Universal Orlando’s Planet Mardi Gras Blasts Off to New Heights

We’re going down the bayou… in Orlando, Florida! Universal Orlando Mardi Gras is back—and bigger than 2021’s lighter fare— and it’s louder, spicier, and better than ever. Star-studded live concerts, a spectacular Mardi Gras parade, and savory cuisine from around the world return this year enveloped in a new event theme: “Planet Mardi Gras.” Time to blast off for a closer look…

When is Universal Orlando Mardi Gras?

The Celebration kicked off on February 5 and continues through April 24. 

Savory Cuisine

The food and cocktails are a-flowin’! Food stands— some themed to different Mardi Gras “planets”— are sprinkled all around the park.

A “Food & Beverage Card and Lanyard” is available, which allows you to enjoy more of the cuisine throughout the park for less  – $65 for a $75 value card, or $120 for a $150 value card. 

Discover traditional Mardi Gras dishes from around the world, such as jambalaya, arepas, coconut curry shrimp laksa, and beignets, along with some new fusion dishes from surrounding party planets. 

And you’ll have no problem finding specialty alcoholic drinks, beer, and wine! For beer fans, a refillable cup ($11-$13 depending on the drink you initially buy it with) is available throughout the event for $8 12 oz. refills (so if you plan to revisit or want to try the different brews, you’ll want to buy in!). PRO TIP: If you visit on a concert night [see the schedule below!] a larger light-up refillable cup is available for purchase, and the $8 refill price still applies throughout your visits!

Tribute Store & Merchandise

2022 Mardi Gras merchandise can be found at most Universal stores throughout CityWalk and the parks.

…But you’ll probably have the most fun shopping this year’s dedicated Tribute Store, located in the New York area of Universal Studios park.

This year’s highly-themed merch and baked-goods location is a Float Factory and Prop Warehouse, showcasing the different phases of parade float production in each of the four rooms; from conception and construction to the finished product. As for shopping, you’ll find masks, beads [with extra pizazz], t-shirts, and tasty Mardi Gras-themed treats!

In addition to telling the story of float-making, the entire shop is filled with Easter eggs from previous Tribute Stores. It is a “prop warehouse”, after all! As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice some warehouse safety notes from Earl the Squirrel, recently used props from HHN Tribute Stores, old signage, and more. Don’t forget to look up! (For Mold-O-Rama collectors, this shop offers a green gator and a brown riverboat!)

Planet Mardis Gras Parade

This year’s parade hosts six brand new floats with cosmic-inspired elements like comets, rockets, Martians, and more. These new campy galactic floats join the lineup of Universal’s traditional New Orleans-inspired floats. 

Energetic performers, confetti launchers, fog effects, and bead-throwers add to the party parade atmosphere!

The Planet Mardi Gras Parade happens nightly at Universal Studios, with the exception of April 1st, 2nd, and 8th. Performance times vary, so be sure to check Universal’s time guide when you visit!

And keep an eye out for entertainment while walking around the park. You just might catch some parade performers mingling with guests during the day!

Mardi Gras Concert Series & Live Music 

Part of what makes Mardi Gras so festive is the music! Bourbon Street Brass bands perform daily throughout the park, and top artists perform live on select nights during the celebration. All concerts take place at the Music Plaza stage (an outdoor venue inspired by the iconic Hollywood Bowl – just in front of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster). 

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

See anyone you’d like to catch live?

Let’s Hear From You

Universal Orlando sure knows how to throw a party! Who’s ready for Planet Mardi Gras? Do any of the foods sound appealing to you? Are you a fan of the highly-themed Tribute Stores? I love to hear from you all in the comments below!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!