All Images Credit UniversalEverything is better when it’s free, right? When it comes to the big Orlando theme parks, such as Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, the idea of getting something for free is typically challenging. If one thing is for sure, it is that everything has a cost at these theme parks. Well, what if we told you that you do not need to purchase a Universal theme park ticket to experience Mardi Gras, which is the current food, drink, and party festival ongoing at Universal Studios Florida?
Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval is running at Universal Studios (not Universal’s Island of Adventure) from February 6 – March 28. For Universal Annual Passholders and ticketed Guests, the event is free. However, if you do not have a ticket to the theme park, you would have to shell out $100+ to enter. Now, Guests have the option to still experience some of the Mardi Gras fun without having to purchase a park ticket.
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Before Guests enter Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure, they must walk through CityWalk. This is Universal’s shopping and eatery location — similar to Disney Springs for Disney World Guests. Now, at CityWalk, Guests can taste some of the more popular food and drink offerings from the Mardi Gras event! Orlando Informer shared on Twitter:
Cheers! Mardi Gras has made its way into CityWalk. Tropical drink
It looks like some of International Flavors of Carnaval’s most popular drinks will be available soon for purchase at this kiosk.
Cheers! Mardi Gras has made its way into CityWalk. ?
It looks like some of International Flavors of Carnaval's most popular drinks will be available soon for purchase at this kiosk. pic.twitter.com/XrNG3eb3Rv
— Orlando Informer (@OrlandoInformer) February 22, 2021
Related: Crowds Flock to Universal’s CityWalk for Orlando Nightlife
Of course, attending Mardi Gras inside Universal Studios is a more exciting experience, but this certainly gives Guests a taste — literally — of what is going in inside the theme park. Inside the gates, Guests have more expansive food and drink options, but there are parade floats and performers around the entire park, creating fun photo-ops as well as throwing Mardi Gras beads to Guests.
Previously, Universal would host a Mardi Gras parade rather than leave the floats scattered throughout the park all day, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been altered.
Universal describes the event as:
Experience an international food fest with cuisine and entertainment inspired by international Carnaval celebrations. Sample the flavors of Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain and other regions including, of course, New Orleans. Plus enjoy spectacular floats on display, street entertainment, music, beads and more throughout the theme park.
Are you planning on going to Mardi Gras? Do you like that CityWalk offers some food and drink options?
If you want to visit Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, or CityWalk — you need a Universal Orlando Resort Vacation! From Halloween Horror Nights to Mardi Gras there is always something fun to do at Universal Florida. A trip to Central Florida mixed with some Universal Studios Florida will definitely get you in the theme park spirit. Click here to get started today.