Pictures: Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2019 sneak peek
Performers dressed as an alligator and a crawfish show off the Swamp float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
By Joe Burbank
Orlando Sentinel
Soundstage 24 at Universal Studios Florida comes alive during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras, photographed Tuesday, February 5. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
A performer dressed as a flower in front of the Insect float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A panoramic view of Soundstage 24 during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Ocean float is seen during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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The jambalaya on display during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A performer poses in front of the Ocean float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Specialty cocktails on display during an exclusive preview of new floats and dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Beaded Turtle during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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A panoramic view of Soundstage 24 during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A view of the Insects float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Shrimp Gumbo during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
King Cake is displayed during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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A view of the Swamp float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Universal Orlando park executive chef Tom Danboise puts final touches on dishes during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Performers dressed as a bee and a flower in front of the Insect float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Performers dressed as an alligator and a crawfish show off the Swamp float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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Gator Tail bites on display during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A performer dressed as a flower in front of the Insect float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Beignets on displayed during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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Performers dressed as an alligator and a crawfish show off the Swamp float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
King Frog on the Swamp float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Specialty cocktails on display during an exclusive preview of new floats and dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A performer poses in front of the Ocean float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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The Beaded Turtle on the Ocean float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
One of the mimosa cocktails, on display during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
A performer dressed as a bee shows off the Swamp float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Andouille Sausage & Shrimp Po’Boy sandwich during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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A performer dressed as an alligator shows off the Swamp float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Performers pose in front of the Ocean float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Crab Etouffee during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
King Frog on the Swamp float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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The Andouille Sausage & Chicken Po’Boy sandwich during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Beaded Turtle on the Ocean float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
King Cake is displayed during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Catfish Po’Boy sandwich during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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King Cake is displayed during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Bees on the Insect float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
The Beaded Crawfish on the Swamp float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Beignets on displayed during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
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The Bees on the Insect float during an exclusive preview of new floats and specialty dishes that will debut at the 2019 edition of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, photographed Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2019 runs from February 9 to April 4. ?(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3071132 (Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel)
Joe Burbank is a senior photographer at the Orlando Sentinel.