I don’t know about you, but there is only one event where I look forward to partying in the streets every year. (OK, other than Halloween Horror Nights). If it is not fall (aka Spooky Season), that means it must be time for Universal Mardi Gras.
Being from Mississippi, I know a little something about Mardi Gras. So, when I joined Universal as a Team Member, there was such excitement when I heard we did our own version! Over the years, it certainly has never failed to deliver on its promise of “Laisse le bons temps rouler.”
Before we dive into the Universal event, you may be wondering, “What is this Mardi Gras event anyway?” The origins of Mardi Gras lie in New Orleans, Louisiana. This cultural celebration of food and family has now spread throughout the United States, with many major cities hosting Mardi Gras celebrations of their own anytime from January through April or even May.
Universal Orlando Resort’s version aims to bring guests into the party, with day and night entertainment included in the price of admission. This mix of food, friends, and fun has been the backdrop of the event we know and love in Universal Studios Florida since 1995. Now celebrating 30 dazzling years, there’s no better time to travel back and explore some of the event’s most spectacular offerings.
Event Origins
To understand the beginning of this Universal event, I interviewed Lora Sauls, assistant director of entertainment creative development and show direction, who was involved with Mardi Gras when it was simply an idea! “Tom Williams (former Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, now Universal Destinations and Experiences) really wanted to bring specialty events, which we now call marquee events, to Universal Studios,” she explains.
“Tom really wanted to do something in this spring period,” she continues. “He, at the time, crafted a wonderful and beautiful business relationship and friendship with Blaine Kern, who is known in New Orleans as Mr. Mardi Gras.”
Blaine was the founder of Kern Studios, the leading parade designer and builder for Mardi Gras floats for 18 different Krewes in New Orleans. They have worked to create one-of-a-kind props for New Orleans Mardi Gras parades since 1947. These designs cover not one or two, but 10 different warehouses!
“Tom really thought it would be a great collaboration…to bring New Orleans to Orlando and have a family-friendly Mardi Gras at Universal Studios,” adds Lora. From there, the team at Universal did what they do best and made it happen.
“The first year in 1995, they rolled New Orleans floats right down the middle of I-4. It was pretty epic…showing everybody that New Orleans was coming to Orlando,” Lora describes. The relationship with the Kern family has lasted into present-day. Blaine’s son Barry now leads Kern Studios, continuing the ongoing partnership of this event. Universal even installed a memorial to Blaine on the Universal Horror Make-Up Show façade, the ongoing step off location of the Mardi Gras parade.
Celebrations on Every Corner
The Universal Mardi Gras Parade
Beads, beads, BEADS. We say it for a reason, but the nightly Universal Mardi Gras parade is also home to several story-telling elements. For instance, did you know that when you join the Mardi Gras parade, you are joining the Krewe of Dionysus: a family-friendly Mardi Gras Krewe home to Universal? You will catch members of the Krewe riding on one of the event’s signature floats, the Title float.
Guests and fans of the event may recognize other signature floats: the Royalty float, the Jester float, and who can forget King Gator — a staple in the parade since 1998. King Gator is certainly part of Universal culture. (I imagine he and Earl the Squirrel are good buddies.) The development of these floats happens closer to the source than you may think, with a core Entertainment team traveling to New Orleans to sort through props at Kern Studios (yup, those 10 warehouses) by hand. From these props, themes arise the team can drive forward for production of the event.
The team refines these ideas and then presents them to the team at Kern Studios, where sketches immediately begin to come to life in the room. The team returns to Universal Orlando with their newfound treasures and plans to communicate back to resort operating teams for execution each year. This sort of discovery also opens the door for future planning.
“We are celebrating 30 years with all of these floats…but we already have sent Kern what we want to do in 2026, and they already have an idea of what we want to do in 2027,” Lora shares.
For me, riding these floats with so much heart and story is certainly among some of my most cherished memories as a Team Member and guest. New this year? Be sure to check out the second line band that will be leading the parade!
Mardi Gras Performers
During the day, guests can enjoy many authentic elements of the historic New Orleans event. My favorites over the years have been the incredibly talented street performers, like stilt walkers and dancers, that love to invite you into the party. Plus, the Big Bands filling the streets of New York with the sounds of the Big Easy make it really difficult to stand still.
Mardi Gras Concerts
One thing that’s great about the French Quarter is that it is filled with music in just about every corner. How does Universal rise to that occasion? The Mardi Gras Concert series! On select event nights, the Universal Music Plaza completely transforms with musical performances that electrify the park for all guests. There have been many truly monumental acts over the years. Guests may remember previous concerts, some that even set attendance records for the park. I was able to enjoy the unforgettable funky, disco vibes at my very first concert, all thanks to Mardi Gras.
Check out the lineup for this year’s acts!
Merchandise – Including Special 30th Anniversary Items
One thing I adore about this event is that just like a trip to my home down south, it is not complete until I have a piece of it to take home with me. Universal Mardi Gras merchandise has a flair of its own, showing vibrant colors, patterns, and, of course, glitter. This year, guests can expect to see loads of merchandise featuring the icon, King Gator. We’re also introducing Gator Junior, a new star who guests can find on select items including a popcorn bucket and shoulder plush.
An easy way to grab a souvenir is the new “Bayou Build a Bead,” which allows guests to hand pick and customize their beads to wear with pride for many parades to come. Those looking for that milestone-specific merchandise can look forward to a 30th anniversary medallion, special release magnets featuring parade floats, and even more to come. Be sure to find your piece of Mardi Gras at the festival-themed Tribute Store.
Looking Ahead
What does the future of Universal Mardi Gras hold? Our team plans to keep it truly authentic. Lora mentions continuing the “beautiful relationship with the Kern family and company to keep us authentic to that New Orleans celebration,” while leaving room for the right opportunities. “Our (international) food celebration is that daytime experience. You go around tasting all these amazing flavors from carnival and other celebrations around the world. Then at night, you’re celebrating the authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras.”
I look forward to many more dance parties, sampler sessions, and bead catches in the future of Mardi Gras. Say it with me: “Feet don’t fail me now!”
What are some of your favorite Mardi Gras memories from the last 30 years? Let us know in the comments below!