Best Resort Rentals Near Universal Mardi Gras

Universal Mardi Gras is almost here! This massive celebration runs from February 3 to April 7, so if you haven’t made plans yet, you still have time. Speaking of planning, one of the most important factors to consider is where you’re going to stay. Universal Orlando is located right in the heart of the theme park capital of the world, so you’ll have plenty of options. In fact, there are so many options that choosing just one might feel a bit intimidating. If you’re struggling with a bit of choice paralysis, don’t worry, we’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of the best resort rentals near Florida’s biggest party so you can spend less time planning and more time celebrating.

What is Universal Mardi Gras?

Before we get into the best resorts around Universal Mardi Gras, let’s talk a bit about what this event is. Universal Mardi Gras is a massive festival held at Universal Studios Florida. The event features live music, a Mardi Gras parade, and, of course, lots and lots of food. For some more details on what exactly that entails, keep reading!

Performances at Universal Mardi Gras

It wouldn’t be a Mardi Gras party without music, and Universal Studios knows how to deliver! On select nights, the music plaza stage will host live concerts by performers from a wide variety of genres. The sheer number of performers that will be performing at Mardi Gras concerts on the Music Plaza stage means that there’s bound to be something for everyone. Here’s a list of the performers, along with the dates they’ll be playing.

February Performances

• Walker Hayes – February 3
• The All-American Rejects – February 10
• Elle King – February 17
• KC and the Sunshine Band – February 18
• Barenaked Ladies – February 24

March Performances

• DJ Khaled – March 2
• Ava Max – March 9
• Queen Latifah – March 10
• Luis Fonsi – March 16
• Zedd March 17, 2024

Food at the Universal Mardi Gras

Another mainstay of Mardi Gras has always been the food, and Universal Studios is committed to bringing not just the flavors of New Orleans, but those around the world to the celebration. Sweet, spicy, and savory international flavors of carnaval dishes come together to take you on a food tour you won’t forget. Some of the theme park options include chicken schnitzel, chilaquiles verdes, Szechuan noodle salad, pastelons, and beignets.

Additionally, you’ll find more international flavors of Carnaval scattered across the Universal Orlando Resort. In fact, the Mardi Gras celebration even extends to Universal Citywalk! Be sure to check out The After Party and Fat Tuesday at Pat O’Brien’s. The Mardi Gras party has also taken over the Red Coconut Club and transformed it into the Cursed Coconut Club. Keep reading for a list of the food booths you’ll find scattered around the park:

Food Booths at Universal Mardi Gras

The Universal Mardi Gras Parade Experience

Of course, the most iconic part of a Mardi Gras party is the parade! This year’s Mardi Gras Parade is set to be the highlight of the event, with floats that celebrate not only the rich culture of New Orleans but also other Carnaval celebrations around the world. While the normal parade float show experience is sure to be a blast, Universal Studios Florida is offering a whole new perspective for this experience. Using the official Universal Orlando app, you can reserve a spot to take a Mardi Gras float ride. You’ll get an unmatched view of the festivities through this unforgettable experience. Universal Orlando pass holders receive the opportunity to sign up for these spots through the annual pass-holder reservation tool, too. So, if you already have an annual pass, it’s sure to come in handy!

Want to take the fun up a notch? Then check out the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. You’ll get to enjoy the full Mardi Gras Float Ride experience while dining on a three-course meal from participating restaurants like Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill and Brew, Finnegan’s Bar and Grill, and Lombard’s Seafood Grille. Be sure to check out the Mardi Gras Tribute Store too!

Why Rent at a Resort Near Universal Mardi Gras?

So, Universal Mardi Gras is sure to be a lot of fun, but why is renting at a resort the best way to visit? Well, resort rentals offer so much more than your average hotel room. The suites and villas you can rent at a resort are much more spacious than your average hotel room. In fact, these accommodations are usually triple the size of a hotel room! As a result, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch your legs.

Plus, these resorts are jam-packed with amenities like massive swimming pools, on-site dining, and even golf courses. Hotels just can’t stack up. Lastly, when you rent a timeshare at a resort, you’ll get to enjoy the full timeshare experience without having to worry about things like maintenance fees. It’s all of the benefits with none of the commitment. What’s not to love? Here are the best resort rentals near Universal Studios Florida.

Learn more: How to Rent a Timeshare!

The Best Resorts Near Universal Mardi Gras

• Las Palmeras by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
• Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa
• Summer Bay Orlando
• Marriott’s Grande Vista
• Wyndham Orlando International Drive

Las Palmeras by Hilton Grand Vacations Club

Las Palmeras is the closest of Hilton Grand Vacations’ resorts to Universal Studios Florida. It’s also conveniently located near Walt Disney World, so you’ll be near all kinds of great attractions in Orlando. Las Palmeras’ beautiful pools are probably where you’ll be spending a lot of your time when you visit. You can spend your day relaxing in a quiet cabana or going down the winding waterslides. Adults will love unwinding in the resort’s hot tub or enjoying a meal at Cabana del Sol. This poolside cafe serves delicious sandwiches and salads, as well as refreshing cocktails and beer. If you want to treat yourself to a delicious meal without having to leave the property, head to Fiorella’s. This highly-rated restaurant serves authentic Northern Italian dishes.

As for accommodations, guests have their choice of studio, one, and two-bedroom suites. The studio comes with a king-sized bed and kitchenette, making it perfect for couples or solo travelers. Meanwhile, the one-bedroom suite adds to the studio’s features with a full-size sleeper sofa and balcony. Some of these suites also have dishwashers and wet bars. Finally, the two-bedroom suites boast an additional king-sized bed and full kitchen on top of the great room amenities from the one-bedroom suites. Overall, these suites can accommodate two to six guests, depending on which you choose, so Las Palmeras can accommodate all kinds of groups trying to visit Universal Mardi Gras.

Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa

Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa is a lakeside resort that was designed with families in mind. This sprawling resort provides an almost unending amount of amenities to guests. One of the most exciting amenities found at this resort is the Treasure Cove Water Park. The state-of-the-art waterpark features a wave pool, lazy river, and thrilling water slides. There’s also a tiki bar and snack bar, so everyone in the family will find something delicious to enjoy. For a more relaxing vacation experience, head to Serenity Spa for a facial or massage. If you’re looking to spend quality time over a good meal, then you’re in luck! Unwind after a fun-filled day at Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, or grab a pizza from Cordovano Joe’s. This resort is just five miles away from Universal Mardi Gras, so you’ll be able to enjoy the Carnaval celebrations in no time!

While you’re sure to have a great time experiencing the Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Studios Florida, eventually, you’ll need a break. Fortunately, Westgate Lakes’ studio and one – to four-bedroom villas offer plenty of comfort. No matter which you choose, you’ll have a king-sized bed and queen sleeper sofa, along with a balcony or patio. The two-bedroom villa adds on a full kitchen, while the three-bedroom villa goes even further with a second balcony or patio and separate living and dining areas. Finally, the four-bedroom villa piles on even more space with an additional bedroom. With enough room for four to sixteen guests, Westgate Lakes is perfect for a massive group hoping to enjoy the Universal Mardi Gras celebration.

Summer Bay Orlando

Set on 400 acres of lush landscaping and surrounded by the 64-acre freshwater lake, you’ll never run out of things to do at Summer Bay Orlando. This Exploria resort is home to Buccaneer Bay Adventure Park, a fun waterpark with zip lines, motorized bumper boats, and more! With Buccaneer Bay, you won’t have to reach Universal Studios Florida to have a fun waterpark experience! For just about anything you could want to do, head to the recreation pavilion. You’ll find a state-of-the-art movie theater, a fitness center, and even an arcade! There are also two on-site restaurants, a pool bar, and a coffee shop. As a result, you’ll never have to look too far for a good meal.

There’s a variety of accommodations at Summer Bay to comfortably fit your entire family. One and two-bedroom condos, along with two-bedroom villas, are available so you can relax and unwind after a day at Universal Mardi Gras. The condos feature queen-sized beds and queen sleeper sofas, as well as full kitchens to help you prepare delicious food from the comfort of your vacation home. These condos also come with a washer and dryer to help make laundry a breeze! On the other hand, the two-bedroom villas feature a king-sized bed, two twin beds, and a sleeper sofa. Overall, these accommodations have enough room for four to eight guests.

Learn more: Bring the Kids to Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria this Summer!

Marriott’s Grande Vista

Want to relax in the sun all day? What if you want to ease the tension in your body after a day of excitement at Universal Mardi Gras? Whatever the occasion, Marriott’s Grande Vista has you covered! Take a dip in the four outdoor pools or soak in the hot tub. Want to stay active? Then catch a game of tennis at the on-site court or swing by the fitness center for a quick workout. When you’re ready to be pampered, visit the Spa at Grande Vista. You’ll enjoy soothing massages, facials, and other rejuvenating services during your stay. If you’re an avid golfer, you’re sure to love this resort, as it’s home to a full golf course. Perfect for improving your swing! Speaking of the golf course, there’s a great restaurant with mouthwatering meals right inside the golf clubhouse. You’ll find another restaurant, a coffee shop, and a pool bar at Grande Vista as well.

When you’ve had your fill of the Carnaval celebrations, you can kick back and relax in a one-, two-, or three-bedroom villa. The one-bedroom villa features a king-sized bed, sofa bed, full kitchen, and separate living area. Next, the two-bedroom villa boasts everything you would find in the one-bedroom villa, alongside an additional king-sized bed and sofa bed. Finally, the three-bedroom villa adds two queen-sized beds and two double beds. These suites range from 884 to 1710 square feet of space, depending on which you choose, and they can house four to twelve guests. Plus, some of these suites even have balconies! It’s safe to say you won’t have to worry about being cramped here.

Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive

Located just three miles from the park, you’ll have no trouble reaching Universal Mardi Gras from Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive. Aside from its proximity to Universal Studios Florida, the resort is just steps away from Icon Park, one of the most fun things to do in Orlando. Cool off in the sparkling pools or unwind in the lush gardens. You can also savor a delicious meal at the Gatorville Poolside Bar and Grill, which features frozen drinks, burgers, and flatbreads. You can also work off all the delicious food you’ll be having as part of the international flavors of Carnaval at the Mardi Gras celebration at the on-site fitness center. Or you can take it easy in the relaxing Sauna. One more perk of this resort is that it’s completely pet-friendly! So your four-legged family members are welcome at Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive.

Accommodations at this resort include junior, junior executive, and executive suites. These suites all come with king-sized beds, fine linens, and sofa beds for a relaxing, modern, and luxurious home away from home. The junior executive suite adds a separate living area, while the executive area also boasts a private balcony, so you’ll have a great view of the city. These suites can accommodate two to four guests, making them great for more intimate trips to Universal Studios Florida or smaller group gatherings.

Rent a Timeshare Near Universal Mardi Gras With Timeshares Only

If you want to enjoy Mardi Gras season without hitting up New Orleans, a trip to Universal Studios is a great way to do it. Between the Mardi Gras Parade, the International Flavors of Carnaval, and the live concerts at the music plaza stage, there’s so much fun to be had both at the theme park and Universal Citywalk. If you’re ready to make unforgettable Mardi Gras memories, check out our marketplace! You’ll find rentals from top timeshare developers like Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton Grand Vacations, and more! If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-610-2734 or email us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help!