‘Mardi Gras’ at Universal Studios Florida. Your guide to concerts, food, cost, ticket deals

Samantha Neely and Eve Chen, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
Updated ·5 min read
Universal Orlando Resort's 2024 Mardi Gras celebrations are going on now through April 7.

Get your beads and masks ready, Mardi Gras is making its return next month! Luckily for Floridians, we don't have to head all the way to New Orleans to celebrate.

Universal Orlando Resort will see its theme park turn into the "Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval" starting on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Here’s what fans should know about the beloved celebration, from the star-studded concerts to the delicious treats the park will offer.

Where is Universal Studios Orlando located?

Universal Studios Orlando is at 6000 Universal Blvd in Orlando, just 15 minutes away from the downtown area.

What are the dates for Mardi Gras at Universal?

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs from Saturday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, April 7 at Universal Studios Florida.

Is Mardi Gras at Universal a separate ticket?

No. The seasonal event is included with the price of park admission, which starts at $119 per day for guests age 10 and up.

Residents of the U.S., Canada and Latin America can get two free additional days with the purchase of a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket.

Are there any Florida resident deals for Universal Orlando tickets, hotel rooms?

Florida and Georgia residents get two days free with the purchase of a 2-Park, 1-Day ticket, which allows them three days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.

Additionally, Universal Orlando Passholders and Florida residents can save 40% on rooms at all Universal Orlando hotels during select dates this Mardi Gras season. The eight hotels located on Universal's property are:

  • Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

  • Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

  • Universal's Aventura Hotel

  • Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

  • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

  • Loews Royal Pacific Resort

  • Hard Rock Hotel

  • Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Where can I buy tickets to Universal Studios Orlando?

To purchase a ticket to Universal Studios Orlando, guest can visit their website and click on the "Park Tickets" tab on the main page.

Who is performing at Mardi Gras 2024 at Universal?

  • Feb. 3: Walker Hayes

  • Feb. 10: The All-American Rejects

  • Feb. 17: Nessa Barrett (Replaced Elle King)

  • Feb. 18: KC and the Sunshine Band

  • Feb. 24: Barenaked Ladies

  • March 2: DJ Khaled

  • March 9: Ava Max

  • March 10: Queen Latifah

  • March 16: Luis Fonsi

  • March 17: Zedd

Universal officials said there are still more acts to be announced in the coming daysz.

Where are the concerts held? Do I need pay to see the concerts?

The concerts are held at Universal Studios Florida’s Music Plaza stage, near the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster toward the front of the park. The shows begin around 8:30 p.m. on select nights.

No, you do not need to pay to attend the concerts.

Does Universal Studios have a Mardi Gras parade?

Yes, Universal Orlando does have a Mardi Gras parade, which this year will have newly designed parade floats inspired by "Earth, wind, fire, water, the sun and the moon."

The new collection of element floats will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats to create this year’s parade. Officials said the floats are complete with high-energy music, dozens of performers donning elaborate costumes and tons of beads.

What is the 'Float and Dine' experience at Universal's Mardi Gras?

The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience offers an exclusive opportunity for guests to become part of the parade’s excitement.

Starting at $84.99, participants can reserve a spot to toss beads from a Mardi Gras float and enjoy a three-course meal at one of four participating Universal Orlando restaurants: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill or Lombard’s Seafood Grille.

The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, one non-alcoholic beverage, and a Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation on the same day.

Reservations can be made by visiting UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras, with Universal Orlando Passholders can enjoy a 15% discount off.

What specialty food will be available during Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Orlando?

Wanting to experience some of the mouthwatering flavors of global Carnaval celebrations? Universal Studios officials said they will offer delights from around the world with an expansive menu featuring more than 60 tasting-sized items.

While venturing throughout the parkwide celebration, guests will find kiosks featuring culinary delicacies inspired by various locations from around the globe – including Fried Green Tomato Po’boy and Beignets from New Orleans, Chicken Schnitzel from Germany, and Chilaquiles Verdes from Mexico.

What other Universal Orlando locations will be getting into the Mardi Gras spirit?

The Mardi Gras festivities extend to CityWalk with specially-themed food and drink offerings in a number of venues.

There will be an after party and Fat Tuesday celebration at Pat O’Brien’s. The Mardi Gras party will also take over the Red Coconut Club and transformed it into the Cursed Coconut Club for those 21 and older.

As for those staying on location at the theme parks, you can continue the celebration at the hotels.

Universal Orlando hotels will offer exclusive Mardi Gras food and beverages this season, such as the Crawfish and Andouille Sausage Egg Roll at Islands Dining Room in Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Mardi Gras Empanadas at the Amatista Cookhouse in Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Jambalaya at Beach Break Cafe in Universal’s Endless Summer Resort.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Universal Orlando Mardi Grad: Guide to concerts, food and dates