ORLANDO, Fla. — Ahead of the start of its Mardi Gras celebration, Universal Orlando has shared a first look at its newest Mardi Gras Tribute Store.
What You Need To Know
- Universal's Mardi Gras celebration runs Feb. 3 through April 7
- Universal has shared a first look inside its latest Tribute Store
- The season shop is themed to a haunted river cruise this year
- RELATED: Universal reveals big names for 2024 Mardi Gras concert lineup
The seasonal shop, located in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida, is a themed merchandise experience that not only features Mardi Gras items like beads, T-shirts and collectibles, but also special effects and props.
For this year’s theme, the Universal team turned the store into a haunted river cruise through the Mississippi. The store is divided into four rooms. In the first room, visitors are welcomed aboard the P.S. Songbird which features merchandise, props and a plaque detailing the history of the fictional river cruise and its captain, Victor Pavo.
The other rooms include more props, including some that were previously used in Halloween Horror Nights houses.
Universal also added more effects to the store this time around. In the second room, the wall in the hallway features an effect in which ghosts appear.
One of the rooms also features a display with Mardi Gras-themed treats visitors can purchase, including cookies, macarons and King Cake.
Universal’s Mardi Gras festivities kick off Saturday and include free concerts on select nights—full lineup here— and a Mardi Gras parade. Visitors will also be able to purchase dishes inspired by Mardi Gras celebrations around the world such as Germany, Mexico, Spain and New Orleans.
Mardi Gras runs through April 7.