The moment the invitation hit my inbox, I knew this was an experience I couldn’t miss. As a member of the media, I had the incredible honor of attending the debut night of Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval on Feb. 1 at Universal Orlando Resort.
My husband and I excitedly packed our bags and hit the road from South Florida, buzzing with anticipation. Honestly, as theme park enthusiasts, these places are not only fun, but places that also hold a lot of fond memories for us from our childhood to now. So, this was a wonderful invite and experience.
Universal truly rolled out the red carpet for us and we were pampered with a luxurious stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, where the island vibes and stunning lagoon views set the perfect tone for the night ahead.
A Night to Remember at Cursed Coconut Club
The first stop of the evening was an exclusive meet-and-greet inside the Cursed Coconut Club, a must-visit pop-up bar that fully embraces the spooky-meets-festive Mardi Gras energy. The atmosphere was electric, filled with intricate decor, glowing lights, and a touch of the supernatural.
With its eerie yet inviting ambiance, the venue immediately immersed us in the celebratory spirit. It was time to dance, sip and indulge on Mardi Gras-inspired treats before being whisked away to the park and all the festivities that awaited us there.
We sipped on two of their signature Mardi Gras drinks, each bursting with bold flavors and a hint of mystery. The creative mixology behind these drinks was impressive, bringing together fruity, spicy, and even floral notes that delighted the senses. We also had the chance to get a tarot card reading, which was a fun and eerily accurate experience that added an extra layer of mystique to the evening.
A lively pop group, decked out in stunning New Orleans-inspired garb, filled the air with infectious beats that had the crowd dancing along. Their performance perfectly captured the spirit of the celebration, making everyone feel like they were right in the heart of the French Quarter.
Between sips of our delicious drinks and chatting with fellow attendees, we also indulged in an incredible array of new dishes being offered at this year’s event. From the Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from Canada to the Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from China, each dish was a celebration of international flavors that transported our taste buds around the world.
Music, Beads and a Spectacular Parade
As the night continued, the vibrant energy of Mardi Gras took over the park. The synergy between the performers and the audience was undeniable, with everyone clapping and singing along to the upbeat, jazzy tunes.
But the true highlight? The parade.
From the moment the first float appeared, we were completely mesmerized. The dazzling lights, elaborate costumes, infectious music—it was everything you’d expect from a world-class Mardi Gras celebration. This year’s parade, celebrating 30 years of Universal’s Mardi Gras, featured six new floats inspired by some of the most famous Krewes in New Orleans. Each float told a unique story, representing the history, culture and vibrant traditions of the event.
Performers in feathered costumes danced in perfect rhythm, creating a dynamic, theatrical spectacle that wowed the entire crowd. And the beads! The sheer number of colorful, sparkling beads being tossed into the air was exhilarating. We reached up eagerly, catching handfuls and layering them around our necks like true Mardi Gras royalty.
By the end of the parade, we were practically buried in beads, laughing as we tried to carry our impressive haul. And, impressive it was. There’s many beads present at our home right now, in all colors. We love them! A true reminder of a night that was super unforgettable and lively.
Star-studded Mardi Gras Concert Lineup
One of the most exciting aspects of Universal’s Mardi Gras is its star-studded concert series, and this year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular. The debut night featured an electrifying performance by T-Pain, who had the crowd hyped with his chart-topping hits. No one was sitting down, and everyone was singing along. It was quite the party, and the perfect way to end our night at Mardi Gras.
Throughout the celebration, some of the biggest names in music will be taking the stage, including Joe Jonas (Feb. 8), Kool & The Gang (Feb. 15), Juanes (Feb. 16), Scotty McCreery (Feb. 22), and TLC (March 29), among others. The concert series takes place on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage, adding yet another layer of entertainment to an already jam-packed event.
Savor the International Flavors of Carnaval
Food lovers are in for a real treat at this year’s Mardi Gras celebration. Universal has outdone itself with an all-new menu featuring dishes from around the globe. Guests can sample an exciting variety of flavors, including Colombian Burgers, Bourbon Street Beignets, and Bayou Shrimp and Grits. With over seventeen different food kiosks spread throughout Universal Studios Florida, there’s no shortage of delicious options to explore.
Elevate Your Mardi Gras Experience
For those looking to take their Mardi Gras adventure to the next level, Universal offers the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. This package allows guests to ride on an actual parade float, tossing beads into the crowd like true Mardi Gras royalty. The experience also includes a three-course meal at one of Universal’s participating restaurants, making it a perfect way to combine dining and entertainment.
Guests can also enhance their trip by staying at one of Universal’s nine incredible hotels, including Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, and Hard Rock Hotel. Each hotel offers exclusive benefits, such as early park admission and complimentary transportation to the parks. Plus, they’re joining in on the Mardi Gras fun with special limited-time food and beverage offerings, making a resort stay even more enticing.
Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. Plus, U.S. and Canada residents can take advantage of a special “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free” ticket offer, giving guests even more time to experience the fun. Universal also offers a Dining Card Vacation Package, which includes park admission, hotel accommodations, and a food and beverage dining card worth up to $1,000 to use at select restaurants throughout the resort.
With all these deals, it’s a must to go visit. I cannot wait until my next experience at Universal Orlando Resort, a place that doesn’t stop their creative events throughout the year and makes them better and better each time.
For more details on this year’s concert lineup, food offerings, and special experiences, visit UniversalOrlando.com/Spring.
