While I was covering other things on Thursday, the Mardi Gras Tribute Store opened for passholders as announced and scheduled. The announced theming involved walking us through the making of a real-life Mardi Gras float. Several of my friends have been sending me photos to look from a distance. This year’s Tribute Store is divided into four rooms as standard pattern now. The theming and intricate work shines as usual. In addition, the “Easter Eggs” for Universal Orlando veterans emanate everywhere within this walkthrough attraction. I will give brief description of each room and then discuss a few “Easter Eggs” at the end. I would not want to spoil everything for you.

First room, guests view ideas and concepts dreaming up a Mardi Gras float. We get to see drawings. The setting recalls the idea of a brainstorming workshop area. The drawings seen on workstations cause guests to feel like they are walking through a real float factory. Since that goal was the focus for Universal Orlando, Universal teams accomplished the objective.

Next room brings guests along where those beginning ideas are being put together. Since King Gator reigns as a mainstay of the Universal Mardi Gras parade, we should not be surprised that we see props of a gator being made. The setting of being in a real fabrication area draws guests within this walkthrough story.

The third room brings the color palate to our float creation. We start to see plain float pieces brought to life by color. I would attempt to describe that to you. However, being legally colorblind, that would not go well. Let us just say, the change in color and scenery brightens things up in room number 3. The titles of each paint can offer humorous nods to Universal Orlando veterans.

In the final room, we get to walk through some familiar scenery and of course beads. The Mardi Gras colors with completed pieces you saw earlier in the Tribute Store burst out for guests as they walk through. Some of your rewards for making it to the last room involve seeing the treat counter.

There are some Shaker Cakes, Some Brownies, Macrons, Dipped Bacon, Cupcakes, Cookie Dough Balls, King Cake, Trifle Cakes and Candy Apples.

Finally, this Tribute Store offers plenty of callback to previous stores. The presence of Earl the Squirrel sneaks up on you. His dislike of badgers continues to be obvious. Clearly, Earl fails to hide his disdain for those creatures (sorry, Hufflepuffs). Also, Halloween Horror Nights Bear gets into the Mardi Gras spirit also. If you are a Tribute Store veteran, you will find lots of respect paid to previous stores.

Per usual, Universal created a wonderful Tribute Store. If you find yourself in the Orlando area between now and April 24^th, you should examine it for yourself. Let the good times roll!