I've spent over 30 years exploring theme parks. Everyone should go to Universal's Mardi Gras festival at least once.

Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras event brings the sights, sounds, and tastes of New Orleans to the theme park.

This year, the event kicked off on February 5 and it runs through April 24.

Unlike some of the park's other festivals, such as Halloween Horror Nights, guests can attend the Mardi Gras festivities with their regular park admission.

I loved how lively the park felt right when I walked in, with elaborate decor and easy-to-find entertainment.

Entertainment includes roaming musicians, street performers, and stilt walkers.

The event has evolved over the years to become a bona fide food festival.

There are over a dozen elaborately themed food booths throughout the park with a mix of traditional Mardi Gras fare and globally inspired items.

My favorites were the muffuletta sandwich and a Southeast Asian-inspired shrimp-laksa soup. I was also impressed by the number of vegan offerings they had this year, including potato, pea, and carrot samosas with green chutney.

Adults 21 and older can also enjoy all the alcoholic drinks associated with the celebration, including fully garnished Bloody Marys.

Themed items are also added to menus across the property, including the City Walk dining-and-entertainment district and Universal's resorts.

My favorite was the cucumber hurricane twist from Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.

This year, I was able to purchase a Mardi Gras-themed souvenir cup that offers discounted drink refills.

This was a great deal — I ended up being able to save around $4 a drink.

The Mardi Gras concert series is also included with regular park admission.

This year, Universal slated big-name acts like Diana Ross, Marshmello, and Khalid to perform on the weekends of the festival.

Rock band Sugar Ray was performing during my visit, and it was so much fun. Unlike other festivals where concerts are on a smaller scale, this was full length.

The stage is also in front of one of the biggest roller coasters in the park.

Each festival day ends with a Mardi Gras parade.

The parade incorporates both authentic New Orleans floats and others that represent the event's overall theme.

This year, the theme is Planet Mardi Gras, so the floats and costumes have cosmic elements.

I registered in advance to take part in the parade.

This allowed me to ride on the float through the park and throw beads at guests.

This was my first time trying this experience, and I can't wait to do it again.

The park creates highly themed immersive exhibits for all of its events inside the Tribute Store.

For Mardi Gras, it was themed as a float factory and offered a glimpse into the creative minds behind the festival through concept art. There were also lots of Easter eggs for longtime fans and throwback photos to past festivals.

My favorite part was a beautifully decorated room at the end that paid tribute to the long-running tradition of the bead tree.

Guests at Universal have taken to throwing beads on a tree near the park's exit at the end of each day — based on a tradition that exists in many cities that celebrate the holiday as well.

The Mardi Gras merchandise this year was some of my favorite.

It incorporated bold colors and the motto "Louder. Wilder. Spicier!"