Universal Orlando Update – Beautiful Days and Mardi Gras on the Way!

I’ve been looking for an excuse to visit Universal Orlando again and some beautiful weather got me out of the house and back on some of my favorite attractions. Of course, it’s also an excuse for me to pull together the latest Universal Orlando news for you, including details on an event that I think is not-to-be-missed…

Partying Soon: Universal Mardi Gras Celebration 2022!

One of my favorite theme park events, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration, is back February 5 through April 24. It promises to be 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 event is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Florida. Here’s an overview of what you can experience at Florida’s biggest party:

Mardi Gras Concert Series & Live Music – Music superstars and 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 outdoor venue inspired by the iconic Hollywood Bowl just in front of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster)

Brass bands straight from Bourbon Street will perform daily throughout the park, bringing the soulful sounds of New Orleans to Universal Studios. 

Here’s the full concert schedule, including some big names, for Universal Mardi Gras 2022:

• February 5 – Sugar Ray
• February 12 – Diana Ross
• February 19 – Barenaked Ladies
• February 20 – Styx
• February 26 – Jon Pardi
• March 5 – LL COOL J, featuring 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

Planet Mardi Gras Parade – This year’s original parade theme comes to life in six new  floats which fuse Mardi Gras flare with cosmic-inspired elements such as 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 sparkling King Gator) and wind through the streets of Universal Studios Florida on select dates, accompanied by high-energy music and performers donning illuminating costumes.

Savory Flavors from Around the World – Award-winning chefs will spice up this year’s Mardi Gras celebration with an array of delicacies inspired by various locations around the globe. From tasty Crafish Boil, Vegan Spicy Samosas, and Coconut Curry Shrimp Laksa, to melt-in-your-mouth Beignets, you can soon take your taste buds on an international journey. 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.

Mardi Gras-inspired cuisine will also be featured at select Universal CityWalk venues during the run of the event, including Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, Savory Feast Kitchen, and Voodoo Doughnut. Universal Orlando’s hotels are also joining the fun with special menu offerings at each resort. 

Float Factory Warehouse Tribute Store – Take home a piece of the Party at the Mardi Gras Tribute Store, returning this year with an all-new Float Factory theme. Upon entering, you’ll venture through four highly themed rooms designed to visually depict the creative process of bringing a parade float to life. While browswing latest Mardi Gras gear and themed treats within the retail space, you’ll see everything from pencil sketches and scale models to parade décor and an actual, full-size Mardi Gras float.

Universal is currently preparing for the big celebration… we’ll be back in early February with more Universal Mardi Gras fun! 

Universal Orlando Attraction Closures

Revenge of the Mummy closed on January 7th, beginning it’s extended closure for refurbishment. The courtyard is now surrounded by construction walls decorated with posters for The Mummy and other Universal Monsters, along with the promise of the coaster’s reopening in late Summer 2022.

Universal has kept pretty quiet on what exactly is in store for the beloved attraction, but there is talk of some new track being installed, along with some potential story changes. The attraction’s exit gift shop will remain open through the closure, along with themed stilt-walkers making some daytime appearances outside the walls.

After 18 years of showings, Shrek 4D has closed for good. While Universal hasn’t announced what the replacement is, the construction walls now surrounding the building are pretty telling!

Current rumors point to a shooting gallery-type attraction, taking place at the Villain-Con from the first Minions film. While a dark or trackless ride would add some variation to the park’s fun-for-all-ages lineup, the latest unofficial buzz hints to guests moving through the gadget and zapper-filled Expo via moving walkways. No details have been confirmed by Universal, but we can at least expect something Minions with those decorated walls!

If you’re visiting Islands of Adventure within the next week, Jurassic Park River Adventure is now closed through January 28th for its scheduled refurbishment. Walls surround the attraction’s entrance and drop viewing area, with scaffolding climbing up the rockwork.  

Suess Landing’s Caro-Suess-el remains closed after its abrupt August 2021 closure, with no scheduled reopening. And just next door in the Lost Continent, Poseidon’s Fury remains closed (it never reopened with the parks in 2020). Construction walls have surrounded the attraction for months, but some exterior work has recently become visible with some freshly painted façade details. We just might see this attraction reopen fairly soon. How do you feel about this attraction returning to the Islands of Adventure lineup, or what would you like to see replace it?

A Day at Universal Orlando

A chilly Florida day is perfect for visiting the parks, and January has been extra kind to us this year! While I’m still coming off that Halloween Horror Nights high, and slowly preparing for this year’s Mardi Gras Celebration, I recently spent some time at Universal Orlando for everything in between – enjoy some snaps from the parks!

I love the off-season. It was really enjoyable last week, not just for the weather, but for the enjoyable crowd levels. 

I just can’t go to Universal Orlando without visiting the E.T. Adventure. One thing to note, The passport cards have returned! Team Members ask for your name before boarding your “bike”, and E.T. once again thanks you by name as you pass through the final scene.

Spongebob and friends swam ashore for a cavalcade through the Hollywood area. Who else would love a Bikini Bottom dark ride here?! I digress… 

It’s easy to overlook this one, but I really enjoyed the Horror Makeup Show! Universal did a great job adapting to the current environment and audience participation, all while keeping up the comedy and fun facts. Highly recommend for horror fans.

Over at Islands of Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster is roaring along. A reasonable 40 minutes for the park’s newest coaster. I’m getting in line! Hold onto your butts!

Stopping into Hogsmeade, Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure continues to bring in the crowds. Lately, this one fluctuates between 60 and 120 minutes on most days. It’s easily the most popular ride in the park and a wider demographic of guests can ride it than the other big coasters in the park. 

Islands of Adventure approaching sunset is a lovely place place to be…

That’s All For Now

It was great to get back to Universal. If you haven’t carved out time for these parks during your Orlando trip, you really are missing out. Keep in mind that Universal doesn’t always handle crowds as well as Disney, so week day visits tend to be the most enjoyable. I’ll be back to cover Mardi Gras for you soon, and stay tuned for a new Disney World Update as well!