A Celebration of Food, Fun and Party Vibes!
Let the good times roll! Universal Studios Florida is throws one of the biggest parties of the year with its Mardi Gras: International Flavours of Carnaval, running now through March 30, 2025. Universal Studios park transforms into a vibrant festival packed with incredible food, high energy parades, and live concerts. Whether you’re here for the bites, the beats, or just to see how many beads you can catch, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss out on if you are in the area.
A Taste of Mardi Gras
One of the highlights of Universal’s Mardi Gras is the food. Every year, the park offer special menu items inspired by Carnaval celebrations around the world, and 2025 is serving up some serious looking and tasty eats. From the streets of New Orleans to the markets of Mexico, here are just a few dishes that make our won’t want to miss list:
Puerto Rico
- Pinchos de Lechón – Juicy pork skewers glazed in a sweet and tangy guava BBQ sauce, served with pan sobao, a soft, slightly sweet bread.
Bites of the Bayou
- Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese – Creamy, spicy cavatappi pasta with andouille sausage, the holy trinity (onions, bell peppers, celery), and a rich Cajun cream sauce, garnished with scallions.
China
- Duck Xian Bing – A crispy shredded duck dumpling infused with hoisin, scallion, and ginger butter.
Colombia
- Chicken Empanadas – Crispy corn masa empanadas filled with savory shredded chicken, served with aji picante sauce.
France
- Duck à l’Orange Crêpe – A warm, freshly made crêpe stuffed with shredded duck, caramelized onions, Boursin cheese, and orange segments.
Taste of the Quarter
- Beignets – A Mardi Gras classic! These deep-fried pastries are drenched in powdered sugar and perfect for snacking while watching the parade.
Mexico
- Quesabirria – Slow-cooked Birria beef in a crispy corn tortilla with Monterey Jack & Oaxaca cheese, served with rich consommé for dipping.
- Chilaquiles Verde – Crispy tortillas topped with shredded chile-braised chicken, salsa verde, cotija cheese, and a zesty lime crema.
Toast to the Party
What’s a celebration (especially a Mardi Gras celebration) without festive drinks? Whether you prefer a classic beer flight, tropical cocktail, or mocktail, Universal’s menu has something to quench your thirst: We are eager to try:
Coca-Cola Market Square
- Frozen Irish Coffee – A smooth blend of Jameson Irish Whiskey, espresso liqueur, cold brew, and vanilla ice cream.
Germany
- Beer Flight – A trio of German brews, including Bitburger Premium Pils, Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier, and Erdinger Weißbier Dunkel.
Mexico
- La Tormenta – A vibrant margarita featuring Cuervo Tradicional Blanco Tequila, dragon fruit purée, passion fruit, and smoked sea salt.
- Elote Old Fashioned – A smoky blend of Desert Door Sotol, Nixta Licor de Elote, mezcal, and agave syrup.
Pro Tip: If you plan on trying multiple drinks, grab the Mardi Gras Souvenir Cup for larger refills at the same price as a standard single serving. Plus, it makes a great Souvenir (almost as thought this was done on purpose!).
Another great deal? The Mardi Gras Food & Beverage Card & Lanyard:
- Standard Guests: Pay $65 and get a $75 card.
- Annual Passholders: Pay $120 and get a $150 card.
These are a great and convenient way to spend during the event and the best part? The credits never expire, so you can use them even after the Mardi Gras celebrations end on March 30th 2025, they are valid at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, and Volcano Bay.
The Parade: 30 Years of Beads and Floats!
Mardi Gras wouldn’t be complete without a parade, and this year sees the events 30 anniversary, Universal is going all out to mark the occasion! With brand new themed floats, high energy performers, and thousands of beads flying through the air.
You can even be part of the fun? Sign up for the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience to toss beads from a float and enjoy a meal at select restaurants.
Step Into the Legends of the Bayou Tribute Store
Possibly one of my favourite parts at Universal the tribute store. These change and rotate, and during event Universal creates an immersive Tribute Store for it, and 2025’s theme—Legends of the Bayou—delivers eerie, swampy southern vibes. Wander through a mystical setting full of back story and lore, filled with hidden secrets, glowing lanterns, and exclusive Mardi Gras merchandise. Hunting for limited edition beads, event apparel, or a collector’s pins, this is the spot to grab that unique souvenir.
Free Concerts with Big-Name Artists
One of the biggest perks of Universal’s Mardi Gras? Free concerts on select nights! Every weekend, top artists take the Music Plaza Stage (right in front of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit) for live performances included with your park admission.
Check Universal’s official lineup for the latest schedule whether you love pop, rock, country, or R&B, there’s a show for you.
Welcome to the Party!
Universal’s Mardi Gras Carnaval is an amazing celebration, and the best part? It’s included with your regular park admission! So no matter whether you’re there for the food, the parade, the concerts, or just the party atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
So catch some beads, bring your appetite, and get ready to celebrate before the party wraps up on March 30th 2025!
Photos posted of Universals Mardi Gras Carnival 2024