Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration is happening now through March 30th and includes weekend concerts, a special nighttime parade, an exclusive Tribute Store, and over 60 carnival-inspired menu items. The best part of all is that you can experience all that Universal Mardi Gras has to offer with your regular park admission, no special event ticket required!
With so much to experience, it was hard to narrow down my must-have food items but thankfully I’ve enjoyed most of what I’ve tried. So much so that there are four Mardi Gras exclusives I would absolutely recommend during your visit!
Bites of the Bayou – located in Gramercy Park near the Park Place Holiday Shop
Chicken & Sausage Gumbo – stew of trinity (celery, bell pepper, and onion), chicken, andouille, and bacon over white rice – $8.99
While this is nowhere near being the best gumbo I’ve ever had, I think it’s a good option for a theme park, packed with flavor and spice, and is a good portion size. I was fully expecting to need to add hot sauce but was pleasantly surprised by the heat. The Chicken & Sausage Gumbo would be perfect on a cooler Orlando day!
Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese – creamy, spicy cavatappi pasta with andouille sausage, holy trinity (finely chopped celery, bell pepper, and onion), and a Cajun cream sauce, garnished with scallions – $10.99
I’ve heard a lot of hype for the Cajun Mac & Cheese and it lives up to the hype! The picture doesn’t do it justice – it is creamy, spicy, and has just the right texture from the toasted bread crumbs (despite not being in the official description?)
Germany – in San Francisco near the Chez Alcatraz bar
Currywurst & Pommes – crispy bratwurst topped with spicy curry ketchup and served with fries and mayo – $9.99
The Currywurst & Pommes is probably the most filling of the Mardi Gras dishes I’ve been able to try! The bratwurst is cooked perfectly and the fries are served crisp and hot. The curry ketchup is a little different than I expected – the consistency is more of a tomato puree texture. However, the flavor of the curry is phenomenal and it’s served with plenty of sauce. I wish I had opted out for the mayo – it distracted from the flavors and the fries didn’t need it.
Coca-Cola Market Square – located at Battery Park near Transformers: The Ride – 3D
Doberge Cake Cocktail – 360 Sorrento Lemon Vodka, 360 Double Chocolate Vodka, vanilla cream syrup, cupcake cold foam, and Sprite – $13.50 for 12 ounce single serve, $16.50 for 20 ounce souvenir cup/ $13.50 for refill
Hear me out… the ingredient list sounds wild but it somehow works perfectly! The Doberge Cake Cocktail tasted just like cake while also being surprisingly light and easy to drink. Plus, how fun is the Mardi Gras color sprinkles on the rim?? This is a unique cocktail that is absolutely worth trying and enjoying the Mardi Gras Parade!
Be sure to let us know in the comments what your favorite items are from the 2025 Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration!
