Universal Orlando Resort announced all the details today for Mardi Gras 2023 and they are going beyond the bayou for us this year. The theme for this years Mardi Gras celebration is International Flavors of Carnaval from around the world. The amazing parade returns as well as flavors from the bayou and beyond. Do you like music? We hope the concerts are back and you know it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without some beads. The amazing Tribute Store will be returning and we will see an all new Cursed Coconut in Citywalk. Read below for the concert lineup and details on some other cool things happening at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras.
Concerts have always been a huge part of Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando. This year is no exception check out the lineup of amazing performers: February 4th: Patti LaBelle February 10: JVKE February 11th: Goo Goo Dolls February 18th: Maren Morris February 19th: WILLOW February 25th: 3 Doors Down March 4th: Sean Paul March 5th: Lauren Daigle
The parade theme this year fir Mardi Gras is “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras.” There will be fantastical creatures such as phoenixes, unicorns, dragons, and more. This year will feature six amazing highly detailed floats including the return of the famous King Gator float.
We know you have probably caught tons of beads but, have you ever thrown beads from a float? At Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando you have opportunities to do just that. Every parade night there a limited number of spots for a chance to ride a float and throw out beads. You can reserve your spot on the in-park via the virtual line experience on the official Universal Orlando app.
A new thing for Mardi Gras this year is the float ride and dine experience. This experience allows you to reserve a spot to ride on a parade float and enjoy a 3 course meal before the parade at four participating restaurants including Finnegan’s Bar and Grill, and Lombard’s Seafood Grill at the Studios or The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar and NBC Sports Grill and Bar in CityWalk. The price for the experience is $84.99 and that includes gratuity. Passholder discounts do apply so don’t forget to use your UOAP.
Here is when and where to see the Mardi Gras Parade: Parade starts at 6:15 pm on the following dates:
• Feb 5-9, 12-16, Feb. 26-Mar. 2 Parade starts at 7:30 pm on the following dates:
• Feb. 17, 20–24; Mar. 3, Mar. 6 – Apr. 16 Parade starts at 7:45 pm on the following dates:
• (Concert Nights) Feb. 4, 10-11, 18-19; Mar. 4-5
Are you hungry? You better bring your appetite to Mardi Gras. There are over 50 Mardi Gras items to try during the event. Everything from Cajun delights to international tastes there is something for everyone. Featuring the classic Crawfish Boil, fluffy beignets, shrimp ceviche tostada and much much more.
If you plan on sampling multiple item we suggest picking up the Universal Orlando food and beverage card. Purchase a $65 card and you will receive $75 to spend and a lanyard. This is truly the way to go with so many different options to choose from.
One of the biggest things throughout the year is the iconic Tribute Store. The Tribute Store for Mardi Gras is no exception. It is always so beautifully done and continues the theme from the event with tons of amazing merchandise.
This year however during Mardi Gras 2023 the Tribute Store will have a new home in the Hollywood section of the park. We are so interested to see how they utilize the new space. The Tribute Store will feature an international jazz celebration that leads into traditional alleyways of New Orleans and end into a speakeasy. That sounds like a swinging great time.
The best way to keep the party going is by staying at one of Universal Orlando Resort’s onsite hotels. Each one of the hotels will offer an exclusive Mardi Gras item. N’awlins Po’ Boy Sliders at the Velvet Bar at Hard Rock Hotel, Cajun Jambalaya Pasta at Trattoria del Porto at Portofino Bay, Crawfish Etouffee at Bar 17 Bistro at Universal’s Aventura Hotel, and much more. CityWalk at Universal Orlando will also keep the party rocking. Pat O’Brien’s is going to host a Mardi Gras After Party select nights from 4 P.M. until 1 A.M..During the party you will get to experience exclusive food and drink offerings. February 21st there will also be a Fat Tuesday celebration from 4 P.M. until 12 A.M.. You can reach out to Pat O’Brien’s for reservations so you don’t miss out on the fun.
Lastly The Red Coconut Club which started transforming into a themed club at HHN 31 as the Dead Coconut, and then the Green and Red Coconut club for the Holidays will transform into the Cursed Coconut Club for Mardi Gras 2023. More details on the Cursed Coconut will be revealed soon.
With so many things to do and eat Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is a destination to have on your travel list for spring every year. It is one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations in the south. Come out see a live concert, try a new food item, catch a parade, shop in the tribute store, ride a float, and mostly ride the movies only at Universal Orlando Resort. We hope to see you out there and feet don’t fail me now!!