Are you ready for a New Orleans style celebration complete with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine, and live concerts? Oh, and beads… LOTS of beads!
You don’t have to be in New Orleans for this celebration. Head on down to sunny Florida for the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras celebration! It’s a family-friendly celebration like no other.
On Saturdays and select nights through April 18, the Universal Studios Mardi Gras event combines unmatched theme park fun with jazzy New Orleans flare. You’ll be glad to know that Mardi Gras is included with admission at Universal Studios Florida.
I had the pleasure of being hosted by Universal Studios Orlando for on a media trip last week. The theme of our trip was ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ and FUN we had!
What can you expect at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras?
Long before the sun sets, you’ll begin to notice some interesting and some very tall characters around the park, near the French Quarter Courtyard area. The colorfully costumed and oh-so talented street performers will keep you entertained for hours. They are more than happy to pause for some photo opps which is something I though was very nice.
Stroll through the French Quarter Courtyard for a true New Orlean’s style Mardi Gras experience. You’re taste buds will be dazzled by the mouth-watering Cajun cuisine such as jambalaya, gumbo, King cake, beignets and more.
Stop for a henna tattoo or a reading, and listen to an authentic New Orleans band. These world class bands have traveled all the way from Bourbon Street to play jazz, blues, zydeco and more for Universal Orlando guests. My group just had to stop for a bit to enjoy the tunes and get our dance on.
After strolling through the French Quarter Courtyard for a bit, you’ll want to grab a spot to watch the dazzling Mardi Gras Parade. Guests will have the opportunity to catch handfuls of colorful beads, watch choreographed performance, and see 12 exquisitely detailed Mardi Gras floats that were engineered by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that has been hand-crafting floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947.
I have to say that these floats are AMAZINGLY detailed and beautiful!
My group got to ride on the King and Queen parade float. It was such a fun treat! We dressed in costumes, complete with a royal crown, and tossed beads to the excited parade watchers. I’ve never made so many people happy at one time. That was such a neat experience.
Want to ride on a float yourself? Universal Orlando lets Annual Passholders sign-up for an opportunity to ride a Mardi Gras float!
On select evenings, right after the Mardi Gras parade, you can watch a live concert by some of today’s hottest artists. This year’s exhilarating concert lineup features an array of talent with something for everyone to enjoy. Headliners include English pop sensation Jessie J, “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, reggaeton superstar Yandel, R&B artist Trey Songz, legendary B52s, award-winning American country group The Band Perry, rock group American Authors, and more. See all upcoming concerts.
I got to see the MKTO concert during my visit! I must confess to acting a bit like a teenager, especially so when MKTO’s Malcolm and Tony surprised my group with a meet and greet before the concert. Swoon! I even got a selfie with the guys. My teen nieces were so jealous over that!
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras was such a fun and amazing experience! I can’t wait to return with my family. I know they will enjoy it as much as I did.
There is already so much to do in a day at Universal Studios Orlando. Add to it the Mardi Gras celebration, and you have a fun and exciting family-friendly experience like no other. Find out more about Universal Orlando Mardi Gras, buy tickets, or plan your next vacation.
*Some images provided courtesy of Universal Orlando.
Are you ready for a family-friendly vacation at Universal Mardi Gras?
Sarah Bailey says
March 19, 2015 at 2:16 PMThis sounds like so much fun, I had no idea Universal did something for Mardi Gras but I think it is awesome!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
March 19, 2015 at 2:23 PMThat looks like a blast! I love Universal, but I’ve never been on a holiday of any sort.
Melissa Pezza says
March 19, 2015 at 2:41 PMThat looks so fun! I’ve been to Disney on a couple of different holidays, but never Universal. They did a great job!
Lesley says
March 19, 2015 at 2:53 PMThat looks like a lot of fun. The pictures and colors are amazing. I have never done any sort of Mardi Gras celebration in my life – time to change that!
becca says
March 19, 2015 at 4:21 PMWe have been wanting to drive down for this event. We just haven’t yet
Heather says
March 19, 2015 at 4:48 PMThis is awesome. I’m so excited for you – what a great time!
Lady Lilith says
March 19, 2015 at 4:52 PMOh wow. This looks amazing. I am sure you all had such an amazing time.
Liz Mays says
March 19, 2015 at 5:08 PMIt was such an awesome time! I would happily repeat the experience every year!
Liz Mays says
March 19, 2015 at 5:09 PMThey really do put on such an amazing show! I would definitely go back again. It was so much fun!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
March 19, 2015 at 5:54 PMIt was SO great to finally meet you at this event. I had the best time there that night 🙂
Pam says
March 19, 2015 at 6:12 PMThis looks like it was so much fun! I had no idea that Universal even did Mardi Gras!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
March 21, 2015 at 8:19 AMI didn’t know until this year, either! So much fun!
Brandy says
March 19, 2015 at 6:22 PMI am so glad you were able to experience this! I read another blogger friend who went too, never have I celebrated Mardi Gras but I must experience this celebration some day!
Jennifer E. says
March 19, 2015 at 7:06 PMIt’s so amazing that your group got to ride on the King and Queen float! This Mardi Gras celebration looks like WAY more family friendly than the ones in New Orleans and I’m thrilled to know that I’ve got some place to take my family.
Shell says
March 19, 2015 at 7:27 PMThis looks like such a blast! I love Universal but have only ever gone in the summer. I’d love to go for this!
Marcie W. says
March 19, 2015 at 8:59 PMWhat a fun festive event that is perfect for the entire family! All of the bright colors and costumes are especially awesome and that sugar skull float definitely captured my attention.
Tough Cookie Mommy says
March 19, 2015 at 9:28 PMThis event looks like a blast. I love all of the colorful costumes and the festive atmosphere.
Debbie Denny says
March 19, 2015 at 9:32 PMIt does look like a great time. Glad you got to experience it
Cassie says
March 19, 2015 at 9:48 PMWhat a great way to celebrate Mardi Gras! Universal Studios really captured that New Orleans flavor!
Danielle @ We Have It All says
March 19, 2015 at 10:17 PMI love Universal and Mardi Gras is such a cool holiday. I love the colors.
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
March 19, 2015 at 10:37 PMThis looks like so much fun to take part in! The food and costumes look amazing!
Jeanine says
March 19, 2015 at 10:40 PMOh how fun! I think this would be such fun. We’ve never done Universal before and oh how I wish! This looks amazing!
Lois Alter Mark says
March 19, 2015 at 11:21 PMThis looks like so much fun! I love that annual passholders have a chance to ride on a float!
Farrah says
March 19, 2015 at 11:25 PMYour pictures make me feel like I was really there! I would love to be able to visit Orlando some day. 🙂
Ora Lee Gurr says
March 20, 2015 at 12:18 AMWhat a wonderful time for everyone attending Mardi Gras at Universal. You’ve got some great pictures that definitely inspire me to consider going there next year. Good going on the float and concert!
Crystal says
March 20, 2015 at 12:32 AMWhat a blast! I would love to cerebrate Mardi Gras with my family at Universal Orlando.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
March 20, 2015 at 8:16 AMLooks like an amazing time! I love the costumes!
Debra says
March 20, 2015 at 9:32 AMThat looks like lots of fun! A family-friendly Mardi Gras – music, parades and beads!
Tonia @TheChattyMomma says
March 20, 2015 at 10:38 AMI love your photos. Mardi Gras is so much fun in Louisiana. I’m sure its even better in sunny Florida.
[email protected] says
March 20, 2015 at 10:58 AMUnfortunately, I won’t make it to the Mardi Gras party before it ends. But it looks like fun.
Ann Bacciaglia says
March 20, 2015 at 1:52 PMUniversal Orlando Mardi Gras looks like an amazing time. I would love to go and celebrate. I love all the great costumes.
Amanda Love says
March 20, 2015 at 2:03 PMOh I wish I was there. Seems like everyone had a great time. Maybe I might make it to Mardi Gras one day hopefully without kids. 🙂
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
March 22, 2015 at 5:16 PMI don’t think I would take kids to Mardi Gras if you are going to New Orleans for it. At least, not after dark. lol
jeevon kay says
March 20, 2015 at 2:22 PMoooo…so fun!! we were in New Orleans early January this year but there was no Mardi Gras celebration yet. We went to Mardi GRas world though. We should really plan to go there and experience Mardi Gras for once
Tracey says
March 20, 2015 at 3:24 PMUniversal is such an experience. This looks like a complete blast! Great pictures!
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
March 20, 2015 at 3:30 PMThat looks like so much fun. Even though I no longer live in the south, it is still my dream to spend Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Just like its my dream to spend St. Patricks Day in Dublin.
Rosey says
March 20, 2015 at 6:18 PMJust hanging with the stars! 🙂 This sounds like a great adventure. I love the pictures, most especially the one you got of the lady in the crowd interaction. She looks like she’s just having a blast!
deb p says
March 20, 2015 at 6:40 PMWe need a vacation. this looks like fun.
Yolanda @ Seeing It Their Way says
March 20, 2015 at 8:11 PMLooks like everyone had a ball. I love the vibrant costumes.
Sophie S says
March 20, 2015 at 8:29 PMOh what a fun time! I need to put this on the calendar for next year!
Donna says
March 20, 2015 at 10:53 PMIt looks like you had a blast! I would so love to go and take my son, I know we’d love it! I’ve never been to Universal Orlando (well, I’ve never been to Florida, even) and it is on my list to do in the near future!
Christie says
March 21, 2015 at 12:51 AMWhat a fabulous girls getaway! Looks like you had an amazing Mardi Gras experience!
Maryann D. says
March 21, 2015 at 8:11 AMThis looks like so much fun and colorful. I would really enjoy a vacation there soon!
chrysa says
March 21, 2015 at 8:52 AMWhat a fun place to go next to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. You took some really great pictures. We’ll add it to our to do list!
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
March 21, 2015 at 1:59 PMWhat a fun time, I wish I lived closer to Universal Studios so we could go more often. I would have loved to have been a part of the Mardi Gras fun.
Natalie Brown says
March 21, 2015 at 2:42 PMI had no idea that Universal Studios had a Mardi Gras celebration. I only live an hour and a half away too. Great pictures! You look so cute and excited. 🙂
lisa @bitesforbabies says
March 22, 2015 at 7:41 AMYour pics are amazing…so colourful and to be honest, they’re making me feel like I’m really missing it out, lol! Looks like so much fun!
Kathy Ngo says
March 22, 2015 at 11:31 AMGosh. You reminded me of how much I wanted to partake in the Mardi Gras. I love the colors, the festivity, and how cheerful and loud everyone is. Beautiful photos.
Bonnie @ wemake7 says
March 22, 2015 at 5:19 PMWow! What a great time that must have been. So colorful and pretty scenes. Would love to experience this someday.
Tammilee Tips says
March 22, 2015 at 5:49 PMThis sounds like a great way to do Mardi Gras. I had no idea that universal studios did this!
Amanda says
March 22, 2015 at 5:52 PMWow, I have never heard of this before. When I went to visit NOLA for the first time a few years ago, I fell in love with its delicious food. Here in Chicago we go crazy on Fat Tuesday with polish donuts.
debra p says
March 22, 2015 at 6:27 PMWhat a blast! It looks like you had an incredible time. I love anything to do with Mardi Gras. So cool that they have that in Orlando.
HilLesha says
March 22, 2015 at 10:27 PMOh, how fun! I have never celebrated Mardi Gras. However, if I ever did, this would be my ideal way of celebrating it!
Angela Christoper says
March 22, 2015 at 11:06 PMWhat a fun experienced with them! I’d love to visit there one day.
Elizabeth O. says
March 23, 2015 at 5:03 AMYou’re so lucky to have celebrated Mardi Gras! Sadly, I have never experienced one before!
Heather Hayes Panjon says
March 23, 2015 at 5:53 AMWhat A Fun Celebration! Looks Like A Great Time With Lot’s Of Activities.
CourtneyLynne says
March 23, 2015 at 11:28 AMLooks like you had a total blast!!! Mardi Gras is one of the more fun events universal does!!! Love it 🙂
John Lopez says
March 23, 2015 at 1:09 PMSounds like a blast, I love Mardi Gras. The combination of food, the parade, and the concerns sound like a great destination. Glad you had a blast!
Marina @ Mommy Snippets says
March 23, 2015 at 2:54 PMThis looks like such a fun time! Glad you enjoyed yourself!
dogvills says
March 23, 2015 at 4:23 PMLook at that Mardi Gras Celebration. It looks simply stunning. And it looks like you had a BLAST
Krystal says
March 23, 2015 at 6:45 PMThis is one of my favorite times of year! I used to be a passholder and would go all the time. I love all the concerts and drinks!
denise low says
March 25, 2015 at 4:17 PMThank you for the information. I would love to do something like this.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
March 26, 2015 at 12:48 AMI’ve never attended the Mardi Gras festival before and I can tell how much fun it is just by looking at your photos!
Stacey b says
March 27, 2015 at 1:48 AMAh this looks like so much fun! We have Universal Passes but I’ve never stayed to see the parade.. Think I’m going to check it out!