Let the Good Times Roll: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Invites You to Mardi Gras!
Experience the vibrant spirit of New Orleans at Busch Gardens Tampa Bayโs Mardi Gras celebration! From January 11 to March 2, 2024 (including Monday, January 20), immerse yourself in festive parades, live music, and delicious Cajun cuisine.
Sip & Savor: Unwind with handcrafted cocktails like Hurricanes and other refreshing libations at various locations throughout the park.
Entertainment Galore: Experience the energy with live music performances throughout the park, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Annual Pass Perks:
Make the most of your Mardi Gras experience with a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass. Starting at just $14.25 per month + tax, enjoy unlimited visits to the park and exclusive benefits, including access to other exciting events like the Food & Wine Festival and Bourbon & BBQ. As a Pass Member, you’ll also be among the first to experience Wild Oasis, the park’s newest immersive realm, before its public opening in spring 2025.
Plan Your Visit:
Dates: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from January 11 to March 2, 2024, plus Monday, January 20.
Art comes to life Jan. 12-Feb. 19, 2024 as EPCOT International Festival of the Arts transforms the park into a canvas of imagination at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Guests can enjoy the magic of creativity with vibrant food, music from the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series, visual art and interactive experiences. (OLGA THOMPSON, Photographer)
(OLGA THOMPSON, Photographer)
First Look at the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Food Booths & Menus
Get ready to feast your eyes (and your taste buds!) The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts returns to Walt Disney World from January 17th to February 24th, 2025, and Disney has just released the menus for all the Food Studios!
This year promises a vibrant blend of culinary creativity and artistic expression, with delectable dishes and artful presentations inspired by cuisines from around the globe. Let’s dive into the details and discover the culinary masterpieces that await at this year’s festival.
Soft Shell Crab Slider: Green papaya slaw and mango ketchup on toasted briocheย (New)ย ย
Cheddar and Chive Sconeย with smoked salmon salad topped with crรจme fraรฎche and caviarย (New)ย ย
ย Enchanted Rose: Milk chocolate rose with raspberry and rose centerย (New)ย ย
Beverages:
Parish Brewing Co. SIPS Candy Paint Berliner Weisseย (New)ย ย
von Trapp Brewing Bohemian Pilsnerย (New)ย
Crooked Can Brewing Company Fantasia Fusion IPAย (New)ย
Beer Flightย ย
Charles Heidsieck Brut Rรฉserve Champagneย
Piper-Heidsieck Rosรฉ Sauvage Champagneย
Katherine Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignonย
Martin Ray Chardonnayย
World Discovery
Connections Eatery Menu
Food Item:
Figmentโs Liege Waffle with ube fillingย (New)ย
Beverage:
Imagination Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade topped with butterfly pea tea and lavender (Non-alcoholic beverage)ย (Spirited version available with vodka)ย ย
NEW! Fictional Victuals Menu
Location: Near Refreshment Station
Food Items:
Squid Ink Pasta with lump crab, truffle cream, and shaved truffleย (New)ย ย
Charred Octopus with crushed fingerling potatoes, kalamata olives, capers, and romesco sauceย (New)ย ย
Black Cocoa Brownie with ube ice cream, coral tuile, and sponge cakeย (New)ย ย
Beverages:
Butterscotch Milk Shake with Chocolate Garnishย (New)ย ย
Pork and White Bean Cassoulet with Regensburger Sausage and crispy pork rindsย (New)ย
Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip purรฉe, broccolini, baby tomatoes, and balsamic glazeย ย
Black Forest Cake: Chocolate mousse with morello cherries and chantilly creamย ย
Beverages:
3 Daughters Brewing Rosรฉ Hard Ciderย
81Bay Brewing Co. Rosรฉ Blonde Aleย
Frozen Rosรฉย ย
A Play on Rosรฉ Flightย ย
Marietta Old Vine Rosรฉย
LโArte di Mangiare Menu
Location: Italy
Food Items:
Tricolore: Cheese-filled ravioloni, pomodoro, cream, and pesto saucesย (New)ย ย
Mozzarella Fritta: Flash-fried breaded fresh mozzarella with artist palette condimentsย ย
Hazelnut Sโmore Cannoli: Cannoli shell dipped in chocolate and graham cracker, chocolate-hazelnut cannoli cream, and toasted marshmallowsย (New)ย
Beverages:
Peroni Pilsnerย ย
Proseccoย ย
Moscatoย ย
Chiantiย ย
Italian Red Sangriaย
Italian-inspired Margarita with tequila, Triple Sec, and Fabrizia Limoncelloย
Mela Spritz: Apple Schnapps, prosecco, and sparkling waterย (New)
The Artistโs Table Menu
Location: The American Adventure
Food Items:
Deviled Egg Trio: Pimento Cheese, Green Goddess, and BLTย (New)ย
Chicken โPot Pieโ with smoked cheddar mornay sauce, roasted vegetables, pickled mushrooms, wasabi peas, and sherry-chicken jus served open-faced on flaky pie crustย (New)ย
Hummingbird Cake: Banana and pecan cake dipped in cream cheese icing with caramel sauce and warm pineapple compoteย
Lost Coast Brewery Peanut Butter Chocolate Milk Stoutย (New)ย ย
J Vineyards & Winery Pinot Grisย (New)ย
Beer Flightย ย
Funnel Cake Menu
Location: Between The American Adventure and Japan
Food Item:
Cotton Candy Funnel Cake topped with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, pink and purple sugar dusting, and cotton candy crunchย (New)ย ย
Goshiki Menu
Location: Japan
Food Items:
Taiyaki: Crisp, flaky fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean served with whipped topping and blueberry popping bobaย (New)ย ย
Wagyu Bun: Steamed bun filled with American wagyu beef served with Japanese karashi mustard sauce and violet shiso sauceย (New)ย ย
Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped sushi featuring salmon, tuna, shrimp, cucumber, and sesame seed over a decorated plate of wasabi aรฏoli, sriracha aรฏoli, and eel sauceย ย
Keel Farms Strawberry Shortcake Hard Ciderย (New)ย
Left Hand Brewing Company Milk Stout with Coconutย (New)ย
Boyd & Blair Espresso Martiniย
Beer Flightย ย
Swirled Showcase Menu
Location: Near Port of Entry
Food Items:
Bubble Gum Soft-serve in a coneย (New)ย ย
DOLE Whip in a cone:
Lemonย
Limeย
Strawberryย
Imagination Cone: Bubble gum soft-serve in a lavender cone, โsparksโ of imagination, and white chocolate wingsย (New)ย
Candy Trio Flight: DOLE Whip Strawberry with STARBURST MINIS fruit chews, DOLE Whip Lemon with SKITTLES POPโd Freeze Dried Candy, and DOLE Whip Lime with chili-lime seasoning and LIFE SAVERS gummiesย (New)ย
Liquid Nitrogen Minnie cake pop with berry sponge cake, white chocolate ganache, and colorful chocolate splatsย (New)ย
Pop Eats Menu
Location: Near Port of Entry
Food Items:
Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheeseย ย
Tomato Soupย with pimento cheese, bacon, and fried green tomato grilled cheeseย ย
Beverages:
Brooklyn Brewery Pulp Art Hazy IPAย
Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuvรฉe Mousseux with boba pearlsย ย
Joffreyโs Coffee & Tea Company Menu
Locations: Joffreyโs Coffee & Tea Company throughout the park
Beverage:
Color Craze Latte + Donut: Espresso, Swiss chocolate syrup, dark chocolate sauce, and milk complemented with a frosted donut and whipped cream and topped with M&MโS Milk Chocolate Minis (Non-alcoholic beverage)ย (Spirited Version available with Kahlรบa Coffee Liqueur)ย (New)ย ย
Disney Files Notice for Removal of Triceratop Spin and Fossil Fun Games
Disney has taken the first official step toward the transformation of DinoLand USA at Animal Kingdom. A Notice of Commencement has been filed by Walt Disney Imagineering for the demolition of Triceratop Spin and the Fossil Fun Games in Chester & Hesterโs Dino-Rama.
The entire DinoLand USA area is set to be demolished over the next year to make way for the new Tropical Americas expansion. This new land will feature attractions inspired by Indiana Jones and Disneyโs Encanto.
The Dinosaur attraction will be the last part of the area to close, remaining open through the end of 2025. Afterward, it will be re-themed into an Indiana Jones ride, similar to the version at Disneyland.
Exciting news for runners! The 2025-2026 runDisney race schedule has been released. Now’s the time to mark your calendars and prepare to sign up for the magical race weekend you’ve been anticipating.
Whether you dream of running through the magic of Walt Disney World or the enchantment of Disneyland Resort, this runDisney season has something for you. Plus, with three exciting virtual events, you can experience the magic no matter where you are. Ready to lace up and start planning your magical running adventure?
Ready to run at Walt Disney World? Here are the newest dates for 2025/2026 races:
2025 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – October 23-26, 2025
Club runDisney Registration opens February 4, 2025; General Registration opens February 11,2025
2026 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7-11, 2026
Club runDisney Registration opens March 4, 2025; General Registration opens March 11, 2025
2026 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 26-March 2, 2026
Club runDisney Registration opens June 17, 2025; General Registration opens June 24, 2025
2026 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend – April 16-19, 2026
Club runDisney Registration opens July 22, 2025; General Registration opens July 29, 2025
There is one more runDisney race event at the Disneyland Resort this year and one to come in 2026! More information for the 2026 event will be released later but the last race this year is:
2025 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend – September 4-7, 2025
Registration is open now!
The 5K, 10K, and kids races are sold out but there is still availability for Disneyland Yoga, the Half Marathon, and the Chills & Thrills Challenge.
If you aren’t able to participate in the events in person, no worries! There are also virtual races you can participate in. There are three virtual events this year and one is brand new!
New! 2025 runDisney Virtual Love on the Run 14-Miler – February 1-28, 2025
Registration is open now!
2025 runDisney Virtual Series – June 1-August 31, 2025
Registration opens April 1, 2025
2025 runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas – December 1-31, 2025
Registration opens July 8, 2025
Now, which race weekend are you most excited about?
Sebastian Eyes Light Up Once Again on Little Mermaid Ride in Magic Kingdom
A touch of TLC has been applied to Sebastian in ‘Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid’! Disney Imagineers have successfully resolved an issue with his screen eyes effect in the thrilling finale scene of this beloved Magic Kingdom dark ride.
We were thrilled to discover a recent update! Previously, Sebastian’s eyes in this scene remained motionless. However, as the photo above demonstrates, his vibrant, screen-based eyes are now animated once more.
Although Sebastian’s eyes remain static in his other scenes, the successful repair of his screen eyes in the finale suggests the possibility of a complete restoration of this beloved effect across the entire ride in the future.
Are you glad to see this effect working once again aboard Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid?
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Featured on New Magic Kingdom Park Map
A fresh Magic Kingdom guidemap has arrived at Walt Disney World, showcasing the vibrant Tiana’s Foods water tower, a prominent landmark of the thrilling new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
The map’s front features a blue-to-purple gradient border, prominently showcasing the Tiana’s Foods water tower at its center. The tower displays the Tiana’s Foods logo and is surrounded by lush foliage. Below, a log carrying guests can be seen gliding through the water.
The first fold highlights various sections under the “Fantasy Reigns” theme. Notably, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, previously listed as “New Magic,” is now categorized under “Attractions.” Smellephants on Parade, also previously under “New Magic,” has been moved to the “Fun For Families” section, which now also includes Country Bear Musical Jamboree without the “reimagined” descriptor.
Highlighted offerings include “Happily Ever After,” the Emporium, and Liberty Tree Tavern. An advertisement for the My Disney Experience app with detailed features is displayed to the right. The fully opened map presents an overhead park view with a legend detailing attractions and key locations on the right side.
The Frontierland section of the guidemap lists Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (number 27) as “Temporarily Closed for Refurbishment.” The ride’s final day of operation was January 5th, with the refurbishment commencing on January 6th. According to the Walt Disney World website, the attraction will reopen in 2026 with “a little bit of new magic.”
The map’s back flap provides essential information, including “Personalized Guest Service” for those requiring assistance, “Transportation” options, “Park Rules,” and accepted “Payment Options.” A brief overview of Disney Vacation Club and recycling instructions for the guidemap are included at the bottom right.
What do you think of the new Magic Kingdom map?
Dreaming of a trip to Walt Disney World? Contact me today to start planning! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Pinocchio Village Haus Restrooms Reopen in the Magic Kingdom
Good news for those visiting Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom! The Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms have reopened after a year-long refresh. The project, which was supposed to start in early 2023, actually kicked off in early 2024.
The restrooms are nestled between the Pinocchio Village Haus and a towering castle wall. Two arched entrances open into a charming courtyard. Although this entire section was cordoned off during the renovation, the courtyard seems to have undergone minimal changes, still featuring the same timeworn stone flooring.
The courtyard features a pair of water fountains, with the surrounding stone walls and yellow-tan archway seemingly repainted. Two doors within the courtyard house an emergency defibrillator and a telephone, along with a backstage entrance.
The Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms feature new wood-style signs. The men’s room is labeled “Herren” (German for “Men”), a nod to the German influences in Disney’s adaptation of the Italian story. The sign features a stylized male symbol adorned with a green leaf.
The women’s room is labeled “Damen” (German for “Ladies”), complemented by an oval sign featuring the woman symbol and a delicate pink flower. Previously, the restrooms were simply labeled “Prince” and “Princess.”
Have you seen the refurbished Pinocchio Village Haus restrooms yet?
Get ready to hitch a ride! Disneyland’s iconic Haunted Mansion is set to reopen its doors on January 18th, 2025. After closing to switch from the holiday overlay to the original version, guests can once again experience the eerie delights of this classic attraction.
Disneyland officials have also confirmed that the beloved Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay will return for Halloween Time 2025 at Disneyland Resort. This year, the festive transformation will begin alongside the start of Halloween Time on August 22nd, delighting guests with its unique blend of spooky and seasonal cheer.
The iconic Haunted Mansion at Disneyland is currently closed for a brief period to remove the festive Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay. Following this, the attraction is scheduled to reopen to guests on January 18th, 2025.
The standard version of the ride has been undergoing a significant refurbishment since last January. This project includes an expansion of the exterior queue and surrounding grounds, creating a more immersive experience for guests. Additionally, a new ADA-accessible hallway and elevator have been added to enhance accessibility for all visitors.
The highly anticipated reopening of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion on January 18th is set to unveil a new Bride, seemingly confirmed by the recent release of a Haunted Mansion Bride sipper. Further evidence points towards this update with the inclusion of a Bride portrait in the attraction’s new gift shop, Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond.
In addition to the new Bride, sources indicate a technological upgrade for the iconic Hitchhiking Ghosts. Instead of the traditional Pepper’s Ghost illusion, the mirror effect at the ride’s conclusion will now feature advanced projection technology, promising a more immersive and visually stunning experience.
These updates are sure to excite fans of the classic attraction as they prepare to once again enter the ghostly halls of the Haunted Mansion.
Which version of the Haunted Mansion is your favorite?
Foodies can look forward to dozens of limited-time menu items, culinary demonstrations and more when the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., from Feb. 28 through April 21, 2025.โฏThe Disneyland Resort released the schedule of bookable experiences for the 2025 festival, which can now be reserved on Disneyland.com for a separate fee. The presentations span a variety of beverage options, knowledge levels and formats. (David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)โฏโฏ
Disneyland Resort Announces Bookable Experiences for 2025 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Theme park foodies and culinary connoisseurs look forward to dozens of limited menu items, culinary demos and more when the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to Disneyland Resort Feb. 28 through April 21, 2025.
Foodies, take note! Disneyland Resort has released the schedule of bookable experiences for the upcoming Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. These exciting offerings can be reserved now on Disneyland.com for an additional fee.
Looking to expand your beverage horizons? The festival offers a variety of educational seminars and fun mixology classes, perfect for groups or casual fans. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a beer aficionado, there’s something for everyone. These experiences are a great way to relax and learn something new during your park visit.
Make your way to Sonoma Terrace and dive into the world of craft beers, house-made cocktails, exceptional wines and delicious pairings at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festivalโscheduled to return February 28 through April 21, 2025.
Beer and Cider Education & Tasting Seminars
Mixology Education & Cocktail Making Seminars
Wine Education & Tasting Seminars
Ethel M Chocolate & Wine Pairing
Carthay Circle Receptions
Join industry experts as they lead tastings paired with a 4-course appetizer menu at Carthay Circle Restaurant. Reservations for Carthay Circle Receptions are required, and space is limited for these popular events. Donโt miss outโbook now!
Carthay Circle Brewmaster Reception with Paul Segura, Karl Strauss Brewing Co. Join Paul Segura for a delightful evening sampling a selection of 4 Karl Strauss beers. Each beer will be paired with an appetizer created by the Carthay Circle Restaurant culinary team.
Friday, March 28, 2025 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM $175 per person (plus tax and gratuities)
Carthay Circle Winemaker Reception with Dana Epperson, Decoy & Migration (Duckhorn Vineyards) Join Dana Epperson for a wonderful evening sampling a selection of 4 Decoy & Migration wines. Each wine will be paired with an appetizer created by the Carthay Circle Restaurant culinary team.
Friday, April 11, 2025 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM $175 per person (plus tax and gratuities)
Hotel Events & Classes
Dinner and Scotch Event at Hearthstone Lounge
Enjoy an intimate, special culinary and scotch dinner event atย Hearthstone Lounge, amid beautiful artwork and a burnished copper hearthstone.
Indulge in a memorable evening, featuring rare and exceptional scotches from Highland Park of the Isle of Mull & Orkney and world-renowned The Macallan from Speyside, Scotland, drawn from the exclusive whiskey library of Hearthstone Lounge.
Your evening begins with tray-passed hors dโoeuvres and live music. Then, savor a 4-course tasting menu that is expertly crafted and paired with scotch selections by Executive Chef Marcel St. Pierre and accompanied by educational presentations from Highland Park and The Macallan.
Reservations for the Dinner and Scotch Event at Hearthstone Lounge are required, and space is limited. Donโt miss outโbook now!
Event Details
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Time: 5:15 PM
Location: Hearthstone Lounge, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Price: $495 per person (plus tax and gratuities)
Price includes 5-hour complimentary valet parking at Disneyโs Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Mixology Class at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
Learn to make a classic tiki libation in the legendaryย Trader Samโs Enchanted Tiki Bar.
After enjoying your hand-crafted cocktail, indulge in tray-passed hors dโoeuvres while enjoying the sounds of the island at the outdoor fireplace. Plus, take home a Trader Samโs fan favorite mug as a souvenir of your adventure.
Reservations for mixology classes at Trader Samโs Enchanted Tiki Bar are required and space is limited for these popular events.
Event Details
Location: Trader Samโs Enchanted Tiki Bar, Disneyland Hotel
Price: $159 per person (plus tax and gratuities)
Event Schedule Events take place at 11:00 AM*, 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on the following days:
Monday, March 3, 2025
Monday, March 17, 2025
Monday, March 31, 2025
Monday, April 14, 2025
Shared tables will be available. Reserved or assigned seating is not available. A portion of this event takes place outdoors; please plan accordingly.
*The 11:00 AM classes on March 3 and April 14 are available to eligible Disney Vacation Club Members only. Members can call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to check availability and book.
Food and Wine Experience with Hearthstone Lounge: โA Walk on the Silverado Trailโ
Hosted by the venerableย Hearthstone Loungeย at the beautiful Mariposa Pool deck, sip a curated selection of Silverado Trailโs exquisite wines delightfully paired with cuisine specially crafted by the talented Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa culinary team. Featured wineries will be announced at a later date.
Reservations for Food and Wine Experience with Hearthstone Lounge: โA Walk on the Silverado Trailโ are required and space is limited for this popular event.
Event Details
Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Mariposa Pool Deck, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Price: $295 per person (plus tax and gratuities)
Price includes 5-hour complimentary valet parking at Disneyโs Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
A combination of shared standing and dining tables will be available. Reserved or assigned seating is not available. This event takes place outdoors; please plan accordingly.
Ready to celebrate the Food & Wine Festival at the Disneyland Resort? Contact me to plan your trip! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Universal Mardi Gras 2025: International Flavors of Carnaval Brings the World to Your Plate
The party is heating up at Universal Studios Florida as the 2025 Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnavalfood lineup has just been revealed! From savory dishes to sweet indulgences, this yearโs menu takes you on a culinary adventure across the globe, offering unique flavors inspired by Carnaval celebrations from far and wide. Here’s a look at what you can sink your teeth into during the celebration:
Hot Maple Lacquered Salmon Canada serves up a fresh and flavorful twist with grilled salmon glazed in rich maple syrup. Paired with a refreshing mixed salad of chickpeas, dried cranberries, tomatoes, baby kale, and mustard vinaigrette, this dish is as vibrant as the northern lights.
China
Spicy Szechuan Chicken Bites Turn up the heat with crispy chicken tossed in Szechuan powder, chili, and sesame seeds. Served in a takeout-style container with a side of white rice, this fiery dish is an ode to China’s love for bold and spicy flavors.
Colombia
Colombian Burger Classic meets Colombian flair with this juicy all-beef burger. Topped with Monterey Jack cheese, pineapple cabbage slaw, cilantro garlic sauce, and crunchy potato sticks, itโs a flavor-packed feast you wonโt want to miss.
Bites of the Bayou
Beignets No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without these pillowy fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a day of revelry.
Cajun Mac & Cheese This creamy, spicy delight combines cavatappi pasta, andouille sausage, onions, celery, and green bell peppers, all smothered in a Cajun cream sauce. Cooked fresh to order, itโs as comforting as a warm Louisiana night.
France
Duck a LโOrange Crepe Transport yourself to the streets of Paris with this French masterpiece. Buckwheat crepes are stuffed with shredded duck, onion, and cheese, then topped with fresh orange segments and orange sauceโa culinary romance in every bite.
Puerto Rico
Pinchos de Lechรณn Celebrate the flavors of Puerto Rico with char-grilled pork skewers topped with guava barbecue sauce and served alongside pan sobao, a soft and sweet Puerto Rican bread. This countryside classic is pure island bliss.
India
Potato Dosa (Vegan) Crispy, savory, and entirely vegan, this Indian street food favorite features a dosa filled with spiced potatoes, onions, and black mustard seeds. A cilantro dipping sauce adds a burst of fresh flavor.
Leberkรคse Dive into a taste of Bavaria with this traditional beef and pork meatloaf, griddled to perfection and served on a pretzel bun with sauerkraut and sweet mustard. A hearty and satisfying dish steeped in history.
With this mouthwatering menu, Universal Studios Florida proves once again that Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval isnโt just a feast for the eyesโitโs a true culinary celebration. Be sure to come hungry and explore the world one bite at a time! Which dish are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!
New Banana Orange Guava available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A new refreshing beverage has landed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it’s shaking things up! Say hello to the “BOG” โ a delightful blend of Banana, Orange, and Guava juices.
Found at Harambe Market’s Chef Mwanga’s Meat Shop, this tropical concoction comes in two versions:
Non-Alcoholic: Priced at $5.99, this version features Minute Maid Passion Fruit Orange Guava juice, guava nectar, and banana. While the initial taste strongly resembles the beloved POG (Passionfruit, Orange, and Guava), the banana flavor is subtle, even after mixing.
Alcoholic: For $17.50, guests can elevate their BOG experience with a choice of rum, vodka, or tequila. We sampled the rum version, and it’s a delightful twist, reminiscent of a piรฑa colada. The rum adds a sweetness that balances the drink’s tartness.
While the non-alcoholic BOG might not be a game-changer for die-hard POG fans, it’s a refreshing option on a hot day. The alcoholic version, however, is a winner, offering a fun and flavorful twist on the classic
Will you be venturing to Animal Kingdom to give the BOG a whirl? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Universal Orlando Annual Passholder Perks for Mardi Gras 2025Have Been Released
Get ready to celebrate Mardi Gras like never before as Universal Orlandoโs Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval returns with exciting new perks exclusively for Passholders! From parade float rides to discounts on delicious bites, Universal has packed the season with special benefits that make the Passholder experience truly unbeatable. Hereโs everything you need to know about this yearโs offerings, running from February 1 to March 30, 2025.
Be Part of the Mardi Gras Magic: Float Ride Sign-Ups
The highlight of Mardi Gras is the parade, and Passholders can sign up for the ultimate experience: riding a Mardi Gras float for free! Starting January 16 at 12 PM, Passholders (with up to eight additional Passholder friends) can reserve their spot to toss beads and soak in the festive atmosphere. This is your chance to be at the heart of the actionโso mark your calendar and secure your spot early!
Savor and Save with the Float Ride and Dine Experience
Want to guarantee a spot on a parade float while indulging in a delectable meal? Passholders save 15% on the Float Ride and Dine Experience, which includes a three-course meal at participating restaurants and a guaranteed parade float spot. Spots are limited, so book early through Guest Services, Pass Sales, or by calling 407-224-7554.
Bigger Bites for Less with the Food and Beverage Card
Passholders can enjoy more delicious flavors of Mardi Gras with a special Food and Beverage Card deal. For just $120, youโll receive a card valued at $150โperfect for trying over 50 menu items. Plus, Premier and Preferred Passholders will still receive their regular food and beverage discounts (excluding alcohol) when using this card.
Stay in Style at Universalโs Newest Hotels
Be among the first to experience Universalโs newest accommodations, opening just in time for Mardi Gras. Stay at the Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21) or the Terra Luna Resort (opening March 25) starting at $159 per night, plus tax. Enjoy exclusive Passholder rates and easy access to all the Mardi Gras festivities.
Passholder-Exclusive Discounts and Menu Items
Premier and Preferred Passholders can save up to 15% at Universal-operated Mardi Gras food and beverage tents. Donโt miss the chance to try exclusive menu items, including a salted caramel affogato dessertโavailable with or without a boozy twist!
Early Park Admission at Volcano Bay
3-Park Power and Seasonal Passholders can enjoy early access to Universal Volcano Bay, entering up to 30 minutes before the park opens on select dates. Beat the crowds and start your day with a splash!
Shop Exclusive Mardi Gras Merchandise
Celebrate in style with exclusive Passholder Mardi Gras merchandise. Starting February 1, 2025, these collectibles will be available at select locations while supplies last.
Early Access to the Mardi Gras Tribute Store
Get a sneak peek at the fan-favorite Tribute Store before it opens to the public. Passholders enjoy exclusive access on January 30, 2025, from 11 AM until park close.
With these incredible perks, Mardi Gras 2025 promises to be a season full of flavor, fun, and unforgettable experiences for Universal Orlando Passholders. From parade float rides to exclusive menu items, thereโs something for everyone to enjoy.
So grab your beads, mark your calendars, and get ready to join the ultimate celebration of the season. Laissez les bons temps roulerโlet the good times roll!
