The Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans is not known for being a family friendly atmosphere, in fact it is far from it. But that does not mean that families need to be left out of the good times, thanks to the Mardi Gras at Universal Studios in Florida. On Saturdays and select nights starting on February 11 and running through April 14, Universal Studios Florida brings all the sights and sounds of the Big Easy to the theme park for everyone to enjoy. Entertainment includes live concerts, a Mardi Gras parade, music from Louisiana, and Cajun cuisine to satisfy your appetite.
The Parade
What would Mardi Gras be without a great parade, and at Universal Studios Florida, they put on one heck of a good one. The Universal Studios design team, with the help of Blaine Kerns Mardi Gras World, introduces 4 new themed floats to the parade each year. This year’s theme is all about showcasing the wonders that are found on our planet, such as the Polar regions or the Bayous found in Louisiana.
In the past, the parade would kick off outside of the Jaws ride, but since the whole Amityville area has closed, this year will feature a modified route. It will start near cafe La Bamba, head towards the New York area, down Plaza of the Stars, and then finally travel on Hollywood Boulevard as it makes its way back to the starting location.
Dates for the Parade:
February 11, 18, 19, 25 – 7:30PM
March 3, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 – 7:30PM
March 31 – 8:30PM
April 7, 14 – 8:30PM
The French Quarter
During the Mardi Gras celebration, the New York area of Universal Studios Florida is transformed into the French Quarter. This is where you will find great music and delicious New Orleans inspired cuisine and drinks, like the Hurricane. The jambalaya (which I highly recommend), shrimp gumbo, red beans & rice, and Andouille sausage po’ boy, are just some of the authentic dishes that one can sample.
After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Universal began bringing in musical talents from the area to fill the air with their unique sounds. You will get to hear bands performing musical styles such as the blues and Zydeco.
Dates of the performances:
February 11th – Daddy Mack Blues Band
February 18th & 19th – Lil Malcolm & The House Rockers
February 25th – John Lisi & Delta Funk
March 3rd – Beth McKee & The Sliders
March 10th – Gravy
March 16th & 17th – Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
March 23rd & 24th – J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
March 30th & 31st – Soul Project
April 7th – Rockin’ Jake
April 14th – Big Al & The Heavyweights
Live Concerts
Once the parade is finished, Universal Studios Cranks up the volume even more with live concerts featuring some of the biggest names in the music industry performing at the Universal Music Plaza stage.
The B52s – Saturday, Feb. 11th , 8:30pm
Kelly Clarkson – Saturday, Feb. 18th , 8:30pm
Boyz II Men – Sunday, Feb. 19th , 8:30pm
Diana Ross – Saturday, Feb. 25th , 8:30pm
Goo Goo Dolls – Saturday, Mar. 3rd , 8:30pm
Big Time Rush – Saturday, Mar. 10th , 8:30pm
J Cole – Friday, Mar. 16th , 8:30pm
Sugar Ray – Saturday, Mar. 17th , 8:30pm
Hot Chelle Rae – Friday, Mar. 23rd , 8:30pm
B.o.B – Saturday, Mar. 24th , 8:30pm
Plain White T’s – Friday, Mar. 30th , 8:30pm
Prince Royce – Saturday, Mar 31st , 9:30pm
Cyndi Lauper – Saturday, Apr. 7th , 9:30pm
KC and the Sunshine Band – Saturday, Apr. 14th , 9:30pm
The Mardi Gras celebration is included as part of your Universal Studios Florida ticket, which start at $85 for a single day or $76.50 for Florida residents. Be sure to visit Universals Studios’ website for more prices on tickets and vacation packages.
So come on out to Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida, and Laissez les bons temps rouler! (let the good times roll).
sources:
http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/Overview.aspx