REVIEW: Mardi Gras Hits Come to Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Katie Francis

REVIEW: Mardi Gras Hits Come to Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is getting in on the Mardi Gras fun this year with two food booths in Port of Entry. The Mardi Gras Hits booth has festival favorites.

mardi gras hits 2023 ioa booth 2992
mardi gras hits 2023 ioa booth 2991

Menu for Mardi Gras Hits at Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval 2023

mardi gras hits 2023 ioa booth 2989

Food:

  • Jambalaya – $6.99
  • Shrimp Gumbo – $6.99

Beverages:

  • Category 5 Punch – $12 for 12 oz. single serve, $13.50 for 12 oz. souvenir cup, or $16.50 for 20 oz. souvenir cup
  • Oh Baby – $12 for 20 oz. single serve or 12 oz. souvenir cup, $14.50 for 20 oz. souvenir cup

Photos of Menu Items for Mardi Gras Hits at Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval 2023

Jambalaya – $6.99

mixed rice, andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, peppers, and tomatoes topped with a crawfish

neworleansmardigras_universalstudios_2021_food_1

This is a really good value for the amount of meat you get: two giant chunks of sausage plus a couple of smaller pieces, two shrimp, lots of chicken chunks, a *creepy* friend on top, and rice and peppers.

neworleansmardigras_universalstudios_2021_food_3

This has a good flavor — especially the sausage and rice. The shrimp was average, and the chicken was a little dry.

neworleansmardigras_universalstudios_2021_food_2

Shrimp Gumbo – $6.99

stew of shrimp, andouille sausage, bacon, and trinity over white rice

UOR USF 2023 Mardi Gras French Quarter Shrimp Gumbo 2

Another solid option from this booth. The seasoning and gravy are good complements to the rest of the dish.

UOR USF 2023 Mardi Gras French Quarter Shrimp Gumbo 4

The peppers and okra add nicely without being spicy.

UOR USF 2023 Mardi Gras French Quarter Shrimp Gumbo 1

The rice was a bit crunchy and held together well, and the shrimp was not fishy.

Category 5 Punch – $12 for 12 oz. single serve, $13.50 for 12 oz. souvenir cup, or $16.50 for 20 oz. souvenir cup

Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice

UOR USF 2023 Mardi Gras Category 5 Punch 2

The drink is returning from last year, but it’s gone down in quality significantly.

UOR USF 2023 Mardi Gras Category 5 Punch 1

It has a strange, sour aftertaste and is far too heavy on the syrups.

*NEW* Oh Baby – $12 for 20 oz. single serve or 12 oz. souvenir cup, $14.50 for 20 oz. souvenir cup

custom brew bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt

Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs from February 4 through April 16.

For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.