Why I Love Mardi Gras At Universal Orlando

Disclosure: I was an invited guest of the Universal Orlando Resort to experience Mardi Gras, however all opinions are my own.

 

Why I love Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras is my absolute favorite time of year to experience Universal Studios Florida!

Mardi Gras is an annual celebration, included with park admission, that happens on select weekends until April 18th where entertainment, specialty food items, an amazing parade, and a concert series that is full of amazing performers fills the park with an electric energy!

The celebration vibe is set once you enter the gates of Universal Studios Florida, and you are greeted with some of the many special entertainers on stilts that are wonderful!

Also, roaming the streets you will find a roaming band performing some Mardi Gras favorites.

What would a great Mardi Gras party be without food?

The vibrant French Quarter Courtyard is where you will find cajun and creole treats and specialty drinks available for purchase.

During the media event we had the opportunity to try a few of the goodies that you will find!

We all got to try the spicy Jambalaya, grilled Andouille sausage with peppers & onions, and the creole gumbo.

Then as an even sweeter treat, we got to finish our meal with beignets and funnel cakes.

And the Voo Doo Punch is dangerously good!

You can’t celebrate Mardi Gras without a parade, and this one definitely doesn’t disappoint!

Over the course of Mardi Gras Universal Orlando will let 1.8 million beads fly during the Mardi Gras Parade.

While the route covers a good portion of Universal Studios Florida, I recommend catching the parade near the Horror Make-Up Show since you will get the chance for double beads as the parade starts and ends here.

This year the Mardi Gras Parade stops for some dance breaks during which the Mardi Gras Krewe gets down off of their float to give out premium Mardi Gras Beads. They are a ton of fun!

Little Mardi Gras fans and their families may want to consider viewing the parade from the Little Jester’s Area, near the Brown Derby, where they have less people to contend with for beads. This area is available beginning one hour before the parade starts.

On an earlier visit to Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando, I was able to ride the Elegance of India Float and throw beads it was an AMAZING experience! Annual Passholders can sign up for the chance to be chosen here. Not an Annual Passholder, make sure you follow @UniversalORL on Twitter!

During Universal Mardi Gras the streets of Universal Studios Florida are filled with the sounds of great performers and bands!

On the French Quarter Courtyard stage you can find some of Louisiana’s most popular bands performing authentic blues, zydeco, and more!

The Courtyard Stage is set up near Transformers: The Ride 3-D, and has even more room this year for dancing. It’s a really great place to spend some time!

Here are the bands that are set to perform on the French Quarter Courtyard Stage for the remainder of Mardi Gras.

Later in the evening you can head over to Music Plaza Stage to catch live performances from some of the biggest names from the worlds of pop, rock, country, R&B and more.

Here is the line-up of artist who will be performing during this year’s Mardi Gras Celebration.

I’ve also shared some of my best concert tips in this post!

It is important to note that, there is an ADA viewing area is located at the far right side of the stage near the restrooms adjacent to Twister…Ride It Out.

During the event we got to see Kelly Clarkson, and it was AMAZING!!! 

 

Everyone in my family has an Annual Pass to the Universal Orlando Resort, and if you don’t have your’s yet this is a great time to get one because there is a great Mardi Gras promotion going on!

Florida Residents Get up to 3 Months Free on any Annual Pass with a valid UPC/Promo Code on select Coca-Cola Packages or Wendy’s cups.

For a limited time, you can become an Annual Passholder, and get three additional months added to your Preferred Pass or Premier Pass. Or, get one additional month added to your Power Pass. Includes access to special events and other perks all year round. (Offer valid on new purchases only; must be purchased and activated by 04/19/15. Blockout dates apply for Power Pass. You can find out more information here.)

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando is our family’s favorite time of year, and we can’t wait to go back!

I can’t thank Universal Orlando enough for the opportunity to experience Mardi Gras, and if you haven’t gotten the chance to go yet…What are you waiting for???

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