Celebrate Mardi Gras in 2023 at Your Favorite Theme Park: Universal Studios vs Disney World
Time to order that King Cake. It’s Mardi Gras season!
Although it’s a popular holiday for parades, throwing beads, and really going all out with your favorite foods, music, and crazy costumes, not everyone can make it to New Orleans for the annual bash. Luckily, you can celebrate Mardi Gras in Universal Studios and Disney World instead, and with the festivities continuing throughout the month of March, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to party!
Let’s dive in!
Mardi Gras Mayhem at Walt Disney World
Port Orleans Resort is THE place to stay on the Disney property if you’re going to celebrate Mardi Gras in Orlando this year. The gorgeous appearance of the whole moderate-level resort perfectly emulates the Louisiana Bayou. You’ll find food options like gumbo and jambalaya, and you’ll also see cute names and phrases such as “The Magnolia Bend” or “The Swimmin’ Hole” throughout the buildings of Port Orleans.
Port Orleans is split up into two sections: Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. They have their differences, but both have a classic southern atmosphere and a repertoire of jazz music that guests love. With cobblestone streets and Cajun flavors in the eateries, you’ll really feel as though you’ve been transported to the Mississippi River.
For specific recommendations inside the resort, the first must-try is Scat Cat’s Club. This fun, thematic lounge plays jazz music and is located inside Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. The lounge has all the New Orleans vibes you could want, and they offer appetizer snacks, delicious beers, and cocktails – each with a southern twist in both flavor and drink name! One of our absolute favorite things at Scat Cat’s Club is the beignets. What better way to make yourself feel like you’re in New Orleans than having a delicious beignet?!
(Pro tip: if you happen to be visiting in the month of February, Scat Cat’s Club offered Valentine’s Day-themed beignets last year for a limited time only. We’re so hoping they do this again, so keep your eyes peeled!)
If you’re still hungry after the beignets, stay on the French Quarter side of the Port Orleans Resort and pop into the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. This restaurant, while it is quick service, has an exciting and festive ambiance inside. The decor is so fun and specifically Mardi Gras themed. Check it out!
Now, let’s pop on over to Port Orleans Resort – Riverside! The first item on our recommendations list is Muddy Rivers. Muddy Rivers is a poolside bar, but it has all the character you could ask for. It’s located within the Ol’ Man Island area, which is Port Orleans – Riverside’s fantastic swimming pool and playground. There’s also a fishing hole nearby! Muddy Rivers offers the best superfruit sangria you’ve ever tasted, and they have non-alcoholic beverages too! Don’t miss it or its perfect Louisiana touches, including the wooden exterior and creative names for the beverages.
Hanging out at Riverside for a bit longer, don’t skip River Roost! This is more of a full bar than Muddy Rivers is, but they have some delicious light snacks available as well. River Roost gives you the southern charm you would expect on the cobblestone streets of New Orleans.
The last recommendation on the Riverside is going to be the horse-drawn carriage rides that Port Orleans offers. Rides are about 25 minutes long, and we do recommend that you make a reservation in advance. The whole family can ride together. You’ll feel like you’ve been swooped back in time. Enjoy your view of the Sassagoula River as you relax and take in the views!
Zooming out of Port Orleans altogether, we would be remiss if we didn’t recommend to you The House of Blues Restaurant and Bar on the West Side of Disney Springs. The flavors here are all southern-inspired gems. We recommend splurging on a heaping helping of voodoo shrimp, which is one of our favorites! They also do weekend brunch, where you can try the jalapeño cornbread or the Cajun chicken pasta. If you couldn’t tell, the menu here is pretty extensive! We absolutely love The House of Blues Restaurant; between the poppin’ flavors and cool folk art, this place is sure to add some pizzazz to your Mardi Gras celebration. Happy eating!
Bonus Disney fun fact: Don’t forget that Splash Mountain is scheduled to be replaced by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in 2024. It’s sure to have the most adventurous Louisianian vibes out there!
Universal Studios’ Sensational Mardi Gras Soiree
So we’ve talked a good bit about Disney. But what can you do at Universal Studios? Well, actually, there’s a lot!
First things first, Universal Studios really commits to Mardi Gras. They even have a Mardi Gras tribute store! Browse around and deck yourself out with Mardi Gras merch – it’s the perfect way to prep for the partying!
Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration includes a spectacular parade with some really incredible floats on select nights! Check the calendar on their website for specific dates. You won’t want to miss out on the bombastic and colorful extravaganzas! You can even reserve a spot on one of the actual parade floats and – believe it or not – get to toss beads out of the float! Just like an authentic Mardi Gras parade!
If you choose to purchase a Mardi Gras Float Ride & Dine package, you’ll receive a three-course meal from one of four yummy restaurants. The possibilities include Finnegan‘s Bar & Grill, Lombard’s Seafood Grill, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, or the NBC Sports Grill and Bar. These packages start at $64.99. Universal Studios Mardi Gras celebration is called “The International Flavors of Carnaval.” With all the music, confetti, and incredible bayou-influenced flavors, you and your group will have a fantastic time celebrating!
As part of their Mardi Gras celebration, Universal Studios also offers food booths! With tasty delights at each booth, look forward to flavors from multiple different countries. This includes some mind-blowing arepas, po’boys, jambalaya, beignets, and so much more. (Our mouths are already watering!)
There is a list of beverages you can pick from, too. There are even spiked desserts like the Vanilla Amaretto Rum Gelato Float or the Triple Raspberry Gelato Float. For a complete list of Mardi Gras munchies, check out Universals Studios’ website. There are even food and beverage cards that you can purchase, which gives you a deal on several of the food booths. If you know you’re going to be hitting them all, it’s recommended!
Universal Studios has officially announced their Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval for 2023 will run from February 4th to April 16th, so plan your trip now! You won’t want to miss this!
Mardi Gras can be one of the most lively times of the year. We hope you’ll find some fun new traditions at Disney World and Universal Studios! If you try any of these things and love them, feel free to let us know on our website on our contact page. We always love to hear feedback from our readers.
From MouseEars TV to you, Happy Mardi Gras!
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