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about 1 month ago

Your Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras 2025

As we gear up for the most colorful and vibrant celebration of the year, I'm thrilled to give you the inside scoop on Mardi Gras 2025 at Universal Studios Florida. Get ready to laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll) from February 1 through March 30, 2025!

The Big Easy Comes to Orlando

This year's Mardi Gras is extra special as we celebrate 30 years of beads, parades, music, and food at Universal Studios Florida. As someone who's experienced the magic of this event for years, I can tell you that 2025 is shaping up to be the best one yet!

A Feast for the Senses

Let's talk food, because let's face it, that's one of the best parts of Mardi Gras! The International Flavors of Carnaval are back, and boy, do we have a treat for you. This year, we've got 13 food booths serving up delectable dishes from around the globe. Here's a taste of what you can expect:

  • Canada: Don't miss the Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon. It's a fresh grilled salmon with a Canadian maple syrup glaze that'll make you say "eh?" in the best way possible.

Grilled salmon with sauce and a side of grain salad featuring chickpeas, cranberries, and spinach, served on a white plate against a pink background with decorative beads.

  • China: The Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites are a must-try. Crispy chicken with a kick, served in a cute takeout container.

Open takeout box with fried chicken pieces, rice, and green onions on a yellow background. Green and gold beads are placed beside the box.

  • Colombia: The Colombia Burger is back by popular demand. Trust me, the combination of beef, Monterey jack, pineapple cabbage slaw, and potato sticks is unforgettable.

A burger with lettuce, sauce, and a beef patty between a bun, set against a pink background with decorative beads.

  • France: Duck a L'Orange Crepe. Need I say more?

Crepe topped with orange segments and sauce on a white plate, set on a purple surface with an orange and peel in the background, decorated with purple beads.

  • India: New this year, don't miss the vegan Potato Dosa. It's crispy, savory, and comes with a cilantro dipping sauce that's to die for.

Two egg rolls on a white plate, one cut open to show filling, accompanied by a small cup of sauce. Beaded necklaces are placed beside the plate.

And of course, it wouldn't be Mardi Gras without beignets! You can find these powdered sugar-covered pieces of heaven at the Bites of the Bayou booth.

A pile of powdered sugar-covered beignets on a white plate, with purple and gold Mardi Gras beads and a purple cloth against a yellow background.

Parade Like You're on Bourbon Street

Universal-Orando-Mardi-Gras-Parade

The Mardi Gras parade is back and better than ever! This year, we're introducing six brand-new floats inspired by some of the most famous Krewes in New Orleans. These new additions will join our traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats, creating a spectacle of lights, music, and energy that'll make you feel like you're right in the heart of the French Quarter.Want to be part of the action? Check out the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. You'll get to toss beads from a float during the parade and enjoy a three-course meal at one of eight participating restaurants. It's an experience you won't forget!

Let the Music Play

What's Mardi Gras without some incredible tunes? The concert lineup this year is absolutely stellar. Here's who you can catch at the Music Plaza Stage on select nights:

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

Beyond the Park

The party doesn't stop when you leave the park. Universal CityWalk is joining in on the fun with themed food and drinks. Don't miss The After Party at Pat O'Brien's or the Cursed Coconut Club - a spooky Mardi Gras twist on the Red Coconut Club.Even the Universal Orlando hotels are getting in on the action. You can find special Mardi Gras-inspired menu items like Bourbon Street Beignets at Hard Rock Hotel and Bayou Shrimp and Grits at Universal's Aventura Hotel.

My Personal Tips

As someone who's been to more Mardi Gras celebrations than I can count, here are a few insider tips:

  1. Pace yourself with the food. There's so much to try, you'll want to save room for everything!
  2. Grab a spot for the parade early, especially if you want to catch some beads.
  3. Don't miss the street performers. They really bring the New Orleans vibe to life.
  4. Try the Food and Beverage Card for some savings on all those tasty treats.

Mardi Gras 2025 at Universal Orlando is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of food, music, and culture. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there's something new and exciting for everyone. So grab your beads, bring your appetite, and get ready for the biggest party this side of the bayou!

See you at the celebration, folks!

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