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Universal Studios Florida Is Celebrating 30 Years of Mardi Gras Magic!
For three decades, Universal Orlando has been bringing the spirit of New Orleans to Florida with its electrifying Mardi Gras celebration, and in 2025, the party is bigger and bolder than ever! Since its debut in 1995, this immersive festival of music, food, and fun has transformed Universal Studios Florida into a vibrant hub of beads, brass bands, and high-energy entertainment. What started as a daring idea—rolling full-sized New Orleans floats down I-4 (a feat we cannot imagine actually happening today!)—has grown into one of the park’s most beloved annual events, drawing thousands of guests each season.

Related: First Look Inside Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store

At the heart of the celebration is the legendary parade, featuring signature floats crafted by Kern Studios, the same masterminds behind the authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras spectacles. King Gator, a fan-favorite since 1998, makes his triumphant return alongside other iconic floats, showering the crowd with beads as they roll down the streets. And this year, Universal is pulling out all the stops with brand-new parade elements, including a second-line band leading the procession. The festivities don’t stop there—by day, guests can enjoy live jazz performances, stilt walkers, and a French Quarter-style street party, while select nights bring the Mardi Gras Concert Series, featuring a lineup of chart-topping artists.
Related: Universal Mardi Gras 2025: Everything You Need to Know About This Year’s Celebration!

No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without delicious flavors and dazzling souvenirs, and Universal delivers with an international food festival, offering tastes from carnival celebrations worldwide. Fans can also grab exclusive 30th-anniversary merchandise, including the must-have King Gator popcorn bucket and the brand-new Gator Junior shoulder plush. Whether guests are customizing their own beads at the Bayou Build a Bead station or exploring the festival-themed Tribute Store, there’s no shortage of ways to take home a piece of the party. As Universal Mardi Gras steps into its next decade, one thing is certain—the tradition of bringing New Orleans to Orlando is alive and well, and the future is brighter (and beadier!) than ever!

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