Universal Orlando celebrates Mardi Gras: Here's your guide
Universal Orlando Resort invites you to “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll) at their popular Mardi Gras celebration. The park transforms into "Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval," happening now through April 7.
Here are five things you need to know about the celebration, from tasty treats to star-studded concerts.
1. Who is performing at Universal Mardi Gras 2024?
This year's concerts, included in the price of admission, will feature live performances by some of the most popular names in music. Performances will take place on select nights at around 8:30 p.m., after the Mardi Gras parade. Make your way to the Music Plaza stage, located in front of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster near the front of the park.
Here's the lineup.
Feb. 17: Nessa Barrett
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
Read more about it: See list of stars performing at Universal Orlando’s 2024 Mardi Gras concerts
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2. Will there be a parade?
Of course! This year's Mardi Gras parade will have newly designed floats inspired by "Earth, wind, fire, water, the sun and the moon." These element floats will join Universal’s classic lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats, complete with high-energy music, dozens of performers wearing elaborate costumes and tons of beads.
Lora Sauls, assistant director of creative development and show direction at Universal Orlando, describes the parade as spectacular. "Our decor team uses over a ton of glitter to hand glitter each one of these six floats," she said. "There's more glitter on this parade than we've ever done before. It's incredible."
3. What is the 'Float Ride and Dine Experience'?
If you want to be part of the action, check out the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. Starting at $84.99, guests can toss beads from a Mardi Gras float and enjoy a three-course meal at one of the participating Universal Orlando restaurants: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill or Lombard’s Seafood Grille. To reserve this experience, use the virtual line feature in the Official Universal Orlando app.
4. What specialty food will be available?
The chefs at Universal Orlando have taken inspiration from global Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Spain to China and beyond to create this year's menu. You'll find kiosks throughout the park featuring more than 60 tasting-sized items, including the classic fried green tomato po’boy and fluffy beignets from New Orleans, chicken schnitzel from Germany and chilaquiles verdes from Mexico.
Chef Jens Dahlmann, executive chef of operations at Universal Orlando, said the multi-cultural flavors will be genuine. "We're really celebrating the international flavors of Mardi Gras, and what better way to do it than by smelling and tasting all those beautiful flavors?"
"It's really exciting to develop those kinds of dishes, he said. "We want to be as authentic as possible."
5. How much are tickets?
The Mardi Gras event is included with the price of park admission, which starts at $119 per day for guests aged 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.
To purchase a ticket to Universal Studios Orlando, visit universalorlando.com and click on the "Park Tickets" tab on the main page.
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Know before you go: Mardi Gras 2024 at Universal Orlando
