Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” is the day before the season of Lent begins. This is the last day of Carnival, the giant and sometimes outrageous party that starts every year on January 6 (also known as King’s Day). The official colors of Carnival are purple, green and gold, these signify justice, faith, and power. 

The festival of Mardi Gras dates back 5,000 years, but it didn’t come to America until 1699 with the French explorer, Iberville, and the first parades officially began in 1838. 

In New Orleans, each parade has a theme that is usually borrowed from history, mythology or Hollywood and a few of the big parades in New Orleans are Bacchus, Orpheus, and Rex. The parades are put on by private social groups, also known as Krewes, and they consist of 10 to 40 floats carrying krewe members that throw trinkets.  These coveted “throws” include beads, doubloons, small toys, and candy.  Local high school marching bands, dance groups, and costumed characters are also a part of the parade. New Orleans Mardi Gras is crazy fun with a wild reputation and people come from all over the world to join the locals for the carnival celebration. 

More information on Mardi Gras at Universal Studios

Stay steps away from the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal Studios! Choose from three spectacular on-site hotels and enjoy a NEW Reserved Mardi Gras Parade Viewing area^ and on-site hotel Mardi Gras Happy Hours^^. Plus on-site hotel guests SKIP THE REGULAR LINES* all day at participating rides and attractions at both Universal Orlando® theme parks - A FREE BENEFIT WORTH AT LEAST $70** PER PERSON, PER DAY!

Mardi Gras is included in admission to Universal Studios.

†Available for purchase. ^Admission required. Limited availability & based on a first come, first served basis. Reserved area in Universal Studios Florida in front of the Macy’s Facade. Must present on-site hotel room key for entry. For more information reference a Mardi Gras Park Map. ^^ Must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Photo ID required. Prices do not include tax. Drink specials are only available on Mardi Gras nights. *On-site hotel privileges good for hotel stay as indicated on the room key card. Only good for the number of guests staying in the room. Paid theme park admission required. Some attractions excluded. Express ride access available during normal theme park operating hours only. Not valid for separately ticketed special events. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice. Access may be restricted during certain times at certain attractions. **Based on current pricing for the Unlimited Express pass, sold exclusively at the Universal Orlando front gates. Prices subject to change without notice.

On-site Universal Orlando hotel guests get special theme park privileges, such as front of the line access* at participating theme park rides and attractions, priority seating at select Universal Orlando restaurants and more! Get a no obligation vacation quote by clicking on one of the links below.

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  ( Tickets PLUS Accommodations )