Universal Mardi Gras 2023: Menu Highlights

Universal Mardi Gras 2023

Universal Mardi Gras 2023 is a global celebration with food offerings representing 17 different countries across 70 unique menu items.

With so much to choose from, let’s look at a roundup of some of the top bites you can enjoy at Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval!

Universal Mardi Gras 2023: Top Bites

Mofongo Trio Flight 
Mofongo Trio Flight 

Inspired by Carnaval Ponceño in Puerto Rico, this iconic dish is presented in three delectable servings.

The base for each is a traditional mix of smashed green plantains, bacon, garlic, and chicharrones and topped three different ways: traditional, shrimp criolla, and crispy chicken chicharron with mayo ketchup drizzle.

Pav Bhaji – Vegetarian
Pav Bhaji with mardi gras mask behind Universal Mardi Gras 2023

Pav Bhaji, pronounced pav baa-jee, is a popular Indian street food that is a thick vegetable stew with a medley of veggies and spices, including potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, ginger, and garlic with a buttery-toasted Hawaiian roll on the side.

Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostada
Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostada Mardi Gras 2023

The Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostada is a light and refreshing Mexican dish that features citrus-blend marinated shrimp topped with avocado crema, chopped jalapeño (not spicy), cotija cheese, shaved red onion, and micro cilantro on a crispy blue tortilla.

Dirty Cauliflower Rice – Vegan
Vegan Cauliflower Rice Mardi Gras 2023

A vegan twist on the traditional New Orleans staple, this comfort food is a blend of cauliflower rice, black-eyed peas, meatless sausage crumbles, the holy trinity mix of celery, onions, green bell peppers, and authentic Cajun spices. 

Rod Polse
Rod Polse Mardi Gras 2023

The Rod Polse is a Danish red, skin-on hot dog is topped with curry remoulade, pickled cucumber, crispy onions, and fresh dill and served on a toasted top-split bun.

Indonesian Purple Sticky Rice Pudding – Vegan
Indonesian Purple Rice with mango and coconut Mardi Gras 2023 Universal Mardi Gras 2023

The Indonesian Purple Sticky Rice Pudding, a.k.a. Bubur Ketan Hitam, is a vegan dish made with purple long-grain rice, sweetened condensed coconut milk, diced mango, and shaved coconut.

Vegan Churros
Hand holding Vegan Churros after dipping in chocolate sauce Universal Mardi Gras 2023

When creating new menu items, the chefs at Universal Orlando Resort find inspiration everywhere, including suggestions from Passholders, guests and Team Members.

The vegan churros are a direct result of listening to guests’ dietary needs and desire to enjoy this sought-after treat. 

These pint-sized churros are coated in cinnamon sugar and come with two dipping sauces: chocolate and coconut agave nectar.

Brigadeiros (pronounced bri-ga-DAY-ros)
Trio of Brigadeiros on white dish Mardi Gras 2023

Brigadeiros are small bites of confectionary heaven made with sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter that are then rolled in either hazelnuts, chocolate sprinkles, or Mardi Gras color sprinkles.

Liège Waffle
Fork Liege Waffles Mardi Gras 2023

The Liège Waffle, from Belgium, features a fluffy waffle, fresh strawberries, and clouds of whipped cream.

Even More Places to Sample Mardi Gras Eats

Paella Mardi Gras 2023 Universal Mardi Gras 2023

The Mardi Gras flavors go beyond Universal Studios Florida’s gates, allowing even more guests to experience the International Flavors of Carnaval.

In Universal CityWalk, themed kiosks will feature Tastes of the Mediterranean (Greece and France, and Belgium — the Liège Waffle is fantastic!), Tastes of the Islands, and the Best of New Orleans. 

Near the Port of Entry in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, guests can revel in authentic New Orleans cuisine, including shrimp gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and King Cake. 

And next door at Universal’s Volcano Bay, Muffuletta Long Board Pizza is on deck.

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras

Sweet Savings

Can’t make up your mind? The Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Card is a great way to enjoy more items for less.

It’s available for purchase at the food kiosks in Universal Studios Florida and can be used at any food and beverage location in all three theme parks and Universal CityWalk.

Premier and Preferred Passholder standard food discounts apply. 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2023 Announcements

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2020 -
Universal Orlando Resort

The countdown to Universal Orlando Mardi Gras is ON, and the resort shared some exciting announcements about the concerts, parade, eats, and special offers!

I cannot wait to go beyond the bayou and let the good times roll from February 4 through April 16, 2023, featuring a dazzling Mardi Gras parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations, and, on select nights, live concerts by top names in music – all included with regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2023 Announcements

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2023

STAR-STUDDED MARDI GRAS CONCERT LINEUP

This year’s concert series will feature eight live performances by popular names in music like GRAMMY-nominated band Goo Goo Dolls, GRAMMY-winning Platinum superstar Maren Morris and GRAMMY-winning artist Sean Paul at the Music Plaza stage – an outdoor concert venue set against the backdrop of the towering Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. See below for the complete concert lineup.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2023 CONCERTS
DateHeadliner
February 4Patti LaBelle
February 10JVKE
February 11Goo Goo Dolls
February 18Maren Morris
February 19WILLOW
February 253 Doors Down
March 4Sean Paul
March 5Lauren Daigle
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2023


NEW “MYTHICAL REALMS OF MARDI GRAS” PARADE THEME
Guests of all ages can dance along with high-energy performers and catch beads by the handful during this year’s spectacular parade, which will showcase a new “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” theme inspired by fantastical creatures like dragons, phoenixes, unicorns, and more – with a Mardi Gras twist.

This year’s imaginative theme will be brought to life within six incredibly detailed and festive parade floats that will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats – such as the iconic, two-story Riverboat and nearly 50-foot-long King Gator.

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2023
Indonesian Black Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango

TASTE THE INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS OF CARNAVAL
The mouthwatering flavors of global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond will come to life as part of an expansive menu featuring more than 50 tasting-sized items for guests to enjoy at this year’s event.

While venturing throughout the parkwide celebration, guests will find kiosks featuring delectable food and beverage inspired by iconic fare from around the world – including the classic Crawfish Boil and deliciously fluffy Beignets from New Orleans, Shrimp Ceviche Tostada from Mexico, a Mofongo Flight inspired by the Carnaval Ponceño in Puerto Rico, Indonesian Black Coconut Rice Pudding with Mango and so much more.

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2020 Beignets

Plus, for the first time ever, Universal Orlando’s other theme parks are joining the fun by featuring a limited selection of Mardi Gras items, including Gumbo, Jambalaya, King Cake, and more at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and the Muffuletta Long Board Pizza at Universal’s Volcano Bay.

For a limited time, guests can save $10 on purchasing a Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card to experience the savory flavors of Mardi Gras, which allows them to enjoy more for less by paying $65 for a $75 card.

Annual and Seasonal Passholders also receive special savings with the purchase of an exclusive $150 card for only $120. The Universal Orlando Resort Food and Beverage Card is available at Mardi Gras food & beverage locations throughout Universal Studios Florida.

Tribute Store - Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2020 - Tribute Store Map

ALL-NEW MARDI GRAS TRIBUTE STORE AND MERCHANDISE
Located within an all-new space in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida, this year’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store invites guests to an international jazz celebration that leads to the traditional alleyways of New Orleans and ultimately into a speakeasy where the Mardi Gras celebration continues.

Within the new store, guests can shop a new selection of Mardi Gras merchandise that ranges from apparel to accessories and collectibles such as keychains, pins, themed glasses, and even some personalized options – allowing them to take a piece of Florida’s Biggest Party home with them.

Guests can also devour tasty treats inspired by this year’s celebration within the new retail location.

Universal Orlando Resort Universal Studios Florida Mardi Gras 2020 Food Guide

THE PARTY CONTINUES AT UNIVERSAL CITYWALK AND UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S HOTELS
Guests can keep the party going at Universal CityWalk with special Mardi Gras festivities at select venues and food kiosks featuring delicious menu items that offer a taste of the Mediterranean, the Islands, and popular Mardi Gras fare.

Pat O’Brien’s will host a Mardi Gras After Party on select nights from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. that includes live entertainment, exclusive food and drink offerings, and a special Fat Tuesday celebration on February 21 from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. featuring a dueling piano and more.

Reservations for the festivities at Pat O’Brien’s can be made by calling 407-224-3663.

Plus, the Red Coconut Club will transform the Mardi Gras season into the Cursed Coconut Club – more details and dates of operation will be shared soon.

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2020 Cauliflower Dirty Rice

The best way to experience Universal’s Mardi Gras is to stay at one of Universal’s eight incredible hotels. Each hotel will have exclusive Mardi Gras offerings such as Cajun Jambalaya Pasta at Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, N’awlins Po’ Boy Sliders at Velvet Bar at Hard Rock Hotel, Crawfish Etouffee at Bar 17 Bistro at Universal’s Aventura Hotel and more. Universal Orlando hotel guests can also enjoy exclusive benefits, including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme parks.

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras

INCREDIBLE OFFERS TO GET THE CELEBRATION STARTED
Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras is included with theme park admission. Starting today, Florida Residents can take advantage of a new offer to partake in the festivities that gives them two days of free admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with the purchase of a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket (valid for use through June 29, 2023; blockout dates apply) – and for just $25 more they can add one day of admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Florida residents and Universal Orlando Passholders looking to stay close to the celebration can save 35% on select rooms at all Universal Orlando hotels during select dates this Mardi Gras season.

U.S. and Canada residents wanting to join the festivities can still save 25% on a 5-Day/5-Night Vacation Package to visit Universal Orlando this spring and experience Mardi Gras (blockout dates apply).

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration 2023

EXCLUSIVE PERKS FOR UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PASSHOLDERS
Universal Orlando Passholders also get access to Universal’s Mardi Gras (blockout dates apply) and receive exclusive perks, including a Mardi Gras themed magnet, the opportunity to reserve a spot to a ride a float, access to a special viewing area to enjoy the Mardi Gras parade and more. Additional details about passholder benefits for this year’s celebration will be shared soon.

For more information about Universal’s Mardi Gras and additional offerings like the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram