7pm | Take a stroll on the Garden Walk<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/5-1.png\")
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S \/ @tarahchieffi<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNeed to break in your new shoes before putting in all those theme park miles? Take a leisurely stroll on Universal\u2019s Garden Walk. Lined with lush greenery and colorful tropical plants, this paved walkway connects most onsite hotels with Universal\u2019s CityWalk<\/a> shopping and dining district. The gates to Universal\u2019s two parks \u2013 Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure \u2013 lie on either side of CityWalk. If you have the time, one of the path\u2019s most beautiful features is a butterfly garden near the Hard Rock Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n8pm | Dinner, drinks (and maybe some dancing) at CityWalk<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_474006190.png\")
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S \/ shutterstock\/Usa-Pyon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCityWalk has a little something for everybody. You can get a VooDoo Doughnut for breakfast and buy sunglasses or a swimsuit if you forgot them at home. But the best part of CityWalk is the food and drinks. For Mardi Gras, a few restaurants have specialty menu items like the Pescado a la Yucatan from Antojitos<\/a> and the Picanha Sushi Roll from The Cowfish <\/a>(reservations recommended for each). After dinner, grab a beer or cocktail from one of many outdoor drink carts or a Moon Pie Milkshake from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n7am | Channel your inner wizard<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_791125195.png\")
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S \/ shutterstock\/Michael Gordon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnsite hotel guests can get into one of Universal\u2019s theme parks an hour earlier than everyone else. Most days, that park is Islands of Adventure: home of the Hogsmeade area of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Before the crowds stream in, go for a ride on Hagrid\u2019s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and take a tour of Hogwarts Castle on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Early Theme Park Admission<\/a> hours vary based on regular park hours so check the website or app ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n9am | Hop the Hogwarts Express<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_620758868.png\")
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S \/ shutterstock\/Mia2you<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnce both parks are officially open for the day, you can hop on the Hogwarts Express<\/a>: a Harry Potter-themed train that transports guests between the two parks (you\u2019ll need a two-park ticket to board). The steam pouring from the train\u2019s engine, elaborate theming of the station, and a few special surprises we don\u2019t want to ruin, will truly make you feel like you\u2019ve left Florida and enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When you disembark, you\u2019ll be in Universal Studios Florida (USF), the hub of the Mardi Gras action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n10am | Eat your way around the globe<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/6.png\")
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S \/ @tarahchieffi<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis year, the theme of Universal’s Mardi Gras festival is International Flavors of Carnaval<\/a>, and it is a full on international food festival. Food booths are stationed all over USF with dishes and drinks from 13 global locations. The menus<\/a> are mouthwatering, but standouts at this year\u2019s celebration include the Picadillo Arepas from Colombia, the Pernil & Mofongo from Puerto Rico, and the Goombay Smash cocktail from the Bahamas. For $55, you can pick up a Tasting Lanyard that lets you try 10 items for one price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2pm | Ride, ride, and ride some more<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/shutterstock_1680585880.png\")
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S \/ shutterstock\/VIAVAL TOURS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen your belly is ready for a break, it\u2019s time for a few rides<\/a>. If you\u2019re into thrills, head for Revenge of the Mummy or Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. If slow is more your speed (and you don\u2019t suffer from motion sickness), try Transformers: The Ride 3-D, Men in Black Alien Attack, and, ironically, Fast and Furious – Supercharged. And don\u2019t forget about E.T. Adventure, the only opening-day ride still in operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n5pm | Dinner at Pat O\u2019Brien\u2019s<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/static.seeker.io\/media\/img\/1\/bae6ed30-a2df-47ef-ae6d-3789b87864d4-1400.jpg?placeid=12416&name=Pat%20O'Brien's%C2%AE,%20Orlando&lat=28.472643&lng=-81.465263\")
Pat O’Brien’s, Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCityWalk is so close to the parks, it\u2019s easy to hop back and forth. Inside and out, Pat O\u2019Brien\u2019s<\/a> is a dang close replica of the famed New Orleans bar and they celebrate Mardi Gras day in and day out. With a dueling piano bar and a menu of Cajun creations, it\u2019s the only place on the property you can get beignets any time of year. Most evenings, you can also jam along with the dueling piano players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n7pm | Catch the Mardi Gras nighttime vibes (and some beads)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/3.png\")
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S \/ @tarahchieffi<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter dinner, head back inside USF for a taste of Universal’s Mardi Gras at night<\/a>. The parade floats glitter with colorful lights (and, you know, actual glitter), entertainers parade through the streets, and live jazz music fills the air. In fact, Universal has been hiring jazz musicians straight out of New Orleans since the aftermath of 2005\u2019s Hurricane Katrina, when many musicians were struggling to find steady work. 15 years later, they\u2019re still bringing the authentic sounds of New Orleans to the streets of Universal.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSunday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n10am | Beignet brunch and coffee<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/1.png\")
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S \/ @tarahchieffi<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSundays are for sleeping in. Forget about the alarm and take your time making it back over to USF for one last hurrah. Get your caffeine fix at your hotel, CityWalk, or inside the park<\/a>. You\u2019ll find coffee shops at all of these locations. Then, head straight for the New Orleans booth for a bag of hot, fresh, generously sugar-dusted, beignets. Or you can go savory with the Universal-exclusive Andouille Twisted Tater \u2013 a totally acceptable theme park breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n11am | Explore the Mardi Gras Tribute Store<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/13.png\")
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S \/ @tarahchieffi<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s hard to describe exactly what Universal’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store is, but it\u2019s essentially a themed walkthrough attraction where you can buy specialty merchandise<\/a>, pick up a few snacks, and take a few photos. This year\u2019s shop features a New Orleans theme, taking guests through a jazz parlor, a nautical cemetery, a riverfront warehouse, and a mossy bayou. It\u2019s also the only place you\u2019ll find King Cake, the essential Mardi Gras treat, at this year\u2019s festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n12pm | Sneak in some last minute rides<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/static.seeker.io\/media\/img\/1\/e18e866d-a352-4068-bea3-139920a4fee6-1400.jpg?placeid=12421&name=Universal%20Orlando's%20Horror%20Make-Up%20Show,%20Orlando&lat=28.476789&lng=-81.467239\")
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida, U.S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMonday is sneaking up quickly (how rude!), so now is the time to hop on any rides you missed earlier in the weekend. USF is also home to the park\u2019s two remaining opening day shows: Animal Actors On Location!<\/a> and the Horror Make-Up Show<\/a>. Both are hilarious and full of surprises. <\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversal Orlando Hotels<\/h2>\n\n\n\nUniversal\u2019s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Untitled-design-1.png\")
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites, Orlando, Florida, U.S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nUniversal\u2019s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites<\/a> is Universal\u2019s newest hotel, having only opened in December 2020. The laid back, beachy vibe will carry away your stress the moment you step through the doors. This is one of Universal\u2019s value resorts, so there\u2019s no sticker shock, even for the roomy two-bedroom suites. Both of the resort\u2019s pools boast sandy beach areas, as well as a pool bar, lobby bar, and onsite restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHard Rock Hotel<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/seeker.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Untitled-design.png\")
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal, Orlando, Florida, U.S. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Hard Rock Hotel<\/a> looks exactly like what you\u2019d expect a rock star\u2019s mansion to look like and it has the swanky amenities to boot. The hotel\u2019s interior is packed with musical memorabilia, and the rooms are done up with colorful decor and plush bedding. Being one of Universal\u2019s Preferred hotels, you\u2019ll enjoy Express Pass access, a feature that lets you skip waiting in line, at most attractions inside the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversal\u2019s Cabana Bay Beach Resort<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/static.seeker.io\/media\/img\/1\/46078a24-768d-42ef-96d8-bcd31e2b5680-1400.jpg?placeid=12415&name=Universal's%20Cabana%20Bay%20Beach%20Resort,%20Orlando&lat=28.465786&lng=-81.473427\")
Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort, Orlando, Florida, U.S<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Need to break in your new shoes before putting in all those theme park miles? Take a leisurely stroll on Universal\u2019s Garden Walk. Lined with lush greenery and colorful tropical plants, this paved walkway connects most onsite hotels with Universal\u2019s CityWalk<\/a> shopping and dining district. The gates to Universal\u2019s two parks \u2013 Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure \u2013 lie on either side of CityWalk. If you have the time, one of the path\u2019s most beautiful features is a butterfly garden near the Hard Rock Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CityWalk has a little something for everybody. You can get a VooDoo Doughnut for breakfast and buy sunglasses or a swimsuit if you forgot them at home. But the best part of CityWalk is the food and drinks. For Mardi Gras, a few restaurants have specialty menu items like the Pescado a la Yucatan from Antojitos<\/a> and the Picanha Sushi Roll from The Cowfish <\/a>(reservations recommended for each). After dinner, grab a beer or cocktail from one of many outdoor drink carts or a Moon Pie Milkshake from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Onsite hotel guests can get into one of Universal\u2019s theme parks an hour earlier than everyone else. Most days, that park is Islands of Adventure: home of the Hogsmeade area of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Before the crowds stream in, go for a ride on Hagrid\u2019s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and take a tour of Hogwarts Castle on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Early Theme Park Admission<\/a> hours vary based on regular park hours so check the website or app ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once both parks are officially open for the day, you can hop on the Hogwarts Express<\/a>: a Harry Potter-themed train that transports guests between the two parks (you\u2019ll need a two-park ticket to board). The steam pouring from the train\u2019s engine, elaborate theming of the station, and a few special surprises we don\u2019t want to ruin, will truly make you feel like you\u2019ve left Florida and enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When you disembark, you\u2019ll be in Universal Studios Florida (USF), the hub of the Mardi Gras action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This year, the theme of Universal’s Mardi Gras festival is International Flavors of Carnaval<\/a>, and it is a full on international food festival. Food booths are stationed all over USF with dishes and drinks from 13 global locations. The menus<\/a> are mouthwatering, but standouts at this year\u2019s celebration include the Picadillo Arepas from Colombia, the Pernil & Mofongo from Puerto Rico, and the Goombay Smash cocktail from the Bahamas. For $55, you can pick up a Tasting Lanyard that lets you try 10 items for one price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When your belly is ready for a break, it\u2019s time for a few rides<\/a>. If you\u2019re into thrills, head for Revenge of the Mummy or Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. If slow is more your speed (and you don\u2019t suffer from motion sickness), try Transformers: The Ride 3-D, Men in Black Alien Attack, and, ironically, Fast and Furious – Supercharged. And don\u2019t forget about E.T. Adventure, the only opening-day ride still in operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CityWalk is so close to the parks, it\u2019s easy to hop back and forth. Inside and out, Pat O\u2019Brien\u2019s<\/a> is a dang close replica of the famed New Orleans bar and they celebrate Mardi Gras day in and day out. With a dueling piano bar and a menu of Cajun creations, it\u2019s the only place on the property you can get beignets any time of year. Most evenings, you can also jam along with the dueling piano players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After dinner, head back inside USF for a taste of Universal’s Mardi Gras at night<\/a>. The parade floats glitter with colorful lights (and, you know, actual glitter), entertainers parade through the streets, and live jazz music fills the air. In fact, Universal has been hiring jazz musicians straight out of New Orleans since the aftermath of 2005\u2019s Hurricane Katrina, when many musicians were struggling to find steady work. 15 years later, they\u2019re still bringing the authentic sounds of New Orleans to the streets of Universal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sundays are for sleeping in. Forget about the alarm and take your time making it back over to USF for one last hurrah. Get your caffeine fix at your hotel, CityWalk, or inside the park<\/a>. You\u2019ll find coffee shops at all of these locations. Then, head straight for the New Orleans booth for a bag of hot, fresh, generously sugar-dusted, beignets. Or you can go savory with the Universal-exclusive Andouille Twisted Tater \u2013 a totally acceptable theme park breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s hard to describe exactly what Universal’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store is, but it\u2019s essentially a themed walkthrough attraction where you can buy specialty merchandise<\/a>, pick up a few snacks, and take a few photos. This year\u2019s shop features a New Orleans theme, taking guests through a jazz parlor, a nautical cemetery, a riverfront warehouse, and a mossy bayou. It\u2019s also the only place you\u2019ll find King Cake, the essential Mardi Gras treat, at this year\u2019s festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monday is sneaking up quickly (how rude!), so now is the time to hop on any rides you missed earlier in the weekend. USF is also home to the park\u2019s two remaining opening day shows: Animal Actors On Location!<\/a> and the Horror Make-Up Show<\/a>. Both are hilarious and full of surprises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Universal\u2019s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites<\/a> is Universal\u2019s newest hotel, having only opened in December 2020. The laid back, beachy vibe will carry away your stress the moment you step through the doors. This is one of Universal\u2019s value resorts, so there\u2019s no sticker shock, even for the roomy two-bedroom suites. Both of the resort\u2019s pools boast sandy beach areas, as well as a pool bar, lobby bar, and onsite restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Hard Rock Hotel<\/a> looks exactly like what you\u2019d expect a rock star\u2019s mansion to look like and it has the swanky amenities to boot. The hotel\u2019s interior is packed with musical memorabilia, and the rooms are done up with colorful decor and plush bedding. Being one of Universal\u2019s Preferred hotels, you\u2019ll enjoy Express Pass access, a feature that lets you skip waiting in line, at most attractions inside the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n8pm | Dinner, drinks (and maybe some dancing) at CityWalk<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Saturday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7am | Channel your inner wizard<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9am | Hop the Hogwarts Express<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10am | Eat your way around the globe<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2pm | Ride, ride, and ride some more<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5pm | Dinner at Pat O\u2019Brien\u2019s<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7pm | Catch the Mardi Gras nighttime vibes (and some beads)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sunday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10am | Beignet brunch and coffee<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
11am | Explore the Mardi Gras Tribute Store<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
12pm | Sneak in some last minute rides<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Universal Orlando Hotels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Universal\u2019s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hard Rock Hotel<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Universal\u2019s Cabana Bay Beach Resort<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n