Universal's Mardi Gras: Louder. Wilder. Spicier.

By:  Patty Hoose, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent

Photo Credit: Jessica Giles

Forget about your inhibitions. Forget about who’s watching. It’s time to let loose at Universal’s Mardi Gras, being held this year Feb. 5-April 24, 2022. This ain’t no fancy tea party. The beads are back. The parade and concerts are back. And every day and night you can enjoy food from New Orleans and dishes inspired by diverse tastes and flavors from from around the world. It’s Florida’s Biggest Party, and it’s the loudest, wildest blowout this side of the Bayou.

Photo Credit: Jessica Giles

Spectacular Parades

Enjoy a dazzling Mardi Gras parade with authentic floats direct from New Orleans. You have two ways to experience the parade: 1) as a Bead Catcher and 2) as a Bead Thrower. Both are equally as fun as the other and depend on what you would like to do for the night.

Being a Bead Catcher allows you more time to enjoy the French Quarter Courtyard and rides in the park, while also being able to grab a good spot for the concert.

Being a Bead Thrower means you get to ride on the float (!!), and it requires day guests to sign up for limited spots via the Virtual Line on The Official Universal Orlando Resort App. If selected, you have to check-in before the parade — and, yes, it can take time to get back over to the concert area when the parade is over. However, there’s nothing quite like tossing beads at a mass of people cheering to get your attention — it’s SO MUCH FUN and allows for you to be a part of the action.

My recommendation? Both! Come one night and catch. Come another night and throw.

Parade starts at 5:15 pm on the following dates:

• Feb 25

Parade starts at 6:15 pm on the following dates:­­

• Feb 6-11, 14-17, 22-24, 28
• Mar. 1

Parade starts at 7:15 pm on the following dates:

• Feb 13, 18, 21, 27
• Mar. 2-4, 7-11

Parade starts at 7:30 pm on the following dates:

• Mar. 14-17, 21-24, 28-31
• Apr. 3-7, 9-24

Live Concerts

Catch some of the biggest names in concert live on the Music Plaza Stage.

February

• 5 – Sugar Ray
• 12 – Diana Ross
• 19- Barenaked Ladies
• 20 – Styx
• 26 – Jon Pardi

March

• 5 – LL COOL J feat. DJ Z-Trip
• 6 – Marshmello
• 12 – Lee Brice
• 13 – Becky G
• 18 – Khalid
• 19 – Seal
• 20 – Gavin DeGraw
• 25 – The Revivalists
• 26 – Jimmie Allen
• 27 – Jason Derulo

Photo Credit: Jessica Giles

Take Your Tastebuds on a Culinary Journey

All around Universal Studios Florida you'll find an assortment of authentic food from New Orleans, dishes inspired by diverse tastes and flavors from around the world, and specialty drinks available for purchase.

Mardi Gras 2022 food booths:

• USA/New Orleans
• Italy
• Floribbean
• Fusion
• Brazil
• Southeast Asia, India, & Central America

  Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.

Photo Credit: Jessica Giles

Things to Know

No Extra Cost to Party!
The greatest and most important thing to know about Universal’s Mardi Gras? It’s included with your park admission or Annual Pass* to Universal Studios Florida. There is no extra cost to experience all the fun and excitement, and it makes for a great addition to your family’s spring vacation.

The App Will Be Your Best Friend
Think of The Official Universal Orlando Resort App as your personal little robot butler in the palm of your hand. You can view the menus of each food and drink kiosks and, with your virtual wallet set up, you can even mobile-order to where you’re waiting for the concert. Also, the app helps you keep track of ride wait times, confirm parade and concert start times, and even sign up for float riding using the Virtual Line.

Deciding what to bring or wear to a theme park can be tricky. The general consensus is to pack light and wear layers, but Mardi Gras can be a unique event to think through. Here’s a list I’ve put together throughout my years of attending the event.

• Small bag (emphasis on small): There’s no real reason to bring a big bag with you to Mardi Gras, unless you’re traveling with little ones. You want to stay light and nimble to maneuver the concert crowds and catch beads. Try to carry your tickets and cards in a lanyard or sport one of those nifty phone cases with the card slots. If you do need to bring a bag, opt for a fanny pack or small crossbody that can fit into one of the free small lockers.
• Phone charger: This will come in handy if you’re sitting around waiting for the concert or parade to start. Plus, you may need it after all the photos you’ve taken and posted on social media.
• Check the weather: Mardi Gras falls in that weird Florida-weather timeframe when the temperature can flux from being hot during the day and chilly at night. So, make sure you check it ahead of time and consider bringing a light jacket just in case. Also, don’t forget those pesky rain showers that can pop up!
• Comfy shoes: This is kind of a duh when going to a theme park, but especially important during Mardi Gras, since you’re going to be doing some quick walking and dodging. I also recommend close-toed, as your feet may get stepped on during the concert.
• Your krewe: The best way to experience Mardi Gras is with your friends and family. Grab the krewe and come party with us!

Prices, times, dates, entertainment, event and/or experience details are subject to changes and/or cancellation without notice.

Please reach out to Patty, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.