Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2022: Your Guide to Florida’s Biggest Party

Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2022: Your Guide to Florida’s Biggest Party

Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2022: Your Guide to Florida’s Biggest Party

Updated March 2022: It was announced that the world famous Mardi Gras Festival will be returning to Universal Studios Orlando in 2022! Although we have only received limited details to this point we will be sure to keep this page updated as additional information is released. Be sure to book mark this page for easy access in the future.

This article is your ultimate guide to the 2022 Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration! Because we all know that Universal Orlando is known for throwing one of the biggest, best Mardi Gras festivals in the Orlando. In an ordinary year, park guests can enjoy spectacular parades, mouth-watering food and concerts from hot new musical artists every night from February to April.

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 the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

So if you’re ready to experience one of the best evens Universal has to offer  keep reading our 2022 Universal Mardi Gras celebration guide! 

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

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2022 Guide

What Are The 2022 Mardi Gras Universal Dates?

The Universal Mardi Gras 2022 dates are as follows:

• February 5th – April 24th

What’s New to the 2022 Universal Mardi Gras Party?

Guests will get to experience an international food fest with cuisine and entertainment inspired by international Carnaval celebrations. Enjoy amazing food from different regions including New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, and Spain!

Plus guests will be able to enjoy street entertainment, floats on display, music, beads and so much more.

When is the Best Time to Visit the 2022 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? Well just 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 it is that the parks won’t be as crowded during that time of year. Plus all of the Universal Orlando tickets sold on our website come with Early Park Admission! 

Related Page: Universal Orlando Early Park Admission Tickets

New Safety Guidelines for the 2022 Universal Mardi Gras Party

Universal Orlando’s health guidelines have been changing over time, but this is what we expect for the 2022 Mardi Gras celebration. Universal has announced the following safety guidelines:

• Encourage guests – regardless of vaccination status – to wear masks indoors (As of December 23rd, 2021, indoor masks are now required for all guests)
• Do not require proof of vaccination
• Encourage guests to keep a safe distance between travel parties

Please note that parades and concerts are returning this year, so make sure you plan your 2022 Mardi Gras vacation with these guidelines in mind!

What Time Does Mardi Gras at Universal start 2022?

Universal Mardi Gras will be held during normal park hours. For the latest Universal Studios theme park hours be sure to check out our Universal Crowd calendar where we break down crowd levels, park hours, and even ticket pricing.

How Much are Universal Mardi Gras Tickets 2022?

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 2022 has to offer.

The Best Universal Orlando Resorts for the 2022 Mardi Gras Festival

With all of Universal Orlando’s hotels and resorts being so close and connected to the theme parks, if might be smart to book at stay during the 2022 Mardi Gras festival! Universal Orlando has 8 different hotels that are either within walking distance or a short bus or boat ride away. After partaking in the festivals food and drink offerings, having a short travel distance back to your hotel room is a must!

Hotels within walking distance of the 2022 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 2022 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 2022 Universal Mardi Gras Party

All hotels have bus access to the theme parks that drops guests off at the entrance of security at Universal CityWalk. We recommend taking the bus for 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 2022 Universal Food and Drinks

Craving some “N’awlins-style food and spirits”? Universal has you covered. You can sample authentic Louisianan cuisine at French Quarter Courtyard all Mardi Gras long. We hope you’re hungry for it.

In previous years, we saw all the traditional New Orleans goodies in the French Corner food tents, including beignets, crab étouffée, jambalaya and po’boys. Specialty cocktails and alcoholic drinks were scattered all throughout the courtyard, and guests over 21 could order 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 2020.

Once we have the latest information on the 2022 Universal Studios Mardi Gras menus, we will update you right here!

Last year’s festival let you 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 2022! Check out the complete menus from 2021:

Universal Mardi Gras Food Menus (From 2020)

Bahamas

Tasting Menu

• Jerk Chicken 

Jerked marinated chicken, rice & peas, scotch bonnet salsa

• Jerk Jackfruit 

Jerked marinated jack fruit, rice & peas, scotch bonnet salsa

Drink Menu

• Goombay Smash 

Bahamian rum punch

• Carib Lager 

International pilsner

Belgium

Tasting Menu

• Belgium Liege Waffles 

Sweet liege waffles with strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate

• Brussels Frites with Roasted Garlic Veganaise 

Crispy seasoned fries with choice of dipping sauce: garlic mayonnaise, andalouse, or joppieaus

Drink Menu

• Hoegaarden Witbier 

Belgian wheat beer

• St. Bernardus Abt. 12 

Belgian quadruple, Abbey ale

• Lindemans Strawberry Lambic 

Fruited sweet and sour ale

Brazil

Tasting Menu

• Moqueca de Camarao with Rice 

Shrimp coconut cream stew, white rice, sweet potato curls

• Brigadeiros 

Brazilian classic with condensed milk, cocoa powder, chocolate sprinkles, toasted peanuts

• Stuffed Coxinha 

Crispy pulled chicken tear drop fritters

Drink Menu

• Pineapple Caipirinha Punch 

Cachaça and pineapple flavors

• Strawberry Caipirinha Punch 

Cachaça and strawberry flavors

• Mixed Caipirinha 

A blend of pineapple and strawberry caipirinhas

Canada

Tasting Menu

• Beef Short Rib Poutine 

Crispy fries with short rib, cheese curds, demi glaze

• Nutella Donut 

Fried sweetened dough, Nutella, sugar, chopped hazelnuts

• Maple Donut 

Fried sweetened dough, cinnamon sugar, maple syrup

Drink Menu

• Sugar Shack Springtime Punch 

A complex Canadian whiskey punch with a base of pear juice

• Labatt Blue 

International pilsner

Colombia

Tasting Menu

• Carnitas Arepas 

Corn meal cake pocket filled with avocado, carnitas, mayonnaise, ketchup, culantro

Drink Menu

• Limonada de Coco 

Limeade sweetened with coconut cream
(non-alcoholic)

• Coco Loco 

Limonada de Coco spiked with rum and tequila

Cuba

Tasting Menu

• Cuban Sandwich 

Roasted pork, Serrano ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, pickles on Cuban bread served with plantain chips

• Cuban Flan 

Baked vanilla custard, dark caramel

Drink Menu

• Cuba Libre 

Choice of Bacardí Light, Bacardí 4 Year or Bacardí 8 Year

France

Tasting Menu

• Poached Pear Crème Brulee Crepe 

Red wine poached pear, vanilla pastry cream, toasted almonds, caramel, crispy sugar topping

Drink Menu

• Vidal-Fleury Cotes du Rhone Blanc 

White wine

• Notorious Pink 

Slightly sweet rosé wine

• Vieux Chateau Lamothe Bordeaux Rouge 

Red wine

• Famille Perrin Cotes du Rhone Rouge 

Red wine

Germany

Tasting Menu

• Pork Schnitzel Slider 

Fried pork cutlet, spicy mustard, red braised cabbage, gruyere cheese

• Vegan Bratwurst with Beer Braised Onions 

Vegan bratwurst, beer braised onions, spicy mustard, French quarter baguette

• Bavarian Pretzel 

Warm pretzel, spicy mustard cheese sauce

Drink Menu

• Weihenstephaner Kristalweissbier 
  Clarified wheat beer
• Weihenstephaner Vitus 
  Strong wheat, bock hybrid lager
• Aecht Schlenkerla Marzen Rauchbier 
  Smoked Märzen Oktoberfest-style lager
• T Schmitt Riesling Kabinett, Estate 
  Sweet white wine

Italy

Tasting Menu

• Italian Rainbow Cookie 

Colorful layers of almond cake sandwiched with raspberry jam and coated in chocolate

• Cannoli 

Italian pastry shell, chocolate chip cannoli cream, chocolate shavings

• Arancini 

Fried risotto, wild mushrooms, truffle, parmesan cheese

• Affogato

Vanilla gelato served with a double shot of espresso

Drink Menu

• Fantinel 

Prosecco

• Vietti Moscato d’Asti  

Slightly sparkling sweet white wine

• Querceto Chianti  

Red wine

• Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 

Red wine

New Orleans

Tasting Menu

• Crawfish Boil 

Mix bag of crawfish, shrimp, andouille, red bliss, corn on the cobb

• Jambalaya 

Mixed rice with andouille, shrimp, chicken, peppers, tomatoes

• Muffaletta Sandwich 

Mortadella, salami, ham, mozzarella cheese, olive relish on a toasted bun

• Beignets 

Sweet fried pastry with powdered sugar

• Andouille Twisted Tater 

Stuffed Cajun twisted tater, sausage
Add andouille queso for $

• Twisted Tater 

Flavored with Cajun spices

Drink Menu

• Abita Purple Haze 

Raspberry fruited lager

• Tropical Storm Punch

A traditional Mardi Gras cocktail incorporating rum, orange and passionfruit flavors

• King Cake Milk Punch 

A bourbon milk punch using our house-made King Cake syrup

Puerto Rico

Tasting Menu

• Pernil & Mofongo  

Roasted pork, smashed plantains, onion mojo

• Picadillo Empanada 

Picadillo beef filled fried pastry dough

• Quesito 

Guava and cream cheese filled fried pastry

Drink Menu

• Piña Verde 

A twist on the classic piña colada incorporating green chartreuse

Spain

Tasting Menu

• Paella Mixta 

Saffron yellow rice, chorizo, squid, mussels, shrimp

• Charcuterie Plate 

A traditional platter of Spanish meats and cheese, olives, grapes, lavosh

• Leche Frita 

Crispy fried with condensed milk, vanilla, cinnamon

Drink Menu

• Pinord “La Dama” Cava  

Sparkling wine

• Don Olegurio Albarino  

White wine

• Hacienda de Arinzano Rosé 

Tempranillo-based rosé wine

• Hazaña “Viñas Viejas” Rioja  

Red wine

Trinidad and Tobago

Tasting Menu

• Pholourie 

Deep fried spicy split pea dough with turmeric, curry powder and a side of tamarind chutney or powdered sugar

• Pineapple Trini-Chow 

Grilled pineapple skewers, spices, micro cilantro

Drink Menu

• Queen’s Park Swizzle 

National cocktail of Trinidad and Tobago; minted dark-rum grog with a light float of Angostura bitters

• Carib Lager 

International pilsner

Please note items and pricing are subject to change without notice.

2022 Universal Mardi Gras Merchandise

Explore the Mardi Gras tribute store and let the good times roll with exclusive 2022 Mardi Gras merchandise. Guests can experience special merch and photo opportunities in themed rooms. The Mardi Gras photo opportunities include:

• A hopping jazz parlor straight out of the 1920s with dueling pianos and bellowing brass
• A flower filled nautical cemetery, where many sea captains were laid to rest
• A waterfront warehouse, where all manner of smuggled treasures and trinkets are stashed

Universal Mardi Gras Parade – RETURNING 2022!

Huge announcement! Universal Orlando has announced that Mardi Gras parades WILL be returning in 2022. Although we did not see Mardi Gras parades in 2021, we will get to see the beautiful, bright performances up and down the streets of Universal Orlando Resort.

Past 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 2022 Universal Orlando Mardi Gras parades and what they come up with! Either way, we are so excited that live entertainment is making it back into the parks.

Universal Mardi Gras 2022 Concerts

Universal Studios has also announced that Mardi Gras Concerts will be back for 2022! As stated, “the loudest, wildest blowout this side of the Bayou” has seen is expected. That means Universal Orlando is bringing all the bells and whistles back, including the 2022 Mardi Gras Concerts.

The 2022 Mardi Gras Concerts lineup has been announced and we are so excited to see who is coming to Universal Orlando this year!

2022 Mardi Gras Concert Lineup

The performances will take place select nights at the Music Plaza stage at Universal Studios Florida.

• Feb. 5. — Sugar Ray
• Feb. 12 — Diana Ross
• Feb. 19 — Barenaked Ladies
• Feb. 20 — Styx
• Feb. 26 — Jon Pardi
• March 5 — LL COOL J feat. DJ Z-Trip
• March 6 — Marshmello
• March 12 — Lee Brice
• March 13 — Becky G
• March 18 — Khalid
• March 19 — Seal
• March 20 — Gavin DeGraw
• March 25 — The Revivalists
• March 26 — Jimmie Allen
• March 27 — Jason Derulo

Make sure to bookmark and check back for all of the latest Universal Orlando Resort updates!

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 breakdown 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 our Universal Orlando Tickets! All Park Prodigy Universal Orlando tickets will get you into the park one hour before regular park guests with Universal Early Park Admission! And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!