UniversalParksBlog News for January 21st, 2024
Mardi Gras is nearly here, and we’ve got all the details.
We’ll discuss that, some annual pass benefits, annual refurbishments, and an early Halloween Horror Nights rumor.
Mardi Gras Time!
Photo: Universal
Back in the 1990s, Universal Studios Florida realized it needed a winter hook to lure guests to the Sunshine State.
You would think that the warm weather would have been enough, but it wasn’t.
While we don’t talk about it much today, the first decade of Universal Studios Florida was pretty rough.
Photo: Universal
So, management welcomed all good ideas, and one of them was a Mardi Gras celebration.
At the time, Universal Studios primarily appealed to East Coast tourists, especially Southerners.
All Southerners love Fat Tuesday in the Big Easy.
Photo: Universal
Alas, the old Swingers joke applies here. Nobody goes to New Orleans because it’s too crowded.
If you’ve ever priced a Mardi Gras trip in the Garden District, you know the second sticking point. You gotta pay to play…and pay a LOT.
Universal executives figured out that they could lure tourists to a smaller-scale Mardi Gras at a theme park.
You can tell the plan worked because we’re still talking about it 30 years later. In fact, it’s one of the anchor events of early 2024.
Mardi Gras joins Rock the Universe as one of the seminal events
For this reason, we were all anxiously anticipating words about this year’s Mardi Gras festivities…and now we have them!
Let’s Talk Mardi Gras 2024
Universal just revealed details about the concert lineup, the celebratory foods, and even parade float details.
Weirdly enough, I want to start with the parade float, even though the concert lineup comes with a wow factor.
The parade matters due to the theme and also the reality that it’s the signature event at Mardi Gras.
Photo: Facebook/Universal Orlando
For 2024, the theme involves the four elements. You’ll notice tributes to air, wind, fire, and water in the merchandise.
Kristin Sabol previously discussed the Mardi Gras limited-time food offerings.
I didn’t notice any direct connection between these upcoming menu items and the elements, but that’s possible, too.
Let’s be honest, though. We’re all just here for the New Orleans Beignets.
As this promotional video shows, it’s a sugar rush waiting to happen in your mouth!
Of course, the video also emphasizes that beads will be a huge part of Mardi Gras, as is always the case.
Similarly, you will want to participate in the Mardi Gras float rides.
Yes, for those who didn’t know, you can become a part of the parade by riding a float.
Photo: Universal
For 2024, Universal will offer a virtual queue to give all park guests an equal opportunity for this unique experience.
Then again, you may not want to leave this opportunity to chance. If so, you can purchase a Ride & Dine package.
You’ll find the option on the official website, and prices start at $84.99 plus tax per person.
Photo: 10Best
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill and Lombard’s Seafood Grill are the two participating restaurants inside the park.
Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar and NBC Sports Bar & Grill at Universal CityWalk are also options if you’d prefer one of them.
The important part is that you’ll guarantee that you ride the float by booking this package.
About the Mardi Gras Concert Series
When booking concerts, Universal benefits from an odd phenomenon.
Many popular recording artists adore the park and its special events.
I mean, we’re only 15 months removed from The Weeknd theming a House at Halloween Horror Nights.
Photo: Universal Orlando
Universal can get some people that you may consider impossible asks, and that’s definitely true with Mardi Gras 2024.
One of the headline concerts is DJ Khaled! Park guests can watch him perform on March 2nd.
On other dates, you’ll discover artists like Ava Max, Zedd, Walker Hayes, and Queen Latifah (!).
Image: YouTube
Here’s the full list of performers if you’re interested. That’s a LOT of big names for Universal’s early 2024 event.
I gotta say it. Lately, all Universal does is win win win no matter what.
Universal Miscellany
Refurbishment season is officially underway at Universal Orlando Resort.
I’ve mentioned it recently, but we’ve reached the wet ride portion of the conversation.
Jurassic Park River Adventure has closed and will remain offline until February 1st.
Credit: Universal
Similarly, Universal will cycle water attractions, the ones where you get drenched, while doing repairs.
Realistically, you don’t want to be riding these anyway, as Volcano Bay didn’t even open several times already in 2024.
Florida is suffering through an unusually chilly winter, as is seemingly everyone in the continental United States.
Speaking of February, if you’re an annual passholder, I’ve got great news!
Universal will provide a free magnet themed to Jaws and the beloved Studio Tour!
I won’t even be in Orlando at this time, but I’ll still gonna swallow my pride and pay for one on eBay. These free magnets are that great!
Photo: Universal
Circling back to Mardi Gras, annual passholders also receive the first shot at reserving a float ride.
You can read the complete details on the Passholders Events/Perks page.
In sadder news, the Universal Legacy Store has closed, and the decision is apparently permanent.
Universal will use this space for something else soon, but it just won’t be the same.
Finally, this Instagram post tells the whole story. Blumhouse has confirmed that it’ll “go to Halloween Horror Nights.”
Yes, that means we’re getting another Blumhouse House, and the presumption is that it will involve Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Photo: OC Register
You may recall the film had a photo op last year, but it didn’t get a House since it was still brand new.
Now that the film is a blockbuster, the time is right. So, stay tuned!
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