Universal Orlando Recently shared a Behind-The-Design of the 2025 Mardi Gras Tribute Store, Legends of the Bayou.
Can’t make it to the swamp for Mardi Gras? We’ll bring the swamp to you in the form of a swanky spot to purchase themed merchandise. We’re calling it the Mardi Gras Tribute Store, and it’s got all the best Universal Mardi Gras goods your heart could ever desire.
Originating in New Orleans, Louisiana (the aforementioned swamp), Mardi Gras is a long-standing celebration that takes place on the last day of Carnival, right before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. It’s common practice to indulge in the richest, fattiest foods the night before fasting for Lent. In the case of the Tribute Store, however, it’s common practice to treat yourself to some new Mardi Gras swag!
Over the last 30 years, Universal Orlando Resort has celebrated Mardi Gras with its own theme park flair, and with this celebration comes a need for merchandise to match. That’s where the Mardi Gras Tribute Store comes into play. More than just a one-stop shop for all things Mardi Gras, the Tribute Store takes theming to a whole new level, fully immersing you in the celebration and that swamp I was talking about earlier (you’ll see what I mean shortly).
Let’s venture down to the bayou, pick up a few knickknacks, and evade a swamp cryptid (or eight) along the way!
Cyrus T. Pavo’s Legends of the Bayou
Mind the monstrous footprints that litter the floor and step into Cyrus T. Pavo’s Legends of the Bayou, the baseline for all your favorite sketchy swamp tales and go-to spot for Mardi Gras King Gator gear.
Brendan McWilliams, supervisor of visual products at Universal, says that although this is the fifth year of the Mardi Gras Tribute Store, this is the first year they took a different approach to the store’s theming.
“This year, we decided to go in a different direction and celebrate the folklore of New Orleans and Louisiana and their rich storytelling history,” he says. “I had some inspiration from roadside attractions and museums I went to with my family as a kid and remembering how much I loved the ‘Mom & Pop’ homemade feel they had.”
Cyrus T. Pavo’s Legends of the Bayou has everything you need, from museum-branded bumper stickers and King Gator T-shirts and badge reels to bottle openers, mugs and Mardi Gras jester hats.
Wander through this eccentric, low-budget roadside cryptid museum, and don’t let the hokey swamp monster, Cajun werewolf exhibits and bead-necklace-clad rubber aliens lower your expectations; the creatures of the swamp are alive and well!
The Bayou
As you make your way out of the first room, you’re led onto a screen porch in the middle of the night. With mosquitos and crickets littering the air (and the lollipops), you step off the porch and into the dark, dank place known as The Bayou. This cypress swamp glows under the soft light of a full moon and is filled with fireflies, frogs, gators and a few of those fabled creatures I warned you about in the museum.
Listen for the distant, lonely howls of the werewolf legend “Loup Garou” as you make your way toward the dilapidated shack in the back of the Bayou. A piping-hot steaming pot of gumbo brews on the stove, and evidence of Baron Ton-Ton’s presence can be found among the furniture with his coat and signature top hat in the corner.
As you pass through here, stop and shop for the greatest Universal Mardi Gras merch the season has to offer. There’s Mardi Gras cups galore, from mugs to tumblers to shot glasses — this place has it all. If you’re in need of a new keychain, have fun poking at a nifty New Orleans-themed voodoo doll. You can also choose from a variety of T-shirts, magnets, drawstring bags and pins.
The Cajun Fishing Village
As you trek through a swampy forest of collapsed rustic buildings, you’ll come across the Cajun Fishing Village. With tunes of Cajun folk music and fireflies filling the air, you soak up the light of the starry night sky. You can’t miss the massive shrine to King Gator that looms over all with its fiery lantern eyes. If you listen closely enough, you’ll hear the occasional, massive rumbling growl coming from the King himself — indicating he’s near. Watch your feet! This 25-foot-long gator is passing through!
We can’t forget about our favorite, scaly little guy himself: Prince Gator. You may have noticed him in the form of quite a few keepsakes during your ventures through the Tribute Store — my personal favorite being the keychain.
As you make your way out of the Cajun Fishing Village, suit up for a festive Universal Mardi Gras celebration in style with feathered masks and hats. Or, keep it casual with a themed bucket hat and T-shirt combo. Whatever you decide, don’t forget to get the best pics on the antique couch surrounded by Louisiana-style decor at the Tribute Store’s exit.
Tribute Store Hidden Gems
Tribute Stores at Universal are more than just immersive, themed shopping experiences — they’re fun! And luckily for all the Mardi Gras lovers out there, this Tribute Store is chock-full of exactly that. From near-endless photo ops to an adventurous scavenger hunt, you’ll be doing more than adding to your growing collection of Universal Orlando merchandise. Brendan explains that there are tons of jokes and Easter eggs to be on the lookout for in the Tribute Store.
“This store has some scavenger hunts, such as Grunch Road Monsters, rats, and tiny cryptid statues, which are hidden in nooks and crannies all over the store,” Brendan says. “There are plenty of jokes woven into the museum labels, and many theme park fans have enjoyed our Wall of Mystery, which features the only animated yeti in town. There are many more, but if I list them all, they stop being Easter eggs!”
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