Universal Orlando 2023 Mardi Gras

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Florida’s biggest party just got bigger! Get ready for Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval! The Mardi Gras Celebration at Universal Orlando is scheduled for February 4 through April 16. The 11-week long festivities will feature star-studded live concerts, a vibrant Mardi Gras parade, and food offerings whose flavors are inspired by cultures from around the world. It’s the loudest, wildest, spiciest blowout this side of the Bayou. Since 1995, Universal Orlando Resort has been bringing the fun and flavors of the Big Easy’s Mardi Gras celebration to the streets of Universal Studios Florida.

GET READY TO PARTY BEYOND THE BAYOU AND LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is Included in Theme Park Admission to Universal Studios Florida

MARDI GRAS CONCERT SERIES & LIVE MUSIC

The fan-favorite event returns to Universal Studios Florida with a dazzling parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations and star-studded live concerts on select nights. Enjoy eight live performances by top names in music like Sean Paul, Maren Morris and Goo Goo Dolls at the Music Plaza Stage on select nights.

Here’s the lineup of Performances:

February 4 – Pattie LaBelle
February 10 – JVKE
February 11 – Goo Goo Dolls
February 18 – Maren Morris
February 19 – Willow
February 25 – 3 Doors Down
March 4 – Sean Paul
March 5 – Lauren Daigle

Plus, brass bands straight from Bourbon Street will perform daily throughout the park, bringing the soulful sounds of New Orleans to the heart of Universal Studios.

SPECTACULAR “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” PARADE

Universal Studios Florida will also present an authentic New Orleans-style parade, including spectacular floats, dazzling costumes, and beads being tossed for guests to catch. Catch beads by the handful during this year’s dazzling “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” parade – featuring six new floats inspired by fantastical creatures like dragons, phoenixes, unicorns and more that will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats – such as the iconic, two-story Riverboat and nearly 50-foot-long King Gator. They make their way along the parade route, accompanied by high-energy music and dozens of performers dressed in festive costumes. Experience float riding from atop one of the floats and toss beads to the crowd.

Where and When to See It

Parade starts at 5:15 pm on the following dates:
• Feb 7, Mar. 30

Parade starts at 6:15 pm on the following dates:
• Feb 5-6, 8-9, 12-16, 22, Feb. 26-Mar. 2

Parade starts at 7:30 pm on the following dates:
• Feb. 17, 20-21, 23–24; Mar. 3, Mar. 6-29, Apr. 1-16

Parade starts at 7:45 pm on the following dates:
• (Concert Nights) Feb. 4, 10-11, 18-19, 25; Mar. 4-5

FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Taste the mouthwatering flavors of global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond with an expansive menu featuring more than 50 tasting-sized items. The award-winning chefs will spice up the celebration in their unique ways, whipping up delectable dishes inspired by the flavors of delicacies from all over the world. Get ready for the good times at Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. This party features NOLA favorites and the best of Carnaval celebrations from around the world.

Select food and beverage venues at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando hotels will also feature Mardi Gras – inspired menus, including New Orleans BBQ Shrimp & Dirty Rice, Chicken, Andouille & Shrimp Jambalaya, Shrimp Po’Boys, and King Cake Pancakes. Visit the Mardi Gras tribute store to shop for all things Mardi Gras.

SPECIAL OFFER

FL Residents Get 2 Days FREE* With a 2-Park, 2-Day Ticket (One park per day)
Experience 4 days at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, including the excitement of Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval – our loudest, wildest, spiciest blowout ever, Feb. 4 – Apr. 16 Florida Residents get 2 days FREE with a 2-Park, 2-Day Ticket. Then enjoy a refreshing Coca-Cola Zero Sugar when you visit. Not available at the front gate. Use now through Jun. 29, 2023.

Save up to 20%* on Your Hotel Room

Only at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, where all the fun of Universal’s Mardi Gras is just a short water taxi ride away.
When to Purchase: Now – Apr. 11, 2023
When to Go: Feb. 4, 2023 – Apr. 16, 2023
*Based on a 5-night stay. Savings based on the non-discounted double occupancy price for the same room, before tax. Limited availability. Restrictions apply. Valid separate theme park tickets are required to enjoy the theme parks.

Call 1-800-942-3301 to speak to an agent and plan your Mardi Gras vacation today!

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.