This Limited Time Universal Orlando Experience is Opening for Bookings SOON!

It’s almost February, you know what that means? Our favorite day at Universal Orlando is almost here! To celebrate Mardi Gras, Universal Studios has a full-on party featuring live music, drool-worthy food, and a vibrant parade.

Our favorite Mardi Gras tradition isn’t the gumbo or beignets, though, but they are a close second! The Mardi Gras parade is where the real magic happens – a showcase of live music, colorful floats, and plenty of handfuls of beads. We have a special tip for making the most of your parade time, which is that you can ride in the floats!

Universal Orlando is opening bookings to ride on parade floats during Mardi Gras from February 7th to April 4th. We rode on the float last year and had the time of our lives! We waved to the crowd and learned the best bead tossing techniques. And as always, we have the best pictures to share with our amazing readers. Pics or it didn’t happen!

On the float

If you’re interested, hurry! Universal Orlando is opening bookings for Annual Passholders open January 15th at noon ET. You and eight other passholder friends can ride a Mardi Gras float on select nights from February 7th to April 4th.

In addition to riding in the parade, you’ll get a free dining package included! Guests will get a three-course meal – one appetizer, entrée, dessert, and a non-alcoholic beverage per person – to dine in style before they take the spotlight.

The restaurants that will be participating in the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience this year are:

- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (Universal CityWalk)
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew (Universal CityWalk)
- Lombard’s Seafood Grille (Universal Studios Florida)
- Confisco Grille (Universal Islands of Adventure; 2-Park ticket required)
- Antojitos Authentic Mexican Restaurant (Universal CityWalk; available for dinner only)

Outside of the parade, Universal always has unique food offerings for its Mardi Gras celebration. From New Orleans staples to nontraditional options like German or Colombian festival booths, there’s a food item for every kind of eater.