Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras season is upon us and let's face it, there is nothing quite like it. This year the fun is back to its full glory... meaning the award-winning concerts are back, the parades are back, and yes even the BEADS are back! Luckily for you, while the party has never been hotter, the food has never been sweeter. So, follow along as we bring you some of the tasty highlights of this year's Mardi Gras season at Universal Orlando as we celebrate "Fat Tuesday"!
Treat Photos Courtesy of MMV Agent, Luciana Lord
King Cake Macaron
The cool thing about the first item on our list is you don't even have to enter the parks to try it out... just slide into Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and pick up one of 3 seasonal Mardi Gras themed macarons. This year's flavors are King Cake (pictured above), Bananas Foster, and Maple Bourbon. Out of the three, we're declaring the King Cake Macaron... KING! Not only is this treat Instagram worthy, but it's also super yummy too. Your friends will absolutely be green with envy, just like it's fantastic color. Another bonus about this snack is you'll be able to find it in various snack spots throughout Universal Studios (like inside this year's Mardi Gras Tribute Store) for just $5. So, if you want to pick up an extra, or a handful, of these to bring back to you room at night, we won't judge.
Mardi Gras Bubble Waffle
First thing's first, it has WAFFLE in the title... so it's basically breakfast and 100% acceptable to eat early in the day. The fact that there is ice cream involved is just a minor detail. It's just a topping, right?! After all, people put toppings on waffles every single day. Plus, it has pocky sticks, which means you can have a sword fight while you wait in line for your next ride. Entertainment in a cone! But seriously, if you haven't tried Ube and Macha ice cream you are missing out. These flavors will blow you away. Find it at the Fusion Food Truck (the bridge near Springfield, U.S.A.).
Strawberry Caipirinha Punch and Pulled Chicken Coxinha
This first part is for the over 21 crowd. While February to April sees a little milder in temps in Orlando, the sun still shines brightly. So, to cool off, you might want to grab a Strawberry Caipirinha Punch. It's made up of Leblon Cachaça, agave nectar, strawberry purée and lime juice. Sounds great right?
This beauty can be found at the Brazil booth (Café La Bamba patio) and pairs nicely with our next recommendation the Pulled Chicken Coxinha.
What is Pulled Chicken Coxinha? Well, it's crispy, pulled chicken tear drop balls of heaven. They're the perfect one-bite snack when you want something that isn't sweet. They also can help you look and feel really cool if you can manage to toss it in the air and catch it in your mouth. If you miss, always remember the five-second rule. You don't want to let one of these guys go to waste.
Mardi Gras Cupcake, Mardi Gras Chocolate Shot: Bananas Foster, and the King Cake Whoopie Pie
We're pairing up these three on our tasty tour around Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando because they can all be found inside the Tribute Store near the Jimmy Fallon: Race Through New York ride.
I know they say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but what about cupcakes? Tell us something a cupcake can't do that diamonds can? Ok, sure they aren't worth tons of money, but they can make you just as happy! This is why a simple Mardi Gras cupcake is never a bad choice and a great snack for those who are less adventurous.
The Mardi Gras Chocolate Shot: Bananas Foster is another fun option because even the "shot glass" is chocolate. It's the perfect combo of smooth and snap. Just be sure to grab a napkin because chocolate melts.
Last in our Tribute Store highlight is the King Cake Whoopie Pie. Sure, there's no baby inside but you'll still feel pretty lucky when you try this out. Plus, it's a decent size snack, so you can easily tear it in half and share with someone special. **Note while the food is fun, make sure not to rush through the Tribute Store this year. This year's theming is set up like a Float Factory. Plus, the Tribute Store is packed full of fun gifts you can bring home!**
Crawfish and Shrimp Boil
You know the famous saying, "You can't spell Mardi Gras without crawfish." So, it's not an actual saying but you get the point. One of the best things about Louisiana cuisine is the CRAWFISH, so a trip to Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras requires just that. Which is why our last snack to highlight is the Crawfish and Shrimp Boil, which can be found at Battery Park booth. It's complete with crawfish, shrimp, andouille sausage, red bliss potatoes, and corn on the cob (a vegetable right?!) so it's delicious AND nutritious! Look at you adulting!!!
One last thing...
One change to note to this year's Mardi Gras tasting experience is how you can "prepay for your snacks." In past years a tasting lanyard was available for purchase. This allowed you to "prepay" for specific amounts of samples you would like to try at the Mardi Gras booths. This year Universal Orlando has opted to utilize a Food and Beverage Card. This card has 2 options. You can choose to pay $65, but your card will be valued at $75 (a bonus of $10) in food and drink credits or pay $120 for your food and beverage card to snag a card valued at $150 (a bonus of $30)! These credits can be used throughout all of Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure! That means you aren't limited to using your fund on the Mardi Gras booths only.
While these cards can NOT be used at your hotel, if you have leftover credits, these credits never expire. So, make sure to bring them back on your next Universal Orlando getaway!
Are you hungry now? Cuz we are!
So, grab your friends... grab your family... and maybe some stretchy pants too because this is just the tip of the delicious food and offerings this year's Universal Orlando Mardi Gras season has in store. You don't want to miss this chance to live like Mardi Gras royalty and "eat like Kings!"
Ready to start planning your trip to this hopping party? Contact your MMV agent or click here for a free quote!
