Universal Mardi Gras 2025. Thirty years of celebrating NOLA. Laissez les bon temps rouler. Gators, beads, food, parades and dancing.

[disneyseniors]

Hi Robo:
Following along Your trip through the Tribute Store was wonderful. I missed the Tribute Store the last time I was there, but will be sure to find it the next time The amount of merchandise is amazing and the care given by Universal to all their settings is perfect. They do take there time with decorating and it shows. Thanks for all the photos.

 

[Robo56]

Ruth so good to have you following along.

You would like the Tribute Stores. This one for Mardi Gras was especially nice and very creative.

They really did a nice job in choosing their merchandise this year. They had some really nice things to purchase.

You’re so welcome. I’am so glad you are enjoying the photos.

 

[Robo56]

Monday, February 24th continued

After sampling the German food I was full and ready to do some walking again.

The portion sizes of the food are definitely shareable. If there is more then one person you are able to sample a number of things.

I was able to sample 4 things just doing a few bites of each of my choices and was glad I did. Finishing off any of those dishes by myself would have been hard to do.

I kinda felt a little bad throwing away the remainder of this food and a few people gave me a funny look when I did.

Will admit this is one downside to being solo on this trip as food sampling is a little wasteful, but oh well. When my sister K is with me during HHN we are able to sample a few things together and sometimes still have food left over.

I had a nice stroll through the New York section. Universal has done such a wonderful job of making you feel you are immersed in the different sections of the park.


I walked over to the Coca-Cola Market. They had some interesting drink offerings and I was temped, but I did not want to consume any alcohol that early in the day yet. They do have some mocktails, but I was full. I had planned to stop by and try one of the drinks before my trip was over.




I walked around Gramercy Park and took some photos of the Mardi Gras decorations.

Of course no celebration of Mardi Gras would be complete without celebrating Louis Armstrong one of the Jazz greats. He is without a doubt the Father of Jazz music. His contribution to Jazz and trumpet music is phenomenal. May he rest in peace.




I love the nod to NOLA’s contribution to the world of gastronomy. I remember many years ago when hubby and I visited New Orleans we had the pleasure of dining at Paul Prudhomme’s restaurant. It looked like a little diner, but the food was delicious.

I used to like to watch Justin Wilson on food TV before food TV exploded into the phenom it became. He was a Cajun Cook and Humorist.


I love how they have a lobster, fish and gator sticking out of the pot.

I have had fried Gator meat and I didn’t think it had much flavor. It was a bit chewy. I think it would be one of those things that finding the right seasoning and cooking technique would maybe help it, not sure.








More Food offerings in Gramercy Park.

 

[Robo56]

After turning the corner I stopped into the Jimmy Fallon Race through New York Store to pick up my AP button. This is the new place to pick up your AP freebies. The Five and Dime used to be where you picked up your pins at Universal Studios.

It is a really cute Mardi Gras Gator pin.


When I walked into the store it was fun to see some photos of the Saturday Night Live past cast. They just celebrated 50 years of Saturday Night Live,






Universal does a nice job with the Mardi Gras decortations.

 

[Robo56]

Love the Moose horns on top of the Canada food booth.












There did not seem to be as many food booths this year, but the ones they had seemed to have some good food options.



There was also a Meatball option offered at Louie’s that I did not take a look at. It is part of the Italy offering called Trapizinni which is meatballs in marinara sauce with spiced Parmesan in a ciabatta bread.

The France offering is over at The Crepe stand and it is Duck a l’Orange Crepe.




to be continued

 

[Robo56]

Monday, February 24th

My next stop was the WICKED EXPERIENCE. I had been looking forward to seeing this.









The costumes were beautiful.

This is Galinda’s dress.






Galinda’s night dress




Elphaba’s night dress

 

[Robo56]

There was plenty of merchandise on offer for the Wicked Fans.












Nessarose Thropp costume. She was Elphaba’s little sister.




Elphaba costume


Fiyero costume

 

[Robo56]

Elphaba costume


Galinda’s dress












There were some nice photo ops for those that wanted to take them.


Elphaba Thropp’s Witch costume.

 

[Robo56]

Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard of Oz costume.




There are a lot of nice things to make a Wicked Basket for a gift.

 

[Robo56]

This pillows is really pretty.









I enjoyed walking around and looking at the various costumes and merchandise.



to be continued

 

[keishashadow]

Wicked stuff, lots of it. Fans can’t complain in that regard.

 

[Robo56]

Wicked stuff, lots of it. Fans can’t complain in that regard.

I was surprised at how much Wicked merchandise there was. The fans of Wicked will have plenty to choose from for sure. There is something for everyone. The merchandise was well thought out. There is somethings for every age group that is interested.

 

[Robo56]

Monday, February 24th continued

After I was done with looking at the Wicked Experience I headed out and it was still raining. So umbrella up and off I went.

Here is a photo of the concert lineup during Mardi Gras


I was ready to leave the park. I had enjoyed my walk around and sampling some food, but i was ready to get out of the rain. I walked through the Univeral Store on my way out. I saw these bubble play wands and thought they were really cute.


Of course and I passed some more Mardi Gras displays and merchandise on the way through the store.










The fans have become very popular. They showed up during HHN and know they have them during Mardi Gras. The design on them was awesome and I was tempted to buy one.






After leaving the park I headed to the boat dock and thankfully a boat from Sapphire Falls had just arrived so there was no wait.

When the boat arrived back at the resort I saw that Amatista Cookhouse was pretty slammed with people, I think a lot of folks had decided to hang around the resort for the day and not venture into the parks because of the rain.

By the looks of it the rain did not look like it would let up anytime soon.

i got the text that my room was ready and retrieved my suitcase and headed to my room.

I took a nice long hot shower and got into some comfy clothes.

Before I laid down for a rest the rain was really coming down.

Sadly when I woke up it was still raining and I had my doubts as to whether the parade would go on this evening.

 

[Robo56]

Around 7 pm I ventured down to Amatista Cookhouse for dinner. When I arrived I was seated promptly.

I decided on the Mojo Chicken. The first time I had tried this a few years ago it was awesome and then I had tried it an again a couple of times and it was not as good, but I wanted to give it another try.

I was glad I did because this evening it was pretty good. The Chicken was moist and tender. You get two sauces with the chicken and when it was delivered to the table they had forgotten the chimichurri sauce and garlic aioli sauces that come with the dish, but my wonderful waitress Danielle rectified that and brought the sauces.

You also get two sides with the meal and I chose the fries and a caesar salad.

Sorry I forgot to take the picture before I started. The chimichurri sauce was delicious. The fries were hot and really good and the salad was tasty.


You are served cheese rolls and walnut raisin rolls with you meal. This was a lot of food. I ate what I wanted and there was a lot of food left over, but I was glad I had tried the dish again as it was very good.

My waitress Danielle was wonderful and attentive. I paid my check and gave Danielle nice tip which she deserved so well for her great service.

I took the elevator back up to the main lobby and it was busy,

I wondered into the gift shop to have a look around.

I had not noticed these Hogwarts House rings before.


The furry pins were something new too.


These are great coasters. I have a set at home and they do really absorb the moisture.


After looking a little more I headed back to my room and gave my hubby a call and told him about by adventures,

It had been a long day, but I had a nice time walking around and looking at everything. The rain had been a bummer, but was not a deterrent to getting out and enjoying my time at the studios.

I watched a tad of TV and then it was time for bed.





To be continued

 

[wdwrule]

Your pictures are stunning! Love them as always. Amatista is one of few restaurants we haven’t eaten at yet. That meal looks delicious and makes me want to try it during our next trip.

The Banana Foster Fizz has been getting great reviews… I’m just hesitant as I do not care for artificial banana flavor but may have to try it. Pimm’s cup might be nice too as I do enjoy Pimm’s.

Enjoying your adventures!

 

[Robo56]

Your pictures are stunning! Love them as always. Amatista is one of few restaurants we haven’t eaten at yet. That meal looks delicious and makes me want to try it during our next trip.

The Banana Foster Fizz has been getting great reviews… I’m just hesitant as I do not care for artificial banana flavor but may have to try it. Pimm’s cup might be nice too as I do enjoy Pimm’s.

Enjoying your adventures!

Thank you wdwrule I’am so glad you are enjoying my adventures and the photos. I always hope they will inspire someone go and enjoy a trip to Universal. It’s my happy place and it sounds like it yours too.

I think you would enjoy Amatista.

If you sample some of the drinks come back and share what you thought of them or better yet do a Trip report and let us know.

 

[keishashadow]

The rain had been a bummer, but was not a deterrent to getting out and enjoying my time at the studios.

You are a trooper, at the point I’ll just venture into the parks in intermittent showers. If anything, it often does thin the crowds.

 

[Robo56]

You are a trooper, at the point I’ll just venture into the parks in intermittent showers. If anything, it often does thin the crowds.

Crowds were not to bad.

I think a lot of folks don’t care much for being out in rain except those that have a limited number of days or even just one day in the parks to make it count for sure.

I wanted to see as much of the Mardi Gras offerings as I could.

Also my room was not ready yet so I had plenty of time to kill.

I do like a good wonder around the parks though.

I know you are a trooper too at the parks. I remember seeing you couple of years ago at HHN and you had been in the parks all day then attended HHN that evening. There are not many who could pull that off.

 

[Robo56]

Tuesday, February 25th.

I woke up pretty early as usual. You would think with all the walking the day before I would have stayed asleep for awhile, but nope.

Will take a moment to talk about the room. I had a two queen Lagoon view room. Originally I was going to have my older sister over for an over night stay, but she became ill and could not make it.

The room was immaculately clean there plenty of towels, hand towels and wash cloths. There is everything you need to enjoy your stay provided in your room. If you need anything just text the team or call Star Services and it will be delivered to your room.

The beds are very comfortable and the sheets and pillows are nice quality.

I got in the shower then got dressed and ready for the day. I took the short walk over to Starbucks at Aventura.









After getting my coffee I went a few feet to the area where they usually have the fresh fruit bar and alas it was no longer there. Was sorry to see they no longer had that.

I wanted to get started as I planned to go to the Vineland Outlet Mall and have a walk around.

If your staying at Sapphire Falls. Royal Pacific, Aventura or Cabana Bay you just come out of your hotel and turn left at the light at Hollywood Way. Then go to Turkey Lake Road and make a left. Your can reach the closest Walmart this way.

Continue on Turkey Lake Road. If you are going to Sea World or Discovery Cove make a left turn at the Florida Parkway light to reach these.

Continue on Turkey Lake Road it will turn into Palm Parkway. If you want to go to Target or Aldi’s or Cheesecake Factory make a left at the light on Daryl Carter Parkway and after you pass over the I4 Target is on your left at the light or Aldi’s and CheeseCake Factory is on the right at the light.

Continue on Turkey Lake it turns into Palm Parkway. Continue on until you reach S535. Turn left on S535 and follow that straight. You go under I4 turn left at light and follow that road until the Vineland Outlet Mall appears on your right.

I try to avoid the I4 at all costs it is busy it seems all the time.

I arrived a little early and found a parking space. I made sure to go to the Disney Warehouse. My younger sister K goes there so I decided I would have a look inside and found a few things for her.

I typically look at the same stores there. I look in Tory Burch, Coach, Micheal Kors, MCM, Gucci, Vera Bradley. I did not see anything that caught my eye so after looking around I looked at my watch and It was already 11:30 am.

I decided to stop into the CheeseCake Factory for lunch. This is the Cheesecake Factory I talked about off Daryl Carter Parkway.

This is a nice Cheesecake Factory.


I ordered my favorite from there Renee’s special. I chose the spicey Mexican veggie soup, chicken salad sandwich and ceaser salad. It was all good.


I wanted to go to Mall at Millenia and have a look in Macy’s.

Easy directions for Mall at Millenia if you are traveling from the above resorts you turn right on Hollywood Way. Left on Universal Blvd, right on Vineland Road right at the light on Radebaugh Way (there is a 7-Eleven on the corner where you turn) You go under I4 turn left on Millenia Blvd and follow that until you see Mall at Millenia on your right.

When I arrived at the outside entrance to Macy’s it started misting rain. I was hoping it would not turn into an all day rain like yesterday as I wanted to see the Mardi Gras parade this evening.

I had a look around Macy’s and found somethings for Birthdays coming up and then headed back to the Sapphire Falls.

I took a nice long shower and got into some comfy clothes and took a look out the window and hoped these low lying clouds did not have rain in them then I was out for a short nap





After I woke up I got ready and headed for the boat dock to get the Water Taxi to CityWalk.

The Sapphire Falls is so pretty.

 

[Robo56]

After arriving at CityWalk I walked over to Islands of Adventure. I had sometime to look around before I headed over to Universal Studios for the Mardi Gras Parade.



There was a lot of Epic Universe merchandise in the Trading Company Store.