Universal Studios Mardi Gras: Your Guide to Florida’s Biggest Party

Universal Studios Mardi Gras: Your Guide to Florida’s Biggest Party

Universal Studios Mardi Gras: Your Guide to Florida’s Biggest Party

This article is your ultimate guide to the Universal Mardi Gras! Because we all know that Universal Orlando is known for throwing one of the biggest, best parties for Mardi Gras Universal, and you’re invited! Park guests can enjoy spectacular parades, mouth-watering food, and concerts from hot new musical artists every night from February to March.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando, be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals, which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Universal Crowd calendar!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

What is Universal Orlando Mardi Gras?

Universal Studios Mardi Gras will be the biggest celebration in Florida, with Carnaval celebrations from around the world, a parade you’ll never forget, and even live music! The Mardi Gras Universal party begins on February 1 and keeps rolling until March 30th for a few months, so there’s plenty of time to plan your trip to celebrate. The park-wide celebration is held in Universal Studios Florida, transforming the park into a true Carnaval that highlights the regions of New Orleans to Belgium in many exciting ways.

Throughout Universal Studios Florida, guests can find delicious food booths, decor, and concerts that will keep the party rolling all night long! The Universal Mardi Gras Concerts are some of the best ways to celebrate Spring Break, as there have been incredible musical guests throughout the years. Universal Orlando Mardi Gras also has a parade that guests can ride on and pass out beads to guests watching below.

Mardi Gras Highlights:

There are a few different offerings for Mardi Gras Universal, which are the most vibrant and lively throughout the year.

• Mardi Gras Parade – Enjoy dancers in the street, dazzling floats from New Orleans, and plenty of beads to start the party.
• International Food Booths – Carnaval creations from around the globe
• Live Concerts – Live concerts on select nights on the Music Plaza Stage

What time does Mardi Gras at Universal start?

Universal Mardi Gras time starts during normal park hours, so make sure to check the Universal app the day of your trip to see. The actual Mardi Gras celebration is from February 1 through March 30th, 2025, for guests looking at what time frame to book their Mardi Gras trip.

What are the Universal Mardi Gras Dates 2025?

The Universal Mardi Gras 2025 dates are:

• February 1, 2025 – March 30, 2025

The Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration will be running for two months and is the best springtime celebration in Central Florida.

How much are Universal Mardi Gras tickets?

Universal Mardi Gras ticket prices are always surprisingly affordable—namely because they’re free. Yup, you read that right. Entry to the Mardi Gras Orlando celebration is included in your Universal Park admission!

So long as you have a valid entry to the park, you’ll have access to everything Universal Studios Mardi Gras has to offer. Guests can even take advantage of additional savings by buying their discount Universal Orlando tickets from The Park Prodigy! Not only will you save money, but you will receive free early park admission to Universal Orlando.

Related page: Universal Mardi Gras Discount Tickets 

Universal Mardi Gras Parade

Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras Parade is always a vibrant spectacle that brings the energy of New Orleans to life! From the whimsical Miss New Orleans Steamboat to the adventurous Pirate Ship and the mythical Sea Griffin, each float brings something unique to the streets. Let’s not forget crowd favorites like King Gator and the lively Court Jesters, who keep the party going all night long.

One of the best parts? You might even get the chance to hop aboard a float and toss beads to the crowd. That’s right, by Virtual Queue or Annual Passholder – you can sign up to ride along in the Universal Mardi Gras Parade. There’s no better way to soak up the Mardi Gras spirit at Universal! We can’t wait to see what new themes they come up with next year, but one thing is for sure—the parade always delivers an unforgettable experience!

Universal Studios Mardi Gras Parade Floats

• Miss New Orleans steamboat
• Pirate Ship
• Treasure Map
• Sea Griffin
• King Gator
• Court Jesters

We are excited to see what the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras parades are and what they come up with! Either way, we always enjoy watching the Universal Mardi Gras Parade at night.

Related post: Complete Guide to all Universal Orlando New Rides

What are the Universal Mardi Gras Concerts?

Every year, during the Universal Mardi Gras celebration, there are special concerts that play on certain nights during the celebration. There are usually rather large names to appear, and they are a huge free perk included with this festival. As stated, “the loudest, wildest blowout this side of the Bayou” has seen is expected.

Mardi Gras Concert Lineup

The 2025 Mardi Gras Concerts lineup has been announced! Get ready to experience live music from some iconic performers.

• February 1 – T-Pain
• February 8 – Joe Jonas
• February 15 – Kool & The Gang
• February 16 – Juanes
• February 22 – Scotty McCreery
• March 1 – Foster the People
• March 8 – Illenium
• March 15 – All Time Low
• March 16 – Lawrence
• March 21 – Coco Jones
• March 22 – DJ Pauly D
• March 29 – TLC

Related post: Complete Guide to Water Rides at Universal

When is the Best Time to Visit the Mardi Gras Party?

Planning the best time to go to Universal Orlando for Mardi Gras can not only save you a ton of time in the theme park, but it can also save you money! How, you might ask? Like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando theme park tickets now fluctuate based on the time of year you visit. So, one of the easiest ways to pick the best time to visit Universal is to compare the cheapest Universal Orlando ticket prices. The cheaper the tickets, the more likely the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year.

Based on the current Universal Orlando ticket prices, we feel like the best time to visit Universal Mardi Gras is in February or early March, right before spring break. And if you do have a trip planned during one of the busier times of the year at Mardi Gras, just remember to take advantage of early park admission in the morning, which is included with all of the Universal Orlando tickets sold at The Park Prodigy. This will allow you to get the most popular rides out of the way early in the morning and leave more time to enjoy Mardi Gras later in the day.

Related Page: Universal Orlando Early Park Admission Tickets

What are the Best Universal Orlando Resorts for the Mardi Gras Festival?

With all of Universal Orlando’s hotels and resorts being so close and connected to the theme parks, it might be smart to book a stay during the  Mardi Gras festival! Universal Orlando has eight different hotels that are either within walking distance or a short bus or boat ride away. After partaking in the festival’s food and drink offerings, having a short travel distance back to your hotel room is a must!

Hotels within walking distance of the Universal Mardi Gras Party

• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Hotels accessible by water taxi for the Universal Mardi Gras Party

• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Hard Rock Hotel

Universal hotels with bus access for the Universal Mardi Gras Party

All hotels have bus access to the theme parks that drop guests off at the entrance of security at Universal CityWalk. We recommend taking the bus to the farthest resorts from the theme parks, such as:

• Endless Summer Dockside Inn and Suites
• Endless Summer Surfside Inn and Suites
• Universal’s Aventura Hotel
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Related Page: Universal Orlando Deals and Promotions

Mardi Gras Universal Food and Drinks

Find New Orleans goodies in the French Corner food tents, including beignets, crab étouffée, jambalaya, and po’boys. Specialty cocktails and alcoholic drinks were scattered throughout the courtyard, and guests over 21 could even order them in souvenir cups! Universal’s CityWalk wasn’t left out of the fun either! Exclusive Mardi Gras snacks, treats, and drinks were scattered all over Universal’s nightlife district in the previous years.

The 2025 Universal Studios Mardi Gras menus have NOT been announced just yet.

Experience an international fest cuisine all around Universal Studios Florida,  inspired by international Carnaval celebrations. Sabor Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain, and other regions, including, of course, New Orleans in Mardi Gras!

Universal Mardi Gras Food Menus

The 2025 Universal Mardi Gras Menus has not been released yet. 

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Transportation

Universal Mardi Gras FAQ

Q: When is Mardi Gras at Universal Studios?

A: Mardi Gras at Universal begins February 1st and goes to March 30th, 2025

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits which can help save you up to three hours in the parks!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks, be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!