ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s biggest Mardi Gras party is celebrating 30 years of good times.
On Tuesday, Universal Orlando Resort released new details on this year’s Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval celebration including the star-studded concert lineup, cuisine and the fan-favorite parade.
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Guests can enjoy Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval as part of regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida.
Concert line-up
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On select nights, guests can enjoy live music at the Music Plaza Stage inside Universal Studios Florida, after the parade.
The line-up covers a wide range of music genres includes Grammy-winning artist T-Pain, global pop superstar Joe Jonas and Latin Grammy-winning artist Juanes.
- T-Pain (Feb. 1)
- Joe Jonas (Feb. 8)
- Kool & The Gang (Feb. 15)
- Juanes (Feb. 16)
- Scotty McCreery (Feb. 22)
- Foster the People (March 1)
- Illenium (March 8)
- All Time Low (March 15)
- Lawrence (March 16)
- Coco Jones (March 21)
- DJ Pauly D (March 22)
- TLC (March 29)
International flavor
Inspired by international Carnaval cuisine from New Orleans to Puerto Rico and beyond, guests can visit various kiosks around Universal Studios for sweet, savory, and spicy dishes including, Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from Canada, Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from China, and a Colombian Burger.
Universal Orlando hotels will offer exclusive Mardi Gras food and beverages this season, including Bourbon Street Beignets at The Kitchen in Hard Rock Hotel, Bayou Shrimp and Grits at Bar 17 in Universal Aventura Hotel, and New Orleans Chicken or Shrimp Po’ Boy at Beach Break Cafe in Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites.
Celebrating 30 years of Mardi Gras
As part of the parade lineup, six all-new floats will be inspired by some of the most famous Krewes in New Orleans.
The new collection of floats will highlight food, beads and the bayou, and will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired signature floats – complete with energetic live music, dozens of performers and more.
Guests will also be able to elevate their Mardi Gras party with the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience – which includes an exclusive opportunity to be a part of the festivities with a reserved spot aboard a Mardi Gras float to toss beads during the event’s parade.
In addition, guests will enjoy a three-course meal on the day of their visit that includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage.
Guests can choose from one of eight participating restaurants within Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Florida: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, Lombard’s Seafood Grille, and new this year — Confisco Grille (2-Park ticket required), Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (dinner only), Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom (dinner only), or Pat O’Brien’s (dinner only).
The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience starts at $89.99 plus tax per person.
Guests can complete their trip with a stay at one of Universal’s nine hotels, where they can enjoy exclusive benefits including Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation to the theme park
The Universal Mardi Gras runs Feb. 1 through March 30 and is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida or a valid Universal Orlando Annual or Seasonal Pass.
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