From Diagon Alley to Mardi Gras celebrations, my weekend at Universal Orlando was nonstop excitement, capped off by Alan Jackson’s concert at the Kia Center. Read below for tips on making the most of a weekend in Orlando!
Celebrating Universal’s 30th Mardi Gras Event and Exploring New Park Features: A Complete Guide
Universal Orlando is celebrating its 30th Mardi Gras in grand style, offering guests an unforgettable adventure filled with vibrant festivities, exciting new features, and mouth-watering treats. From the festive atmosphere to the newly opened DreamWorks Land, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s dive into the highlights of this year’s Mardi Gras event, explore the newest additions to the park, and check out the thrilling new Wicked Exhibition!
Mardi Gras 30th Anniversary: A Spectacular Celebration
Universal’s Mardi Gras event has always been a crowd favorite, but this year, it’s taken to the next level. The park is transformed into a lively celebration of music, culture, and food, with fantastic live performances, colorful parades, and delicious international eats. From jazz bands and street performers to themed food booths throughout the park, there’s no shortage of fun.
Be sure to catch the Mardi Gras parade, featuring vibrant floats, beads, and spectacular performances that will leave you in awe. Be cautious of the parade times – we missed this early in the morning, and the 7:30pm show was a bit too late for us to wait for.
King Cake: A Sweet Mardi Gras Tradition
No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without the iconic King Cake, and Universal’s version is a true treat. This cinnamon-filled pastry, covered in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, is the perfect sweet indulgence. Available at various food booths around the park during the event, the King Cake is a must-try to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the season.
DreamWorks Land: A New Adventure Awaits
DreamWorks Land is the latest addition to Universal Orlando, and it’s sure to bring joy to families and fans of the beloved DreamWorks films. This vibrant area is packed with interactive attractions and immersive experiences that are perfect for all ages. Seeing my little sister’s face light up after meeting King Julian was priceless.
Shrek’s Swamp Meet: Meet Your Favorite Characters
Shrek fans will love Shrek’s Swamp Meet, where you can meet Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, and more beloved characters in a beautifully recreated swamp setting. This is the perfect opportunity to snap a few memorable photos with your favorite characters from the iconic DreamWorks film series.
I wasn’t expecting the sheer talent from the voice actor of Donkey – they actually have an actor who converses with you + your group and hilariously grills you. 10/10 experience, nearly cried laughing, would recommend
Trolls Trollercoaster: A Colorful Ride for All Ages
One of the top attractions in DreamWorks Land is the Trolls Trollercoaster, a fun, family-friendly ride that takes you through the whimsical world of the Trolls. Set to the catchy tunes of the Trolls movies, this coaster offers an exciting, smooth ride that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s a fun way to experience the magic of Poppy and Branch’s world. Not really my thing per se, but if you have kids, it’s a great place to take them.
Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Master Experience
If you’re a fan of the Kung Fu Panda movies, you won’t want to miss Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Master. This interactive experience brings Po, the legendary Kung Fu master, to life, offering guests a chance to join in on some fun martial arts action. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the world of Kung Fu Panda and take part in the excitement.
The Wicked Exhibition: A Broadway Experience Like No Other
Another exciting new addition to Universal Orlando is the Wicked Exhibition, where guests can step into the world of the popular Broadway musical. This immersive exhibit takes you behind the scenes of one of the most beloved shows in theater history, showcasing costumes, props, and interactive displays that bring the story to life.
Whether you’re a die-hard Wicked fan or new to the world of Oz, this exhibition offers a truly magical experience. I even got to see Glinda’s dress she wears to the Ozdust Ballroom, it may be the most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen!
New Wicked Menu: A Taste of the Land of Oz
Universal Orlando’s Wicked: The Experience offers guests an immersive journey into the world of the beloved musical, complemented by themed culinary delights at the Emerald City Eats food stand. During your visit, you can enjoy the following unique menu items:
- Ozvocado Toast: A whimsical twist on the classic avocado toast, inspired by the Land of Oz.
- Strawberriful Waffle: A delightful waffle topped with fresh strawberries, blending sweetness with a touch of Ozian magic.
- Breakfiz Croissant: A flaky croissant offering a savory breakfast option with an Oz-inspired flair.
These offerings showcase Universal’s commitment to creating immersive experiences that extend beyond attractions, allowing guests to taste the “enchantment of Oz” firsthand.
More New Snacks At Universal 2025
The Bumblebee’s Taco Stand in the Simpsons section of Universal Studios offers a delicious and quick bite for fans of the show and taco lovers alike. The stand serves up flavorful, handheld tacos with options like carne asada and carnitas, perfect for satisfying cravings while exploring Springfield. Whether you’re catching a quick break or indulging in a savory snack, this spot delivers great flavors with a Simpsons twist. I myself am not much of a taco person. But, my sister loved her Carne Asada taco 🙂
Over in Central Park, the crepes at the stand are an absolute treat. I tried the Lemon Blueberry Crepe, and it was the perfect balance of tart and sweet. The crepe was light and fluffy, wrapped around a refreshing lemon filling + pound cake and topped with plump blueberries, making for a delightful snack that felt both indulgent and refreshing. It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to take your time and savor every bite while enjoying the park’s beautiful surroundings.
Maximize Your Visit: Tips for the Ultimate Experience
To make the most of your visit during Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration, DreamWorks Land’s debut, and the Wicked Exhibition’s opening, here are some helpful tips:
- Arrive Early: Arriving early gives you a head start on attractions, especially in the new DreamWorks Land and the Wicked Exhibition. Hotel guests can take advantage of Early Park Admission for an extra hour of fun before the crowds arrive.
- Don’t Miss the Entertainment: Be sure to check the entertainment schedule so you can catch the Mardi Gras parade, live performances, and Wicked-themed activities, which are some of the event’s biggest highlights.
- Savor the Mardi Gras and Wicked Treats: Along with King Cake and Wicked-inspired menu items, there are plenty of other seasonal delights to enjoy, like beignets, jambalaya, and gumbo. Don’t miss the chance to taste the flavors of Mardi Gras and Oz.
- Utilize the Universal Orlando App: Download the app to stay updated on ride wait times, food locations, and event details, helping you make the most of your day at the park.
CityWalk
Universal Orlando’s CityWalk is the ultimate destination for those looking to enjoy a little something extra beyond the theme parks. This vibrant entertainment complex serves as the gateway to Universal’s main parks, and soon, it will connect to a brand-new addition to Universal’s incredible offerings.
If you’re in search of dining, shopping, or just soaking up the lively atmosphere, CityWalk offers plenty of options to make your visit memorable. One aspect of Universal I appreciate is how CityWalk seamlessly connects all the theme parks together compared to Disney Springs. In contrast, getting between the various parts of Disney requires a bit more planning and effort, making Universal’s layout is more convenient in that regard.
Margaritaville: A Little Taste of Island Life
We kicked off our CityWalk experience with a stop at Margaritaville, the ultimate spot for anyone craving delicious food and a laid-back atmosphere. Inspired by the tropical vibes of Jimmy Buffett’s hit song, Margaritaville offers a mix of island-inspired dishes, refreshing drinks, and a fun, relaxed environment. If your party is in the mood for a Cheeseburger in Paradise, fresh fish tacos, or a signature margarita, this tropical themed restaurant delivers exactly what you’re looking for.
Voodoo Doughnut: A Sweet Stop for Unique Treats
Next, we headed to the ever-popular Voodoo Doughnut, a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. Famous for its quirky, creative doughnuts, Voodoo is a local favorite, offering unique and flavorful options that will blow your mind. From their signature Voodoo Doll Doughnut, filled with raspberry jelly and topped with a pretzel stake, to the indulgent Bacon Maple Bar, there’s something for everyone here.
Be sure to grab a box of these delicious treats to snack on as you stroll through CityWalk or enjoy one of their specialty beverages alongside your doughnuts. It’s the perfect way to sweeten up your day!
With such an exciting future ahead, CityWalk is only going to get better, making it a prime destination for anyone visiting Universal Orlando. For now, whether you’re catching a movie, playing mini golf, or satisfying your sweet tooth at Voodoo Doughnut, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Maximize Your CityWalk Visit: Tips for a Great Time
- Take Your Time: CityWalk has a lot to offer, so don’t rush through it. Stroll around, check out the shops, and soak in the sunshine.
- Visit in the Evening: CityWalk truly comes alive after dark, with vibrant lights, music, and entertainment filling the air. It’s the perfect time to visit Margaritaville for dinner or grab a doughnut for a sweet nightcap.
- Plan Ahead: CityWalk can get busy, especially on weekends, so if you’re hoping to dine at a popular spot, consider making a reservation in advance.
Surfside Inn & Suites – Universal Orlando
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites offers an affordable, family-friendly stay just minutes from the parks. As part of Universal Orlando’s value hotel category, it features a laid-back beach theme, spacious two-bedroom suites, and perks like complimentary shuttle buses to the parks and Early Park Admission.
Guests can relax by the surfboard-shaped pool (which I didn’t even realize looked like this until looking down from my room window), grab a bite at the casual food court, or unwind at the lobby bar. With budget-friendly rates and all the benefits of staying on-site, Surfside Inn and Suites is a great option for those looking to maximize their Universal Orlando experience without breaking the bank.
Rooms
Because I worked remotely on the Friday I visited FL, we wanted to select an accommodation that contained enough space to work comfortably. Surfside Inn is one of the only Universal resorts with suites and was surprisingly affordable for having two rooms.
These spacious two-bedroom suites, perfect for families, offer a beach retreat ambiance and can accommodate up to six guests. The suites include a kitchenette, a fun picnic table for meals and relaxation, and a bathroom with separate bath and vanity areas.
A huge plus – pizza can be delivered to your room from 11:30am-11pm. Not a huge pizza person, but it genuinely was some of the best I’ve ever had!
Food & Dining Areas
Beach Break Cafe offers a laid-back SoCal vibe with a casual food court atmosphere, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy a variety of delicious options, from hearty breakfast sandwiches and burritos to roasted chicken, burgers, pizza, fresh salads, and power bowls. Guests can sit and enjoy their meal, or they can take a short walk and bring it over to the pool.
Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar or craving something a little different, this spot has something for everyone. There are no sit-down restaurants, but the complimentary shuttles can take you to City Walk in a flash.
Off note – the staff was SO kind, the two woman serving breakfast complimented my nails and our conversation was the highlight of my trip. Kiss Press ons, baby
The Surfside Inn & Suites also has a Starbucks that is open until 9pm. If you’re arriving late like my family did, there are plenty of options on DoorDash or Uber Eats in the area.
Alan Jackson Last Call Tour
Seeing Alan Jackson live at the Kia Center was the perfect way to kickstart our weekend in Orlando. His performance was packed with nostalgia, bringing classic country hits to life, and Zach Top kicked things off with an impressive set that had everyone singing along. My aunt raised me and my sisters up with Alan Jackson, so it truly was a special moment getting to see him preform (especially on his last tour) with her.
The drink selection was strictly Michelob Ultra (the worst beer, I don’t care what anyone says), proving Universal isn’t the only place serving up nothing but carbs. But with a night full of country music, anything works lol.
Leaving was an absolute nightmare. Since leaving my Orlando days, I’ve forgotten how chaotic Church Street is. You need to get an Uber to the Kia Center, but Ride Share apps were shutting down because of how many people were requesting rides. My sister and I had to walk around the area and pray we could get a Lyft, which we eventually did.
Rickshaws decorated in colored lights, one even having a flag stating “I ❤ Thick Women” on it, were waiting outside the venue to drive people to their next destination. Honestly, it would have probably been a better option than waiting an hour for an Uber/Lyft. Either way, me and my sister got to soak in the vibes of downtown Orlando, observing the beautiful chaos.
Cowboys Orlando
Mad and I decided to keep the party going by taking our Lyft to Cowboys Orlando, an all too familiar place from my Disney College Program days. Cowboys is an iconic country nightclub known for its great music and massive dance floor.
A go-to spot for country fans, it features live performances, line dancing, and an energetic crowd ready to two-step the night away. With affordable drinks, friendly vibes, firepits, and a mix of classic and modern country hits (haha, that rhymes), Cowboys is the perfect place to spend a Friday or Saturday night in Orlando. It’s a $5 cover fee, and it is actually an $18+ bar! Sometimes, I felt geriatric hearing some people’s ages and seeing how the line dances have changed since I lived there. Even if you aren’t there to dance, it’s still a great time! Even if you don’t know the line dances (they’ve changed a lot since I lived in FL lol), it’s still a fantastic time and you can go to the classes beforehand.
We learned Apple Pay wasn’t accepted the hard way (another rhyme!) Cowboys only takes cash and card, so if you decide to make bar a part of your trip, bring your wallet lol. Or, be like me and use your girl power to make friends and get free drinks (jokes, jokes). But, I did end up making a friend from Kentucky and he did do me the honor of buying me my first Jägerbomb. It tasted like those Flintstones vitamins your mom forced you to take before bed as a kid. Still, I was thankful and there is a first time for everything.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, my time in Orlando was filled with unforgettable experiences, from the excitement of Universal Orlando to the laid-back vibes of CityWalk and the lively energy at Cowboys Orlando. I found myself laughing and savoring every moment, whether it was enjoying the vibrant atmosphere or indulging in delicious food at spots like Margaritaville.
It’s these kinds of experiences, big and small, that make a trip truly memorable. Whether you’re here for the adrenaline or just to unwind, there’s always something new to discover, and I’m already looking forward to the next adventure that awaits!
Where The Wind Takes Me. 
Leave a comment