Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval now open
Universal Orlando’s celebration of flavors and fun, Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval, is now open at Universal Studios Florida!
Happening daily through Sunday, March 28, guests can enjoy this first-of-its-kind food fest with more than 100 new food and beverage items inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world.
This event extends across the resort to select venues at Universal CityWalk and the Universal Resort hotels, plus guests can enjoy add-on experiences to get more out of their experience.
Festive Flavors
This year’s festival offers a variety of global flavors, including authentic Cajun-style cuisine from New Orleans, which returns with dishes like the Crawfish Boil, Jambalaya and Beignets. Also on the menu are Puerto Rican dishes from La Isla del Encanto (the Island of Enchantment) that include Pernil & Mofongo, Picadillo Empanada, and a Quesito for those with a sweet tooth to satisfy.
Other offerings include the German Karneval, with Pork Schnitzel Sliders, Bavarian Pretzels, and a Vegan Bratwurst with Beer Braised Onions; flavors from Trinidad and Tobago like Pholourie and a Queen’s Park Swizzle cocktail; Paella Mixta from Spain; Belgium-Style Liege Waffles from Belgium; and Jerk Chicken and a Goombay Smash cocktail from the Bahamas.
Additional foodie highlights are Moqueca de Camarao served with rice from Brazil, Beef Short Rib Poutine from Canada, a Cannoli from Italy, Carnitas Arepas from Colombia, Poached Pear Crème Brulee Crepe and wines from France. You can check out the entire menu here.
Tasting Lanyards are back!
Due to popular demand, the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard add-on has returned, offering guests the chance to sample multiple dishes and beverages for one price. This year’s lanyard offers 10 tastings for $55 plus tax.
An exclusive Passholder Tasting Lanyard is also available that includes 15 food or beverage items for $65 plus tax. Both of these lanyards can be used for the entirety of Mardi Gras, and can be purchased at event food kiosks throughout the park.
Carnaval Flavors at Universal CityWalk
As part of this year’s food festival, select locations at CityWalk will offer 12 new global-inspired dishes, including a Moon Pie Milkshake at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, an Abendbrot German Charcuterie selection at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, and a yeast doughnut filled with bananas foster Bavarian filling at Voodoo Doughnut. Other limited-time offerings can be found at Pat O’Brien’s, BigFire, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches, and more.
Culinary Celebrations Continue at Universal’s Resort Hotels
For the first time ever, Mardi Gras is extending to the Universal Orlando hotels! Try the exclusive menu found at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, or sample Cajun chicken empanadas and a “Laissez les bons temps rouler Hurricane – Let the Good Times Roll” cocktail in Galaxy Bowl at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. At Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, you can find an Olive Polenta Cake with jump shrimp and andouille sausage with a Cajun cream sauce, as well as a Masquerade Cannoli. Unique dishes and cocktails can also be found at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and the Hard Rock Hotel.
The Tribute Store returns!
This year’s event wouldn’t be complete without a new Tribute Store, and Universal does not disappoint! This year’s store features rooms inspired by a New Orleans jazz parlor, a nautical cemetery, a riverfront warehouse filled with pirate goods and treasure, and a barratarria.
Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with park admission to Universal Studios Florida or with your seasonal or annual pass. To learn more, head to UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
You can check out our video walkthrough of this year’s Mardi Gras Tribute Store below:
