🎶 Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! 🎵
As this Mardi Gras classic suggests, there’s a lot for your feet to do during the festivities. From the delicious Cajun inspired flavors to the excitement and energy of the street party that transports you right to the streets of New Orleans, this party is fire!
Since I know some of you are short on time, here are the bullet points:
- 2024 Event dates are February 3-April 7 (These dates vary slightly by year, but are around the same time each year.)
- Live Concerts- See big name artists included in your park admission!
- French Quarter Courtyard Entertainment- Louisiana Jazz and dazzling performers!
- Mardi Gras Tribute Store- More than just merch! Amazing theming and photo ops galore!
- Food- Try the food and drinks inspired by the best traditional international flavors, only available during this event.
- Parade!- Authentic Mardi Gras party floats complete with all the beads! (No flashing, please!)
- Parade Float Ride & Dine- I highly recommend this experience! Have an amazing dinner at one of the select restaurants (Finnegan’s is my rec), and a guaranteed spot throwing beads from one of the parade floats!
One of the best things about this event is that everything can be experienced with a regular park ticket! Mardi Gras is so fun for the whole family, and it really compliments everything else there is to experience at the parks. Here are my favorite tid-bits to help you and your family get the most out of your Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Orlando.
- When to visit: I recommend mid-February for your trip. This will avoid the “opening” crowds. The first and last weekends can draw larger crowds. However, another factor to consider is which performers are going to be playing. With several big-name artists, the concerts can have a big draw. As of this writing, we have not seen the list of performances for 2024 and are anxiously waiting.
- The Food: SO. MUCH. FOOD. I highly suggest checking out the menus ahead of your trip and making a list of must-try foods. I have personally done it both ways (planning vs not) and my FOMO kicked in hardcore when I noticed things I wished I could try but was SO full I couldn’t eat anymore! (first-world problems, I know). Bring a friend or kids that don’t mind sharing to be able to try more things!
- PRO TIP: Snag a Mardi Gras Food & Beverage card! In 2023 you could purchase a card worth $75 for $65. This saves you $10 on your international taste testing mission. Annual passholders have also had the option of purchasing a $150 card for $120 and then still are able to use their AP discount on each purchase. Best news? These never expire and can be used on subsequent trips and at any food/beverage location in the parks!
- Concerts: Currently, I am anxiously watching for the 2024 concert line-up! Some examples of past performers include: Sugar Ray, Diana Ross, Barenaked Ladies, LL Cool J, Marshmello, Gavin DeGraw, Khalid, Seal, Styx, Jimmie Allen, Jason Derulo. I love that there is a great mix of genres! Stay tuned on our socials @nerdymomtravels and @smartmomsblogdisney for updates on this year’s performers and dates. Expect concerts to be on select Saturdays and Sundays during the event. They are on the stage inside Universal Studios Florida, so you do need a park ticket valid for that day to see them.
- Parade Tips: Keep an eye on the Universal Orlando App for parade dates and times! The parade takes place most evenings, but there are often a few dates when there is not a parade. The times also typically vary slightly, and start times may be anywhere from 5pm-7:45pm. In the parks you will see ropes going up and signs with the times in the late afternoon, usually around 3pm. You can also always check with TMs. The parade route is the same as all other parades – it starts and ends in the Hollywood section near Horror Makeup Show. BEST VIEWING spots: Bourne Stuntacular – See them coming straight at you! Horror Makeup Show- Double Beads! See the floats at the beginning and end of the parade! I also personally like being in front of Revenge of the Mummy so I can see the parade then hop right in line for the ride! (Put your stuff in lockers before the parade starts to save time.) If you’re looking to see the concert as well, get a spot near the Music Plaza stage for getting the best spot! Scout spots at least 45 min prior to the parade to make sure to get your favorite spot.
- Ride the floats!: While I HIGHLY recommend watching the parade at least once, RIDING IN the parade is also an incredible experience. If you have more than one evening in the parks, definitely choose one for watching and one for riding! There are typically 2 ways to get a spot on the floats. One is by trying for the Virtual Queue. Be ready to check the app just before 3pm for “Reserve Virtual Line Experience Pass” and be quick. Missed it? Keep checking back until up to an hour prior to parade time. Want a guaranteed spot? Book the Float Ride & Dine Experience (we can add this to your package btw)! Starting around $85 per person, you get dinner at your choice of select locations including an appetizer, entree, and a dessert, PLUS your guaranteed spot on a float. Floats are assigned to you, but they are ALL fun!. Plan for the float riding experience to take about 2-3 hours. (Keep in mind, if you’re planning on catching a concert, you may miss the start of the show if you do this experience.)
Riding the parade floats is such an incredible experience! Beware, throwing beads is hard work! Your arm WILL be sore the next day!
What are you looking forward to the most!? So hard to choose just one thing. Mardi Gras is such a fun time at Universal Orlando and I hope this helps you make the most of your experience!
Planning a Mardi Gras (or any other) trip to Universal Orlando? We can help! You may already have booked with a Smart Moms Travel Agent for your trip. THAT’S AWESOME! You’re in good hands. IF you HAVE NOT booked yet and haven’t connected with an agent, I would LOVE to help you. I can help walk you through the entire process, including all my pro tips and tricks, but I can also just be backup for you while you keep hold of the reins. My services are not going to cost you extra, and you’d be supporting a mom-owned small business! Fill out my form here to get started.
