have taken inspiration from global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Spain to China and beyond to create this year’s menu. You’ll find kiosks throughout the park featuring tasting-sized items, including fluffy beignets and Cajun mac and cheese from New Orleans, vegan potato dosa from India, Leberkäse from Germany and hot maple lacquered salmon from Canada.
Chef Jens Dahlmann, executive chef of operations at Universal Orlando, said the food will take guests on a journey filled with authentic flavors.
“This year, the chef team and my culinary team has done a great job to continue to create amazing, deep flavors that help us to tell the stories of Carnavals from around the world,” Dahlmann said.
5. How much are tickets?
The Mardi Gras event is included with the price of park admission. One-day, one-park tickets start at $154 for guests ages 10 and older on Mardi Gras concert dates. At other times of the year, they start at $119.
Universal Orlando Resort is currently offering a “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days” deal for U.S. and Canada residents. Guests can either buy one-park-per-day or park-to-park tickets to take advantage of the promotion.
Florida residents are also eligible for two free days when they buy a one-day park-to-park ticket. Florida residents, annual passholders and seasonal passholders can also get a special $159 starting rate for the new Universal Stella Nova Resort or Universal Terra Luna Resort.
To purchase a ticket to Universal Studios Orlando, visit universalorlando.com.
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.
Whether you’re interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers – USAToday Network.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Know before you go: Mardi Gras 2025 at Universal Orlando
