As a huge fan of New Orleans, I can confidently say that Mardi Gras is an experience everyone should have at least once. While NOLA excels at hosting family-friendly activities for children, I completely get why some parents might choose to wait before bringing their kids to the festivities during Mardi Gras or Carnival season. The atmosphere can be overwhelming, with much of it skewing toward the adult side. However, if you want your children to enjoy a delightful, secure, and festive taste of Mardi Gras, let me introduce you to Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras celebration.
I was surprised to learn about Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval because I hadn’t realized that Universal had been bringing the spirit of the Big Easy to Orlando since 1995. This celebration takes place from February 1 to March 30 and features a nightly Mardi Gras parade (which is truly spectacular), along with live concerts and dishes inspired by global cuisines.
If you’re familiar with Florida, you’ll appreciate that this period is a fantastic time to visit the parks. While temperatures can still be warm, they usually peak in the mid-to-upper 70s, occasionally reaching the low 80s, before cooling into the 60s at night. There’s a chance of a light rain shower (it is Florida, after all), but overall, you can expect lovely weather. It’s also the off-peak season in Orlando, so you can enjoy smaller crowds, particularly if you visit midweek.
Here’s all the essential info you need about this exciting, family-oriented event.
Is there a specific age range for Universal Mardi Gras?
Not at all—everyone in the family is welcome!
“Our Mardi Gras celebration caters to all ages! You can visit during the day to sample fantastic food, and families can interact with performers before the parade,” Lora Sauls, assistant director of creative development and show direction at Universal Orlando, shares with Scary Mommy. “The parade is a must-see, and we even have a special viewing area for our younger guests, so they can collect lots of beads!”
I brought a friend who’s also a millennial mom, but I noticed families with young children, multiple generations including grandparents, and teenagers were all present—everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time.
What’s the parade like?
The parade left me speechless, and I’m sure it will impress you as well. Sauls agrees: “The parade is my favorite aspect of Mardi Gras! The floats, performers, lights, music, and beads make it incredibly special and enjoyable.”
Before the parade begins, performers walk the route to their starting point, engaging with guests along the way. During my visit, I noticed them making a special effort to greet children and create memorable moments.
People often claim their spots on the sidewalks quite early, so that’s something to keep in mind. It’s also quite nice to take a break after a long day in the park. Consider packing a foldable blanket mat in your bag; you can set it down and rest your feet while waiting. Kids can have a great time running around and burning off some energy while you relax. If you’re watching the parade from the sidelines instead of riding on a float (more on that in a moment), just be ready to catch some beads!
About the floats—prepare to be amazed! They are intricately designed, vibrant, and monumental. Built in collaboration with Kern Studios, the creators behind the parade floats in New Orleans, each float exudes authenticity. While they all impressed me, I must admit that my favorite was definitely King Gator.
And though the floats are awe-inspiring, the performers might very well be the highlight for you. They are incredibly talented (seriously, how are they dancing on stilts?), enthusiastic, and engaging.
It’s impossible to not be swept up in their infectious energy. And the confetti that showers down throughout the parade? Just a delightful touch.
The Mardi Gras parade occurs daily, with the time varying depending on the date.
Wait, can you actually ride on a float?
If you’re eager to participate, yes—it is possible to ride on a float, provided you secure a spot in the Virtual Line. To do this, you need to sign up for a Virtual Line return time using the Universal Orlando Resort App. Just keep in mind that luck is essential since standby lines are not available, and return slots are limited.
If you manage to grab a spot, you’ll need to check in before the parade to receive your float assignment and instructions before getting in position.
Pro tip: Don’t underestimate how demanding it is to be a bead-thrower! I had the opportunity to throw beads from a Krewe of Boo float in the New Orleans Halloween parade and was surprised at how physically demanding it was. You’re constantly on the move, tossing beads every second. That said, there’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of seeing a crowd cheering and smiling when they catch one of your necklaces.
If you want to guarantee your opportunity to throw beads, consider purchasing the Float Ride and Dine Experience, starting at $89.99 per person, plus tax. This package ensures you a spot on a float, paired with a three-course meal before the parade.
Remember, all float riders must be at least 18 years old unless accompanied by an adult and must be at least 48 inches tall.
What types of food can we expect?
One aspect about Universal that I always emphasize is their exceptional food offerings. The chefs put immense creativity and pride into making the dining experience integral to the festivities, and Universal Mardi Gras is no exception.
Throughout the celebration, the French Quarter Courtyard consists of dishes inspired by various international flavors. You can indulge in Cajun classics like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets, alongside other standout options such as Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon from Canada (which was truly delicious—I’d happily eat it every night) and Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites from China. Of course, there are festive cocktails to pair with your meals.
Is there music, too?
Universal excels at creating an immersive experience. Throughout the parade, music fills the air from loudspeakers. You can also visit the French Quarter Courtyard in the New York area to enjoy live performances from Louisiana jazz and zydeco bands, which was a highlight for me. Additionally, on select nights, big-name live music concerts are held at the Music Plaza Stage. During my visit, I got to see T-Pain, which was unforgettable! Other performers scheduled this year include Foster the People and TLC.
Just a heads up: it can get crowded. Arrive early if you want to secure a good spot up front (people were arriving hours before the concert began).
How much do tickets cost?
Here’s the best part: Universal Mardi Gras is included with your park admission or Annual Pass if you happen to have one. So, while you’ll need to purchase tickets for park entry, there are no extra fees to enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities, aside from optional expenses like food, drinks, and merchandise.
Image Source: Universal Orlando Resort / YouTube
