Universal has just extended their Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval event through April 11th; meaning you have way more time to experience the live performances, majestic parade floats, and perhaps most importantly, the FOOD (and drinks – if you’re over 21)! Unfortunately, eating and drinking everything the event has to offer comes with a hefty price tag. Food options can range from $4.49 to a whopping $12.99, and the drinks are normally priced even higher! Luckily, Universal is offering a solution to this problem with the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard!
What are the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyards?
For $55 plus tax, you can purchase the standard (there is also a specially-priced Annual Passholder lanyard) Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard. This option provides 10 food and/or drink items from the various event booths. Items included with your lanyard purchase can be found with the fun symbol you can see on the menu below:
If you would rather have classic theme park fare, you’re in luck! The lanyard can also be used for soft pretzels, regular popcorn, and bottled water during the festivities or after the event has ended (The lanyards have no expiration date).
Battle of the Food Festivals: Universal’s Mardi Gras vs SeaWorld’s Seven Seas
If you’re a UOAP (Universal Orlando Annual Passholder), I highly recommend that you take advantage of the specially priced lanyard. While it costs $10 more than the standard option ($65 plus tax), it offers five more menu items (15 tasting options total) for a much better deal!
How Does It Work?
Both of the lanyards have scannable barcodes. Once you order your eligible item, a Universal Team Member will simply scan your code. You will need to remember how many items are left on your lanyard.
Where can I get a Universal Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard?
You can purchase these lanyards at any of the special festival food and drink booths littered throughout Universal Studios Florida theme park.
The Big Question…
Should you purchase a Universal Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard? That depends on your situation and preferences. If you don’t think you’ll eat enough food to make the purchase worthwhile, then it wouldn’t make much sense. If you’re only buying a few items, they are relatively cheap for the amount of food actually received. However, if you’re like me and want to try as many items as possible, the lanyards are going to save you money. With the standard (non-Passholder) Tasting Lanyard, each food or drink item costs about $5.50. If you use your lanyard to mainly purchase items at or above this price – you’re saving some serious dough!
Let’s take, for instance, my Twisted Tater purchase:
This deliciousness would have cost me $10.99 (not including tax or my Annual Passholder discount) without the lanyard. Instead, however, I ultimately paid $4.33 using my 15 item UOAP lanyard. That’s a steal right there.
In summary, these lanyards are a BARGAIN if you buy the right items, which usually isn’t hard to do…especially if you like to drink. (The event’s featured alcoholic beverages are PRICEY!)
Exploring the 2021 Universal Mardi Gras Tribute Store
AND that isn’t the only incentive to purchase the lanyard. If you’re a local or are planning a long vacation, you can spread your purchases over a few days. This gave me, a local UOAP, something new to try every visit. Personally, this perk alone made it worth the $65 price tag. Especially since I go to Universal so often, it can be hard to find new things to do. My lanyard has solved that problem – at least temporarily.
Final Thoughts!
If you have the time, money, and appetite, I highly recommend purchasing a lanyard. The food options this year are PHENOMENAL, and I’ve heard that the drinks knock it out of the park as well. Make sure to act fast so you have plenty of time to enjoy your tasting options. If you’re interested in learning more about Universal’s Mardi Gras event, make sure to check out Krysti’s article that tells you everything you need to know and more!
Twisted tatter is not that great.