I’ve been looking into the food and drink options for Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando for 2026, and it looks like there’s a lot to explore! It seems like they have set up different areas around the park and resort that focus on specific cuisines, which is a great way to experience a taste of different places. I want to help you plan your visit, so I’ve broken down what I found to be most helpful for families.
Taste of Mexico
In the Mexico area, located at Café La Bamba, they are offering some tasty dishes. You can try Mazatlán Street Ceviche, which is shrimp ceviche served with Tostitos Salsa Verde chips. There are also Flautas, which are crispy beef rolled tacos with tomatillo salsa. For a sweet treat, the Tres Leches cake sounds delicious—it’s a chocolate cake soaked in three kinds of milk.
For drinks, there’s a Cielo Rosado, which is a tequila and mezcal drink. They also have a Mangonada Mocktail, a non-alcoholic mango smoothie with a little bit of hot sauce for a kick.
I think the ceviche and flautas would be fun for Emma, and Sofia might enjoy the Tres Leches cake. It’s good to know there are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options available.
Flavors of Brazil
Heading over to Sabor do Brazil, near DreamWorks Land, you can find some Brazilian delights. The Picanha is a grilled beef sirloin cap, served with farofa, which is toasted cassava flour. They also have Pão de Queijo, which are warm Brazilian cheese bread bites. If you’re looking for something sweet, the Maracujá Mousse is a passion fruit mousse.
The drink special here is a Frozen Maracujá Caipirinha, which is a frozen version of Brazil’s national cocktail. Finding these unique flavors can make a trip feel extra special.
Caribbean Jerk
Between Central Park and Springfield, you can find Jamaica-inspired food. The Rasta Pasta is a vegan dish with penne pasta in a jerk coconut curry cream sauce. For meat lovers, the Jerk Chicken is marinated and grilled, served with coco bread. These options sound quite flavorful and offer a good variety.
The drink here is a Kingston Rum Punch, which sounds like a tropical treat. I’m always looking for dishes that are a little bit spicy but still kid-friendly, so I’ll be keeping an eye on how these are described for heat levels.
Chilean Cuisine
At the Portofino Bridge, between Diagon Alley and World Expo, there’s a taste of Chile. The Verlasso “Fire” Salmon is fire-roasted and served with potatoes and salsa. They also have Pastel de Choclo, which is described as a baked ground beef pie topped with a creamy corn pudding. This sounds like a comforting and hearty dish.
I think the salmon would be a good choice for adults, and the corn pudding in the Pastel de Choclo might be something the kids would enjoy. It’s nice to have some protein-forward options.
Austrian Delights
In the San Francisco area, Austria is represented with some classic dishes. You can get Vienna-Style Pork Schnitzel, served with potato salad and lingonberry jam. There’s also Goulash, a slow-cooked beef stew with vegetables, and Kaiserschmarrn, which are torn pancake pieces served with apple sauce.
The Eiskaffee, an iced Vienna coffee, sounds like a perfect pick-me-up. I find that Austrian food is often very satisfying, and it’s a unique offering within the park.
Flavors of Puerto Rico
Gramercy Park hosts Puerto Rican food, with Pinchos de Lechón, which are grilled pork skewers with guava BBQ sauce. They also offer Pastelón Fritters, which are sweet plantain and beef fritters. For dessert, the Coconut Flancocho sounds amazing—it’s a coconut flan with pineapple cake.
The Piña Colada is featured here, which is a classic tropical drink. I think the fritters might be a hit with the kids, and the flan is certainly a dessert I’d want to try. It’s good to see a sweet and savory mix.
New Orleans and Cajun Flavors
There are a couple of areas focusing on New Orleans and Cajun flavors. Gramercy Park has NOLA Bayou, offering Baked Cajun Mac & Cheese and Po’ Boy sandwiches like Fried Oyster and Fried Green Tomato. These sound like classic comfort foods with a bit of spice.
Also at Gramercy Park and in the Bourbon St. Biergarten, you can find New Orleans treats like Beignets and King Cake. The King Cake Espresso Martini is also on the menu for adults. They also have a Category 5 Punch drink available, which sounds potent!
When I was planning a trip a while back, I remember my daughter Emma loving anything sweet, so beignets and King Cake would be high on our list. Sofia, being older, might be curious about the Po’ Boy sandwiches. This is an area that really gives you a sense of a specific celebration.
Irish Fare
In Battery Park, Ireland is featured with Fish & Chips, Beer & Cheese Soup, and Shepherd’s Pie. These are all hearty and familiar dishes that are usually popular with families. The Beer & Cheese Soup comes with a pretzel stick, which is a nice touch.
The drinks include a Green Tea Clover and a Ring of Kerry cocktail. They also mention a number of premium bar options and a selection of Irish and other beers. I think the fish and chips are a safe bet for anyone with picky eaters.
Jack Link’s Bloody Marys
There are three locations offering Jack Link’s Bloody Marys: New York, Portofino Bridge, and Music Plaza Stage. They have both a Wild and Mild version, both garnished with a beef stick and a spicy Cheetos rim for the Wild version. Premium bar options are also available here.
This is definitely an adult-focused offering, and something unique for those who enjoy a Bloody Mary. I can see some adults appreciating the creative garnishes.
Greek Specialties
In the New York area, you can find Greek food. Chicken Souvlaki is on the menu, served in a warm pita with feta cheese and vegetables. There’s also Spanakopita, a spinach and feta cheese pastry. These sound like lighter, fresher options.
The Ouzo Cooler is the featured drink, which is a Greek anise-flavored liqueur cocktail. These are good to know about if you’re looking for something a bit different than standard theme park fare.
Chinese Beverages
In San Francisco, there’s a beverage option from China: the Luck and Prosperity Milk Tea. It’s a Hokkaido milk tea with ginger, blood orange, and brown sugar boba. This sounds like a really interesting and flavorful drink that Sofia would probably enjoy trying.
Italian Treats
At Louie’s in New York, Italy is represented with Burrata Focaccia, filled with mortadella and pistachio pesto. They also have Sfogliatella, a sweet pastry filled with ricotta cream. These sound like decadent treats.
The featured drink is a Bergamot Spritz, made with Italicus bergamot liqueur and Prosecco. I think the focaccia would be a great light meal or snack, and the pastry is a lovely dessert option.
French Crepes
Central Park Crepes offers a taste of France. You can get a Ham, Cheese, and Berry Crepe, which sounds like an unusual but potentially delicious combination. They also have a French Blonde cocktail, made with gin and elderflower liqueur.
Crepes are always a fun option, and the idea of a savory and sweet crepe together is intriguing. This could be a nice option for a light lunch or even breakfast.
CityWalk and Resort Dining
Beyond the main park areas, there are more options at CityWalk and various Universal Orlando Resort hotels. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium offers a Carnavale Concha Shake, inspired by Mexican sweet bread. Other CityWalk spots like VIVO Italian Kitchen and Voodoo Doughnuts are also mentioned, along with a Cursed Coconut Club.
I’ve noticed that some of the resort hotels have special Mardi Gras menus too. For example, Universal Helios Grand Hotel has a Mini King’s Cake and Mardi Gras Gelato. Flora Taverna at the same hotel offers Soul Crab Beignets and a cocktail called Lady Iris. Bar Helios has a mixed drink called 4 am on Decatur.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has a Harbor Hurricane cocktail at Splendido Bar & Grill and an Italian 75 cocktail and a Muffuletta-inspired pasta at Trattoria del Porto. They also have an AP (Annual Passholder) offering where you get a free dessert with an entrée or sandwich purchase between 11 am and 5 pm. This is a great tip for Passholders!
The Hard Rock Hotel’s The Kitchen has Bourbon Street Beignets. The Velvet Bar offers a Bayou Board with different sausages and a French 75 cocktail. This board sounds like it could be a fun appetizer to share.
At Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Islands Dining Room has Chicken & Sweet Potato Lumpia. Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar has an Orchid cocktail. Tuk Tuk Market has Chocolate Bombs in various flavors with Mardi Gras decorations.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort’s Amatista Cookhouse has Ancho Chile Chicken Empanadas. Strong Water Tavern offers a Cucumber Hurricane Twist. New Dutch Trading Co. has a Traditional King Cake. These all seem like interesting additions if you’re staying at one of these resorts.
The newer Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort also have dining options. Cosmos Cafe and Market and Omega Cafe and Market, respectively, offer lunch and dinner specials like Shrimp Po’ Boys and Shrimp & Grits, along with Muffulettas. Their bars, Nova Bar and Luna Bar, have themed cocktails like Cosmic Carnival and La Louisiane.
Universal Aventura Hotel’s Bar 17 features Korean Cajun Jambalaya and Sujeonggwa, a non-alcoholic Korean punch. This fusion dish sounds unique and exciting. Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a Galaxy Bowl with beignets and a Classic Hurricane cocktail. Bayliner Diner has a Mardi Gras Flat Bread, and Swizzle Lounge offers a Sazerac cocktail.
Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites has a Bayou Blast dish at Beach Break Cafe and a Masque D’amour cocktail at the Sand Bar. Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites offers Voodoo Street Fries at Pier 8 Market and the same Masque D’amour cocktail at their bars. It’s helpful to know that many of these resort dining spots offer unique Mardi Gras-themed items.
Planning Your Mardi Gras Food Adventure
When you’re planning your visit for Mardi Gras 2026, I think it’s smart to look at the menu beforehand, especially with kids. Some of the dishes might have ingredients that Emma or Sofia aren’t fond of, so knowing what to expect is key. It’s also wise to check the prices, as they can add up, and factor in the time it will take to travel between different areas for food if you’re trying to sample a lot.
For families, I always recommend looking for dishes that are familiar or can be easily modified. Sometimes asking for sauces on the side or for plainer versions of a dish can work wonders. And of course, don’t forget to save room for dessert!
What are the must-try treats for kids?
Based on what I’ve seen, desserts like the Tres Leches cake, Beignets, King Cake, and Chocolate Bombs sound like definite hits for kids. Simple items like Pão de Queijo (cheese bread) or even the corn pudding from the Pastel de Choclo could also be crowd-pleasers.
For more fun food ideas, you can explore more dining options when you look at family dining in Orlando.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, the Rasta Pasta specifically mentions being a vegan dish made with a jerk vegan coconut curry cream sauce. It’s always a good idea to ask at each location about other potential vegetarian or vegan modifications, as menus can change.
I’m also keeping an eye out for which dishes might be easily adaptable. Sometimes simple pasta dishes or vegetable-based items can be made vegetarian with a little adjustment. Knowing this can help us make informed choices.
How can I save money on food?
Sharing dishes is a great way to manage costs, especially for pricier items like the Bayou Board or larger entrées. Bringing your own snacks and water bottles can also help, as can focusing on one or two special treats rather than trying everything. Keeping an eye out for any Passholder exclusives, like the dessert deal at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, can also offer savings.
If you’re planning to visit multiple parks or stay for an extended period, looking into dining plans or special offers might be beneficial. It’s worth comparing the costs for your specific needs.
What drinks are good for adults?
There are many cocktail options, like the Cielo Rosado, Frozen Maracujá Caipirinha, Kingston Rum Punch, Category 5 Punch, Piña Colada, and King Cake Espresso Martini. For those who prefer beer or wine, there are also selections available, including several Irish beers.
I’ve also noted some unique drinks like the Ouzo Cooler, Bergamot Spritz, and French Blonde. It’s always important to drink responsibly and know your limits when enjoying alcoholic beverages during your visit.
When is the best time to visit for Mardi Gras?
Generally, Mardi Gras events at Universal Orlando run from early February through late April. Checking the official Universal Orlando Resort website for the exact event dates is highly recommended for planning.
Visiting during the event period means you’ll get to experience the special food, music, and parades, which can be a lot of fun. However, it can also mean larger crowds, so planning your days accordingly is a good idea.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Overall, I’m really impressed with the variety and global flavors featured during Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando. It seems like a fantastic opportunity to explore different cuisines while enjoying the festive atmosphere. I think planning ahead, especially with little ones, will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
