Don’t miss out, head to Universal Orlando Mardi Gras for 55 Nights of Fun!
Every night from February 9th through April 4th 2019, Universal Studios transforms into party central. This family-friendly version of the renowned Big Easy bash features non-stop parties, colorful parades, authentic Cajun food and plenty of jazz musicians. To top it all, there are amazing headline acts on select nights.
The 2019 lineup includes GRAMMY award-winning rapper, Macklemore, globally renowned superstar, Pitbull, chart-topping country music duo Dan + Shay and Latin superstar Becky G.
Overview of Universal Orlando Mardi Gras from a previous year:
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Parade:
Let the good times roll as the parade hits the streets in a flurry of confetti. Spectacular, brightly colored floats parade the streets as beads get thrown to grasping hands. It’s the survival of the fittest to see who gets most beads.
It’s family friendly, lots of fun and very kid friendly too. There’s even a viewing area just for the little ones. The only area you might want to avoid with small kiddos is the stage area on concert nights. It gets incredibly packed, loud and there’s alcohol, so you might want to consider that if your little ones are sensitive to crowds and noise.
The Mardi Gras Parade features 12 intricately detailed floats, vivacious dancers and stilt performers, and countless beads. The 2019 Mardi Gras Parade theme is Party Animals. Six new floats will feature animals from the arctic, jungle, ocean, swamp and more. All parade floats are engineered by Kern Studios, the same company that has created floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947.
Parade Times: Parade times vary, so check the daily schedule at Universal Orlando’s website
Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Areas:
- Children can go to the Little Jester’s Parade Viewing Area at the front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop from an hour before the parade starts for their own fantastic experience.
- Annual Passholders have a reserved viewing area near Mel’s Drive in.
- American Express cardholders can utilize a private viewing area near Finnigans.
- Guests with disabilities have viewing access near Macy’s.
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Concert Series
All concerts are included with theme park admission, so expect them to be packed out. Concerts take place on Music Plaza Stage at 8.30pm. There’s no seating areas, it’s all standing. If your favorite artist is playing, you’ll need to grab a spot around a good few hours before the show if you want to be close to the stage. There are big screens too.
2019 Mardi Gras Concert Line Up:
- Saturday, February 9 – BUSH
- Saturday, February 16 – Gavin DeGraw
- Sunday, February 17 – Dan + Shay
- Saturday, February 23 – Macklemore
- Saturday, March 2 – Sabrina Carpenter
- Saturday, March 9 – Becky G
- Sunday, March 10 – Sean Paul
- Saturday, March 16 – Steve Miller Band
- Sunday, March 17 – Ziggy Marley
- Saturday, March 23 – NF
- Sunday, March 24 – Pitbull
- Saturday, March 30 – Bazzi
- Sunday, March 31 – To be announced
Sizzling Cajun & Creole Food at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras
The New Orleans French Quarter is the place to get Cajun and Creole food. The whole area is transformed and dedicated to “N’awlins Style Food and Spirits.” Some of the bayous best are featured in the French Quarter Courtyard and the food is available from 4 pm.
Regular favorites will be back, including jambalaya, gumbo, and po boys. This year, the culinary team are serving tasting size. You can try new additions like crab etouffee, catfish po boy and king cake.
Follow up with traditional and delicious beignets and wash it all down with a signature Mardi Gras cocktail. This year there’s a brand new Mimosa Bar. You can get caramel apple, raspberry rosemary and mojito mint to name a few.
Or try a signature cocktail. The non alcoholic Bayou Bog Water includes comes served with gummy worms and fish, blueberry boba beads and a lemonade and ginger ale mix. Other cocktail specials include Carnival Cocktail and Ragin’ Rumbalaya. Or mix it up and have the Vicious Voodoo, a combo of them both!
Craft beer flights featuring regional brews from Louisiana are also available.
All this food is accompanied by the authentic rhythm of Louisiana jazz, blues and zydeco bands. There’s live music from bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street. Music features every single day in the French Quarter during Universal’s Mardi Gras.
French Quarter 2019 Entertainment Line Up:
- February 9 – 17: Dirty Bourbon River Show
- February 18 – 27: Naughty Professor Brass Band
- February 28 – March 18: Free Agents Brass Band featuring Honey Bannister
- March 19 – April 4: New Breed Brass Band
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Tips & Tricks
Want to Party like a Pro? Here’s our top tips to make the most of your time at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras.
#1) Don’t Sweat The Beads!
Don’t panic too much about fighting to get right at the front of the crowd to view the parade. Especially if you don’t have little ones with you. The floats are high and the stilt walkers are super tall. You’ll still see a lot and be able to get your fair share of beads. If you do want to be near the front, make sure you stake a spot at the very least 30 minutes to an hour before the parade starts.
#2) Avoid Concert Crowds
If there’s a concert on when you visit and you’re not too bothered about seeing the act, avoid watching the parade route near Music Plaza Stage. It will be very busy in that area so parade watchers can catch the concert after.
#3) Quick Exit Strategy
If you are planning to leave soon after the parade and want an easy exit strategy, watch the parade somewhere near the exit. The children’s viewing area is by Brown Derby Hat Shop, so it makes it easy to avoid the crowds and exit after the parade.
#4) Make The Most of Food
If your main aim is food, head for the French Quarter Courtyard when it opens at 4pm. It gets busier as the event progresses. It’s located in the New York area of Universal Studios, near Battery Park. Don’t forget Passholders get 10% discount.
#5) Plan Early for Popular Artists
If you’re planning on seeing one of the headline artists and want to be near the front, plan on getting there early to stake out a spot. Some will start camping out in the morning, so you’ll need to a hit a spot early if you want to be near the front. If there’s a crowd of you, take it in turns to keep your spot while the others explore the park.
There are no reserved viewing areas, it’s a first come first serve basis. If you don’t get a spot inside the Stage Plaza area, there are big screens outside the stage area. The atmosphere is still great. Plus you’re closer to the food and beverage!
#6) Watch the Weather
Check the weather forecast. It could get cold at night, especially during February nights. Dress in layers to be prepared for hot or cold weather.
So there you have it. Jump up, dust off your party hat and “Laissez les bons temps rouler” – Let the good times roll.
For all the Universal Mardi Gras details, Click Here for Universal’s site.
Click Here for map to Universal
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