Universal’s Mardi Gras goes big, kicking off busy Spring Break

On another Tuesday when Central Floridans are stuck in their routines of work and school, the confetti and colorful beads fall like rain at Universal Studios.

The night parade takes over the theme park as guests line up to admire extravagant floats leading up to the grand finale, a giant alligator. The dancers and performers move nonstop and one can’t stop to admire the genius of Universal’s costume department. Sexy shellfish dancers prance with mustached chefs on stilts behind them. Seriously, how did they make a lobster look so sexy?

And this is only a Tuesday.

“You can expect to be a part of a very high-energy party any day of the week,” said Kelly Malik, Show Director for Universal Orlando Resort’s Entertainment Creative Development.

Now in its 31st year, Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs through April 4. The events are included in regular theme park admission and offer concerts on select nights as well as food booths selling cuisine from all over the world.

“Mardi Gras is a one-of-a-kind family event where everyone is a part of the party,” Malik said. “We offer an incredible parade, live entertainment, a delicious menu with food from all over the world, and tons of Mardi Gras beads for all.”

For Central Florida where tourism is king, events like Mardi Gras are helping drive big Spring Break crowds this year.

“Hotel demand across Metro Orlando for March–April is pacing 10% ahead of the same period last year, signaling a stronger spring break season for the destination,” said Visit Orlando’s President and CEO, Casandra Matej.

In the final days of winter, Visit Orlando has launched an advertising campaign to showcase sunny Orlando to the rest of the country.

“The multi-channel effort spans TV, out-of-home, digital, paid social and search in key markets—including New York, Boston, Chicago, and Dallas—with bold ‘defrosting’ moments like large-scale Times Square displays,” Matej said earlier this month.

Visit Orlando is also focused on bringing back more Canadian tourists after the number dipped statewide.

“Extending this momentum into Canada, Visit Orlando connected with nearly 50 media during a late-January mission in Toronto and Montréal,” Matej said.