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February 3 – April 7, 2024
It’s baaaaack and bigger than ever. If you’re into global food and culture and a little razzle dazzle, head to Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval (whew, that’s a mouthful!) in sunny Orlando, FL.
Looking for a food review? Check out the Mardi Gras Food Review for 2024.
What is Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval?
Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval is a celebration of New Orleans’ spectacular Fat Tuesday tradition celebrating the day before Lent for two solid months. Traditionally in New Orleans, it’s a time of partying, celebrating, bead throwing, getting absolutely sloshed and getting full of beignets.
At Universal it’s a whole lot tamer, but is incredibly fun to experience.
This is Universal’s version of Food & Wine Festival at Disney’s Epcot as they comfortably host fourteen countries and menus. In 2024, the countries are: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, New Orleans (not a country, but the focus of the event), Philippines, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Thailand.
If you’re looking to head to Universal Orlando Resort, did you know that you can save up to $109 on Universal Orlando Resort tickets at Undercover Tourist? Yeah, pretty cool!
Things to Do Around the Carnaval
There’s actually not a lot to do around the park during this event, which I think is a bit of a shame. I get it though, the festival is mainly about food after all. However, there are a few things to look forward to.
Mardi Gras Parade
If you’re looking for an authentic parade experience straight out of New Orleans, you’ll want to catch the Mardi Gras Parade that has varying times throughout the event. But did you know that you can even be part of the event?
As of right now, all of March and April are sold out, but there are a few Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience (starting from $84.99) spots available, which guarantee a spot on a float during the parade. Depending on the parade time →
3:30 pm Dining reservation on days with 5:15 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
4:30 pm Dining reservation on days with 6:15 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
5:45 pm Dining reservation on days with 7:30 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
6:00 pm Dining reservation on days with 7:45 pm Mardi Gras parade start time
Dining locations are: Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Finnegans Bar & Grill, and Lombards Seafood Grill.
You don’t have to get the dining package to be part of the parade though. You can sign up (as a Passholder and space allowed) to be on the float, but you’ll have to sign up early using the online reservation system. They do fill up fast though, FYI.
Live Concerts
On select nights, the park hosts 10 different artists at 8:30 PM at the Music Stage Plaza (which is next to the Jimmy Fallon ride and across from the Minions Cafe). They happen right after the Mardi Gras Parade has passed through the area, and if you’re there throughout the day you’ll find them testing out the sound system and setup, too.
There are a lot of people that go to these concerts, so even though the music stage is a small area doesn’t mean that people won’t be sticking around in the alleyways nearby to hear the artist playing.
| February 3: Walker Hayes | March 2: DJ Khaled |
| February 10: The All-American Rejects | March 9: Ava Max |
| February 17: Nessa Barrett | March 10: Queen Latifah |
| February 18: KC and The Sunshine Band | March 16: Luis Fonsi |
| February 24: Barenaked Ladies | March 17: Zedd |
Looking for other festivals? The Complete List of Theme Park Festivals: A Journey Across the USA
Exploring the Food Stations at the Mardi Gras Carnaval
With fourteen locations to choose from, there’s really a lot that can be eaten during this event. The nice thing is that Universal volunteers their menu prices, so this is merely a way to have all of the information on one page rather than multiple pages (which I personally find annoying).
I’ve placed a pretzel emoji next to items I have tried. Check out the food review post for more information.
Belgium
On the corner from Today Cafe and Universal Store, front of the park
- Sweet & Savory Gouda & Onion Waffle ▸ $8.99
Warm crystallized waffle, smoked gouda, beer braised onions, black forest ham
→ Paired w/ Delirium Red ▸ $21.99 - Cookie Butter Liege Waffle (Vegetarian) ▸ $7.99 🥨
Warm crystallized waffle topped with cookie butter, whipped topping, Biscoff® cookies - Hoegaarden ▸ $15.99 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $12.00 (20 oz.) | $11.00 (Refill)
- Delirium Red ▸ $17.99 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $14.00 (20 oz) | $13.00 (Refill)
Bloody Mary Bar
Across from Fast and Furious Ride
- Bloody Mary Wild ▸ $19.50 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $15.00 (12 oz.) | $15.50 (Refill)
New Amsterdam vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, horseradish, Worcestershire, celery salt, black pepper, sriracha, Louisiana hot sauces - Bloody Mary Mild ▸ $19.50 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $15.00 (12 oz.) | $15.50 (Refill)
New Amsterdam vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, horseradish, Worcestershire, celery salt, black pepper
Brazil
Across from Jimmy Fallon ride
- Shrimp Moqueca (Gluten Free) ▸ $7.99
Shrimp and coconut cream stew, micro cilantro, white rice
→ Paired w/ Mango Caipirinha ▸ $19.99 - Pão de Queijo (Vegetarian) ▸ $6.99 🥨
Brazilian cheese bread - Brigadeiros (Vegetarian) ▸ $6.49
Chocolate balls with condensed milk and Mardi Gras sprinkles - Mango Caipirinha ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill)
Piras 51 Cachaça, Bols orange curaçao, lime juice, simple syrup, mango juice, mango purée, fresh mint, lime wedge
Canada
Next to Bumblebee Man’s Tacos in Simpsons Land
- Candied Bacon & Onion Poutine ▸ $10.49 🥨
Candied bacon spiced curly fries with caramelized onion gravy, cheese curds, spiced maple bacon and parsley
→ Paired w/ La Fin Du Monde ▸ $23.49 - Vegan Wild Mushroom Poutine (Vegan) ▸ $9.99
Seasoned curly fries with vegan cheddar, mushroom gravy, truffle oil - Fire Cider ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (20 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill)
Fireball cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, cinnamon stick - LaBlatt Blue Light ▸ $15.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $12.00 (20 oz.) | $11.00 (Refill)
- La Fin Du Monde Draft ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $14.00 (20 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill) 🥨
China
In San Francisco across from Lombards Seafood Grill
- Szechuan Noodle Salad (Vegan) ▸ $5.99
Spicy cold noodle salad with cucumbers, peanuts, cilantro, scallions - Spicy Smashed Cucumber ▸ $5.99
Spicy marinated cucumbers with peanuts, cilantro, scallions - Potstickers ▸ $5.49 🥨
Served w/ black vinegar and chili oil dipping sauce - Lucky Buddha Beer ▸ $10.75 (12 oz bottle)
- Hong Kong Boba Tea (Vegetarian) ▸ $9.00
Hong Kong style oolong milk tea over ice with coffee boba and salted cheese foam
Coca-Cola Market Square
- Cherry Cola BBQ Pork Slider ▸ $9.99 🥨
Slow cooked carnitas with cherry cola BBQ sauce on a Hawaiian pretzel bun served with lemon-lime soda infused coleslaw - Orange Whoopie Pie ▸ $6.99
Filled with whipped topping and orange marmalade - Twister Tater ▸ $9.49
Fried spiralized potato topped with choice of seasoning: seasoned salt (vegan), ghost pepper (vegan), garlic parmesan (vegetarian), or sour cream and chives (vegetarian) - Parade Punch ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill) | $8.00 (Mocktail)
el Jimador tequila, pineapple-chipotle syrup, basil syrup topped with Fanta Orange® - Carnaval Palmona ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill)
- Blackberry Krewe ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill) | $8.00 (Mocktail)
- Premium Cocktail ▸ $19.25 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $15.25 (12 oz.) | $15.25 (Refill)
Mixed with your choice of liquor: Tito’s vodka, Bacardi rum, Cuervo Blanco tequila, Jack Daniel’s bourbon, Captain Morgan rum, Crown Royal whiskey, Tanqueray gin
(Also found at French Quarter Bar)
Colombia
Across from The Mummy ride
- Colombian Burger ▸ $9.99 🥨
Grilled burger with Monterey Jack cheese, pineapple cabbage slaw, cilantro garlic sauce, potato sticks
→ Paired w/ Aguardiente Punch ▸ $21.99 - Arepa de Choclo (Vegetarian) ▸ $8.49
Traditional sweet corn cake filled with cheese and griddled with honey butter - Oblea (Vegetarian) ▸ $6.99
Crispy wafer filled with dulce de leche, strawberries - Aguardiente Punch ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill)
Cumbe Aguardiente, lime juice, simple syrup, blackberry concentrate, berry gummies
France
Across from Cafe La Bamba
- Bananas Foster Crème Brûlée Crepe (Vegetarian) ▸ $11.99
Banana caramel, vanilla cream, fresh bananas, whipped topping, brûléed sugar
→ Paired w/ Grand Framboise Slush ▸ $25.99 - Grand Framboise Slush ▸ $15.00
Grey Goose vodka, Gabriel Boudier Créme de Framboise, raspberry purée, white chocolate syrup
→ Add a float of Chambord ▸ $2.00 - Charles de Fére Cuvee ▸ $12.00
- Patient Cottat Sauvignon Blanc ▸ $13.00
- Feudo Maccari Grillo ▸ $12.00
- Domaine du Pavillon Chavannes Côte de Brouilly ▸ $17.00
French Quarter Bar
Across from New Orleans Dessert and Puerto Rico food stations
- Premium Cocktail ▸ $19.25 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $15.25 (12 oz.) | $15.25 (Refill)
Mixed with your choice of liquor: Tito’s vodka, Bacardi rum, Cuervo Blanco tequila, Jack Daniel’s bourbon, Captain Morgan rum, Crown Royal whiskey, Tanqueray gin - Category 5 Punch ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill) 🥨
Cruzan dark rum, Myers dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, passion fruit puree, grenadine
(Also found at New Orleans food station) - Oh Baby King Cake Brown Ale ▸ $15.75 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $12.75 (20 oz.) | $11.75 (Refill)
- Sazerac ▸ $15.00
Old Overhold straight rye whiskey, Absente absinthe, Peychaud’s Bitters, simple syrup, lemon juice - Miller Light ▸ $10.00
- Modelo ▸ $11.00
- Truly Vodka Seltzer ▸ $12.00
Germany
On the corner across from Transformers and Mel’s Drive In
- Chicken Schnitzel ▸ $8.99
Fried crispy chicken thigh cutlet served with mustard and a lemon wedge - Currywurst (Gluten-Sensitive) ▸ $7.99 🥨
Crispy skinned German bratwurst sliced and topped with a spicy curry ketchup
→ Paired w/ Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier ▸ $18.99 - Käsespätzle (Vegetarian) ▸ $4.99
Cheese spätzle topped with crispy onions - Bavarian Pretzel with Obatzda (Vegetarian) ▸ $11.49
Warm pretzel with Bavarian beer cheese dip - Mutzen (Vegetarian) ▸ $6.99
Fried lemon-vanilla fritters dusted with powdered sugar - Beer Flight ▸ $12.50
Flight w/ Warsteiner Pilsner, Weihensthaner Hefe Weissbier, Ayinger Celebrator - Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Radler ▸ $16.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Stein) | $15.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $12.00 (20 oz.) | $11.00 (Refill)
- Warsteiner Pilsner ▸ $16.75 (20 oz. Souvenir Stein) | $15.75 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $12.75 (20 oz.) | $11.75 (Refill)
- Ayinger Celebrator ▸ $16.75 (20 oz. Souvenir Stein) | $15.75 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $12.75 (20 oz.) | $11.75 (Refill)
Italy
At Louie’s Bar & Grill
- Roman Suppli ▸ $7.99 🥨
Mozzarella and provolone filled risotto with vodka sauce, roasted red pepper aioli - Zabaglione with Berries (Gluten-Sensitive, Vegetarian) ▸ $5.99 🥨
Frangelico anglaise with mixed berries topped with toasted hazelnuts
→ Paired w/ Aperol Spritz Sorbet ▸ $18.99 - Aperol Spritz Sorbet ▸ $14.00 🥨
Aperol aperitivo with blood orange sorbet - Bollini Pinot Grigio ▸ $15.00 (6 oz. pour)
- Querceto Chianti ▸ $11.00 (6 oz. pour)
- Bertani Valpolicella ▸ $14.00 (6 oz. pour)
Mexico
Between Cafe La Bamba and NBC Media Center
- Chilaquiles Verdes (Gluten-Sensitive) ▸ $7.49
Tortillas topped with chile braised shredded chicken, salsa verde, cilantro onion mix with lime crema and cotija cheese
→ Paired w/ Gran Añejo Margarita ▸ $19.49 - Quesabirria ▸ $8.99 🥨
Birria beef in a corn tortilla with Monterey Jack cheese, Oaxaca cheese, served with birria broth - Churro Loops & Chocolate (Vegetarian) ▸ $7.99
Cinnamon sugar churro loops with Mexican chocolate dipping sauce - Classic Margarita ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill) 🥨
Jimador blanco tequila, lime juice, Dekuyper Triple Sec, agave nectar, smoked sea salt - Gran Añejo Margarita ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill)
Jose Cuervo Añejo tequila, DeKuyper Triple Sec, lime juice, agave nectar, smoked sea salt - Jose Cuero Añejo Tequila ▸ $11.50 (1.25 oz pour – a shot)
- Modelo ▸ $11.00
- Modelo Chelada Lime ▸ $14.50
- Modelo Chelada Pineapple ▸ $14.50
- Agua Frescas ▸ $5.49
Selection: Mango, Strawberry, Jamaica Hibiscus
New Orleans & New Orleans Dessert
The star of the show, ladies and gentlemen, you’ll find New Orleans and their desserts over by the small park square sat between The Mummy, Jimmy Fallon, and Transformer rides.
- Beignets (Vegetarian) ▸ $6.99 🥨
Sweet fried pastry with powdered sugar - King Cake Mini (Vegetarian) ▸ $6.49
Traditional cake with cinnamon swirl icing, Mardi Gras sprinkles and a Mardi Gras plastic baby - Crawfish Étouffée ▸ $7.49
Creamy crawfish and vegetable stew over white rice - Chicken & Andouille Jambalaya ▸ $7.49
Mixed rice with andouille, blackened chicken, peppers and tomatoes - Fried Green Tomato Po’Boy (Vegan) ▸ $7.49
Flash fried green tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles and Cajun remoulade served with Cajun kettle chips - Shrimp Gumbo ▸ $7.49 🥨
Stew of shrimp, andouille and bacon over white rice - Shrimp & Crawfish Boil (Gluten-Sensitive) ▸ $14.49
Mixed bag with crawfish, shrimp, andouille, potatoes and corn on the cob - Category 5 Punch ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill) 🥨
Cruzan dark rum, Myers dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, passion fruit puree, grenadine
(Also found at the French Quarter Bar) - Espresso Martini ▸ $14.00
Brewed coffee, JF Haden Espresso liqueur, New Amsterdam vodka, black sugar syrup - Chicory Coffee ▸ $8.00 (16 oz.)
Chicory coffee, toasted marshmallow syrup with toasted marshmallow cold foam
Philippines
On San Francisco Pier next to Chez Alcatraz
- Pancit Bihon ▸ $8.49 🥨
Rice noodles, sautéed vegetables, pulled chicken, garlic, soy sauce - Crispy Lumpia ▸ $7.49 🥨
Pork filled crispy rice paper roll with dipping sauce
→ Paired w/ Buko Juice ▸ $18.49 - Pandan Cheesecake ▸ $6.99
Pandan cheesecake with whipped topping, shaved toasted coconut - Buko Juice ▸ $12.00
Coconut water, coconut milk, coconut cream, pandan extract, smoked sea salt, served in a souvenir coconut cup - San Miguel ▸ $10.75
European-style pale lager
Puerto Rico
Next to New Orleans Dessert on corner from Jimmy Fallon
- Pastelón (Gluten-Sensitive) ▸ $8.99 🥨
A layered casserole of sweet plaintain, picadillo beef topped with Edam cheese
→ Paired w/ Piña Colada ▸ $20.99 - Bacalaitos ▸ $7.99
Crispy salt cod fritters with bell peppers, cilantro and onions served with mayo ketchup - Pastelitos de Guayaba (Vegetarian) ▸ $5.99 🥨
Guava filled puff pastry with powdered sugar - Piña Colada ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $13.00 (Refill)
Ron del Barrilito Santa Ana Overproof rum, lime juice, coco cream, pineapple juice, smoked sea salt - Fanta Piña Colada ▸ $4.99
Spain
On the corner across from The Mummy
- Ensalada de Pulpo (Gluten-Sensitive) ▸ $8.99
Traditional Spanish salad with octopus, fresh herbs, tomatos, cucumbers, paprika, sherry vinegar
→ Paired w/ Sangria Rosado ▸ $19.99 - Papitas Bravas (Gluten-Sensitive, Vegan) ▸ $5.99 🥨
Seasoned crispy potatoes, paprika aioli - Crèma Catalana (Gluten-Sensitive, Vegetarian) ▸ $6.49
Brûléed citrus milk custard with candied orange peels - Sangria Flight ▸ $17.00
Flight of Sangria Tinto, Sangria Blanco, Sangria Rosado - Sangria Tinto ▸ $12.00
Red sangria with Honoro Rioja, Torres 10 brandy, Ferrand dry curaçao, lemon juice, orange juice, blackberry extract, simple syrup - Sangria Rosado ▸ $12.00
Rosé sangria with Honoro Rosé, New Amsterdam gin, strawberry purée, a pinch of smoked sea salt - Sangria Blanco ▸ $12.00
White sangria with Honoro Vera Rueda, Bacardi rum, pineapple and lemon juices, simple syrup, lemon bitters, a pinch of smoked sea salt
Thailand
On the San Francisco Pier next to Lombards Seafood Grill
- Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp (Gluten-Sensitive) ▸ $8.49
Sautéed shrimp on a salad of shredded green papaya, carrots with Thai basil, peanuts, tossed in a spicy Thai dressing
→ Paired w/ Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea ▸ $20.49 - Green Curry with Chicken (Gluten-Sensitive) ▸ $6.99 🥨
Spicy green curry chicken with shiitake mushrooms, eggplant, snap peas, red bell pepper, jasmine rice - Chicken Satay ▸ $8.99 🥨
Marinated grilled chicken skewer with Thai cucumber, topped with peanut sauce - Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea ▸ $17.00 (20 oz. Souvenir Cup) | $13.00 (12 oz.) | $8.00 (Mocktail) | $13.00 (Refill) 🥨
New Amsterdam gin, butterfly tea matcha, passion fruit syrup, mint syrup, simple syrup, lime juice in pipette
Must-Try Dishes and Beverages
Even though there’s over 50 items on the menus across the event sometimes it’s good to know which items are worth the money. In the coming week or so there will also be a food review to give a better idea of what we thought was really worth it.
As of right now, popular items according to parkgoers are:
- Beignets at New Orleans Dessert
- Pancit Bihon at Philippines
- Chicken & Andouille Jambalaya at New Orleans
- Quesabirria at Mexico
- Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea at Thailand
- Bloody Mary’s at Bloody Mary Bar
My favorites:
- Beignets at New Orleans Dessert
- Pastelitos de Guayaba at Puerto Rico
- Quesabirria at Mexico
- Category 5 Punch at French Quarter Bar
- Candied Bacon & Onion Poutine at Canada
Foodie Tips for Having the Best Time
If you’re looking to take advantage of everything the Carnaval has to offer, you can find that some of the tips below will help to make that happen.
- Buy a Food & Beverage Card. For day tickets, you can purchase a $75 card for $65, however, if you’re an UOAP (annual pass) holder you can buy a $150 card for $120. Sounds like a deal to me.
- Check out the menus before getting to the Carnaval and know what you want to hit up prior to entering the park. Be at the first station a couple minutes before it opens, or at least within the first 30 minutes. After that the stations, depending on popularity, get swarmed for the first few hours of their opening.
- New Orleans, Spain, Colombia, Philippines and Mexico get overwhelmed so if one these places is where you’d like to go, go earlier in the day if you can’t make it for opening. That or try between lunch and dinner periods (2-4 PM).
- Canada, France, and China (from what I saw) had some of the shortest lines and I would wager they may be the same when you go.
Critique of the Carnaval
I am not a puppet who is going to throw out pure pleasantries if I feel like there are ways for companies to improve and Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Carnaval has a few from me.
- No black influence aside from NOLA. While there are ¼ of the booths devoted to Spanish and Hispanic culture, which I think is interesting, there’s also such a tiny influence of French culture to the food. Considering that Mardi Gras is literally french for “Fat Tuesday” and is based on French Catholic tradition to engorge oneself on decadent, fatty foods before lent, for the parks to have very little French reference is strange. I believe in 2023 there was a station devoted to Jamaica, but I’m unsure how it was received and it’s probably why they decided against going through with it again. I would hope for 2025 they were more cognizant of the offerings they brought. I don’t see why Germany has such a thorough menu during the festival when France is being left out practically completely.
- Unlike Epcot the booths are much closer to each other, however, due to space constraints it seems unavoidable. However, I’m sure that there could be more places they placed booths (ideas: by the MIB ride or Simpsons Land, and even in London) to allow the dispersal of the foodie crowd.
- Going during the beginning of the event you’ll see a lot of mistakes. I had to get a refund from Thailand because rice hadn’t been made in time for customers to grab the Green Curry with Chicken. However, I was given a Chicken Satay for free because of the hoopla (which was very tasty). It’s better if you go after the first two weeks of the festival.
Let Them Eat King Cake!
I think it goes without saying, but beads or bust, baby! Enjoy your time at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration with King Cake, beads and parades, and all the beignets your heart can muster. I know I sure did.
And if you haven’t as of yet, please follow us on our other social media channels (YouTube, Instagram & Tik Tok – @themeparkbites) to stay up to date on food reviews. Thank you for allowing us to be your tasty theme park companion!