December 2022 - On the Go in MCO

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration 2023

This year the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration is going beyond the bayou with Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Studios Florida daily from February 4 to April 16, 2023.

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida is ‘Florida’s Biggest Party,’ with parkwide celebrations the entire family will enjoy!

Guests can Laissez les bons temps rouler as Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with regular theme park tickets and Annual Pass visits to Universal Studios Florida.

2023 Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration Highlights

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2020 The Bayou Boil Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration 2023

Carnival Inspired Cuisine

The award-winning chefs of the Universal Orlando Resort have been busy creating a diverse offering of delicacies exclusive to the Mardi Gras festivities in the park.

Guests can spice up their visits to the park with cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations, with traditional Cajun dishes from New Orleans to spicy bites from Brazil to sweet treats from Belgium and beyond at kitchens located throughout the park.

Since all the dishes served are smaller than an entree, guests can try a little bit of everything and save with the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard options, which can be used over multiple visits.

Universal Orlando Resort Universal's Mardi Gras 2022

“Throw Me Something, Mister!”

On select nights during the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration, guests line the streets of Universal Studios Florida to tap their feet alongside dancers and street performers as colorful floats direct from New Orleans pass by full of krewes tossing beads by the handful.

Mardi Gras parades can begin at different times depending on the day of the week, so be sure to check the Universal Orlando Resort app for step-off times and arrive early for a spot near the curb.

Please note that there is no Mardi Gras parade on March 31, 2023.

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Parade Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration 2023

Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience

Want to turn your Mardi Gras celebration up a notch? This year the Universal Orlando Resort is debuting a Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience.

This new offering is available on select dates. It includes the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a 3-course meal and be a part of the festivities by reserving a spot to toss beads from a Mardi Gras float during the event’s dazzling parade.

The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, and one non-alcoholic beverage at one of four participating restaurants – The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill and Brew, Finnegan’s Bar and Grill, or Lombard’s Seafood Grille – for $64.99 plus tax, per person, as well as one Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation on the same day.

Annual and Seasonal Passholders receive a 15% discount off the ticketed price with a valid Annual or Seasonal Pass when purchasing in person at the Front Gate or a Guest Services location or by calling 407-224-7554.

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2020 - — Universal Orlando Resort

Live Entertainment and Concerts

Performers and musicians fill Universal Studios Florida with the spirit and sounds of Mardi Gras.

On select Mardi Gras nights, guests can enjoy live concerts by legends and top artists on the Music Plaza Stage, an outdoor, standing-room-only venue inspired by the iconic Hollywood Bowl.

Guests looking for a more authentic Mardi Gras beat will find Brass bands bringing the soulful sounds of New Orleans to the heart of Universal Studios Florida.

Tribute Store Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2020

Shopping with Style

Before the night falls and the Mardi Gras fun begins at Universal Studios Florida, head to the Streets of New York near Revenge of the Mummy to check out the Tribute Store.

The Tribute Store is a highly themed shopping experience that twists and turns through unique and visually stunning rooms open daily throughout the celebration.

As you are shopping for Universal Orlando Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval merchandise and must-have treats, make sure to take time to take in the details and décor!

What’s better than driving a 17-ton tank? Driving a tank and crushing cars! You can do all this at Tank America, now located in Orlando.

Previously located in Melbourne, Florida, Tank America has made the move to Orlando and is now just outside of Baldwin Park, welcoming guests for a chance to get behind the controls of a 17-ton FV433 real military tank. Orlando’s newest attraction is on 14 acres of land and puts guests right in the center of the action as they navigate jungle terrain, hills, and mud holes.

The new adventure park offers several high-intensity packages to give guests an immersive tank-driving experience. Each package includes a safety and vehicle briefing and offers an additional way to explore the terrain.

Tank America Packages include:

Basic Tank Training: After a safety briefing from the platoon Commander at Headquarters, you will board one of our 17-ton tanks. Lead your crew through a 1/2-mile tank course that requires you to navigate hairpin turns, climb a fifteen-foot hill, and cross trenches.

Commander Package: Take the same epic adventure as the Basic Tank Training package with the added challenge of driving from inside the belly of the tank, navigating only through the vehicle’s periscope as if you’re driving into combat.

Advanced Troop Package: Take the action up a notch and upgrade to the Advanced Troop Package to add a car crush, mud hole, and complimentary additional guest. This package is perfect for guests looking for even more destructive fun! The driver will find themselves face to face with a real car they get to drive over and crush three times from three different angles. The glass will shatter, metal will fly, and the headlights will pop under the weight of 17 tons of armored tank fury.

Ultimate Package: With the Ultimate Package, you get to experience all that Tank America offers. Drive the tank course, including all the additional obstacles and the excitement of crushing a car. You can also test your skills using only the periscope and guidance from your tank commander to navigate through the Battle Front in combat locked up.

Tank America also offers packages for group visits. From bachelor parties to team building and anything in between, groups can come together and bond as they work through the experience. Get your adrenaline pumping behind the wheel of one of the awesome tanks.

“Tank America is one of the only places in the country you can get behind the wheel of a real tank outside of the Army,” said Tank America partner John Kinney. “If you’re looking for a thrilling experience outside of the theme parks, it doesn’t get more thrilling than Tank America.”

The FV433 Abbot Tank holds one driver and three passengers. Guests must be 16 years old to drive a tank and at least 55 inches tall to ride as a passenger. Operating hours are Thursday through Monday from noon to 6 p.m.

To learn more about Tank America, visit www.tankamerica.com.