From the Universal Orlando Blog and written by: Linda Laguardia
Mardi Gras is Included in Theme Park Admission to Universal Studios FloridaPlus, Special Offers for Florida Residents Feature Savings on Multi-Day Tickets and Resort Hotel Rates
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Click Here to Download Mardi Gras Photos, Including Images of this Year’s Talent Lineup
ORLANDO, Fla. (January 13, 2022) – Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is back February 5 through April 24 – louder, spicier and better than ever – with the return of star-studded live concerts, a spectacular Mardi Gras parade and savory cuisine inspired by diverse flavors from around the world. The dynamic event is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Florida, along with special offers exclusive to Florida residents.
Here’s an overview of what guests can experience at Florida’s biggest party:
MARDI GRAS CONCERT SERIES & LIVE MUSIC
Music legend Diana Ross, global superstar Khalid, Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Marshmello, and 12 other top artists will perform live on select nights during Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration. All concerts will take place at the Music Plaza stage – an electrifying outdoor venue inspired by the iconic Hollywood Bowl, set against the backdrop of the towering Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster. See below for the complete concert line-up.
Plus, brass bands straight from Bourbon Street will perform daily throughout the park, bringing the soulful sounds of New Orleans to the heart of Universal Studios.
| UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S MARDI GRAS 2022 CONCERT LINEUP | |
| Date | Headliner |
| February 5 | Sugar Ray |
| February 12 | Diana Ross |
| February 19 | Barenaked Ladies |
| February 20 | Styx |
| February 26 | Jon Pardi |
| March 5 | LL COOL J feat. DJ Z-Trip |
| March 6 | Marshmello |
| March 12 | Lee Brice |
| March 13 | Becky G |
| March 18 | Khalid |
| March 19 | Seal |
| March 20 | Gavin DeGraw |
| March 25 | The Revivalists |
| March 26 | Jimmie Allen |
| March 27 | Jason Derulo |
SPECTACULAR “PLANET MARDI GRAS” PARADE
This year’s original parade theme, “Planet Mardi Gras,” comes to life in six incredibly-detailed floats that fuse Mardi Gras flare with cosmic-inspired elements like comets, rockets, martians and more – inviting guests to catch beads by the handful. These new floats will join Universal’s traditional lineup of New Orleans-inspired floats – such as the iconic Jester and nearly 50-foot long King Gator – and wind through the streets of Universal Studios Florida on select dates, accompanied by high-energy music and dozens of performers donning illuminating costumes that bring the party to “light” in a whole new way.
SAVORY FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Universal’s award-winning chefs will spice up this year’s Mardi Gras celebration with an array of delicious culinary delicacies inspired by various locations around the globe. Guests can take their taste buds on an international culinary journey with dishes like the tasty Crawfish Boil and melt-in-your-mouth Beignets from New Orleans, Coconut Curry Shrimp Laksa (a sweet and spicy noodle soup) from Southeast Asia, Vegan Samosa with spicy green chutney from India, and Salchipapas (a popular street food made with sausage and potatoes) from Central America. The best way to experience these flavors and much more is with the specialty “Mardi Gras Food and Beverage” card, which will be available for purchase in park during the event.
Mardi Gras-inspired cuisine will also be featured at select Universal CityWalk venues during the run of the event, including Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen, Pat O’Brien’s and Voodoo Doughnut. Universal Orlando’s hotels are also joining the fun with special menu offerings at each resort, including New Orleans BBQ Shrimp & Dirty Rice at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites; Chicken, Andouille & Shrimp Jambalaya at Universal’s Aventura Hotel; King Cake Pancakes at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Shrimp Po’ Boys at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
“FLOAT FACTORY WAREHOUSE” TRIBUTE STORE
Guests can take home a piece of Florida’s Biggest Party at the Mardi Gras Tribute Store, returning this year with an all-new theme, Float Factory Warehouse. Upon entering, guests will venture through four highly themed rooms designed to visually depict the creative process of bringing a parade float to life. As guests browse the latest Mardi Gras gear and themed treats within the retail space, they’ll see everything from pencil sketches and scale models to parade décor and an actual, full-size Mardi Gras float.
SPECIAL OFFERS FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS
All the excitement of Universal’s Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. Beginning today, Florida Residents who purchase a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure get an additional TWO DAYS FREE – giving them four (4) days to enjoy theme park thrills and the non-stop fun of Universal’s Mardi Gras. Plus, they can add a 1-Day ticket to Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park for only $29 more. This offer is available for purchase through March 31 and is valid for use until June 30 with no blockout dates, and can be used on non-consecutive days. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
Florida Residents can also book special Universal Orlando hotel rates starting from $84 per night (plus tax) on select dates now through February 16. Staying at one of Universal Orlando’s hotels is the best way to experience everything the award-winning theme park destination has to offer while taking advantage of exclusive theme park benefits like Early Park Admission one (1) hour before the theme parks open, complimentary resort-wide transportation and more. For more information, click here.
For more information about Universal’s Mardi Gras, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
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