There are theme park moments you watch from the sidelines, and then there are the ones where you suddenly become part of the celebration.
During a recent visit to Universal Orlando Resort, my husband Sebastian and I found ourselves in the middle of one of the park’s most vibrant seasonal traditions, the Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval, an event that offers lots of energy, delicious food and lively experiences all around Universal Orlando Resort’s park, Universal Studios. Running from Feb. 7 through April 4, the annual celebration transforms Universal Studios Florida into a colorful festival inspired by New Orleans and Carnaval celebrations around the world.
What I love about this event is that it’s not just about the parade, but it’s an entire atmosphere. The park fills with music, street performers, and food booths featuring dishes inspired by global Carnaval traditions. As we walked through the park, the air was filled with the scent of sizzling street food, sweet desserts, and spices that made every stop feel like a mini culinary tour.
From savory bites to colorful drinks, the food booths alone make wandering through the park part of the experience.
Of course, the highlight of our night was something even more immersive.
Sebastian and were invited to be a part of the festivities, as we boarded a colorful Mardi Gras float and became part of the parade. And what an exciting experience that was! Visitors can even decide to enjoy and book this experience during the Mardi Gras festivities, with the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. The offer pairs a three-course meal at one of Universal’s participating restaurants with a spot on one of the Mardi Gras parade floats. For us, after checking in and receiving a quick safety briefing, we were guided to the parade staging area where the floats were already lined up, all towering, colorful, and stacked with packs of the iconic Mardi Gras beads waiting to be tossed to the crowd.
Climbing onto the float felt surreal. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall and able to stand for the duration of the parade, but once the music started and the float rolled onto the route, all we could think about was the excitement of the moment.
The crowd was ready.
Guests lined the streets with their hands in the air, shouting the classic Mardi Gras chant, “Throw me something!” Within seconds Sebastian and I were laughing, grabbing handfuls of beads, and tossing them to the cheering crowd below.
Seeing the celebration from that perspective changes everything. Instead of watching the parade pass by, we were suddenly part of the show, waving to families, tossing beads to excited kids, and soaking in the music, lights, and festive energy surrounding us.
Universal’s Mardi Gras parade is already a highlight of the season, filled with beautifully designed floats, dancers, and performers who keep the energy going from start to finish. But
standing on that float with Sebastian, tossing beads and hearing the crowd cheer, made the night feel even more special.
By the end of the route our bead boxes were empty, our arms were tired from tossing, and we were both ready to recommend this to everyone looking for something different and fun to enjoy during Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras.
Sometimes the best theme park memories don’t come from rides.
Sometimes they come from great food, a little music in the air, and standing on a Mardi Gras float throwing beads into a cheering crowd while realizing, that even for a moment, you’re part of the parade.
Universal Orlando Resort hosts Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval through April 4 at Universal Studios Florida. The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience offer a three-course meal at a participating restaurant and a spot on a parade float where guests can toss beads during the nighttime parade.
Separate same-day theme park admission is required. To learn more visit universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events/mardi-gras.
