My kidlets and I got an itch to head on over to Universal over Spring Break. It’s been a tough year and we needed a little magic in our lives.
We were heading there for a little Hogwarts and ended up falling in love with something new to us.
Enter the Mardi Gras Festival at Universal Studios Florida and the VERY magical Lanyard deal!
Let’s start by talking about the festival itself. Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando began February 6th. Due to popularity, it has now been extended through May 2nd.
What is the Mardi Gras Festival? According to the Universal website it is “An international food fest with cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from around the world, entertainment and more.”
Historically, big parade floats were a thing. Thanks to Covid, each float is now strategically placed in a part of the park. If you stand on an appropriate marker, beads will be thrown to you by fantastic float riders and other characters!
Additionally, fun music abounds! What would a festival be without some singing and talented bands playing for the masses?
In addition to the parade and concert atmosphere, you can find foods at outdoor kitchens from around the world. The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Columbia, and France are just a few places. We counted at least 13 countries or cities represented.
This Festival provided an economical way for us to have a wonderful dining experience. 
Guests can pre purchase a lanyard. For $50, guests can enjoy 10 items around the park. If you have an annual pass, you may purchase a lanyard for $65 and try 15 items around the park!
What a bargain this turned out to be!
Among other things, we sampled Columbian arepas, Schnitzel sliders from Germany, Cuban sandwiches, Jambalaya and so on!
Here are the items we tasted and their original costs:
Bahamas: Jerk Chicken $7.99
Columbia Carnitas Arepas $9.25 and Queso Arepas $8.25
Cuba: Cuban Sandwich $7.99 x 2
Flan $4.49
Germany:
Bavarian Pretzel $8.49
Bratwurst with Beer-Braised Onions $ 8.99
Pork Schnitzel Slider $5.99 x 2
New Orleans
Shrimp Jambalaya $5.99
Twisted Tater with Queso $12.99 x 3
Muffaleta Sandwich $7.99
These items out of pocket would have cost us $128.37! We saved $63.37 with the $65 lanyard!!! As many items ran in the $10 range, our savings truly could have been higher!
Our top tips from this experience are as follows.
- This is an AMAZING deal. When divided out, the $65 lanyard means each item costs $4.33. Considering that some items were, $12, the lanyard is a FANTASTIC Value. If you do not have an annual pass, the items at $5 a piece is still fantastic.
- Know that you can use the Lanyard on multiple visits during your stay. I recommend only purchasing one lanyard at a time and acquiring a new one after the first runs out.
- Lanyards can be purchased at any of the food kitchens. No need to find a specific place to buy your lanyard. Get one at the first place you purchase food.
- Ask if your food credit will cover upgrades. The Potato and Andouille sausage plate had a $2 queso upgrade. This was free when we asked for it. I’m not sure if this is policy, but it worked for us.
- For heaven’s sake, do not blow your credits on soda or water! Those items are NOT a good value at the festival. Pay out of pocket for them. Better yet, carry your water in with you!
- If you really want to maximize use of the lanyard, buy high ticket items like the crawfish broil. We just went for what we were in the mood for, but you could make a sport out of finding the best bang for your buck foods!
Final Analysis: The Mardi Gras Lanyard is a fun and economical way to try the delicious flavors of the World-inspired fare!
What are you most excited to sample?