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Laissez le bon temps rouler! Let the Good Times Roll!
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Ready for its Annual Festival!
It’s hard to believe a whole year has passed, but get ready … Big Easy is coming back to the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Festival and once again, they are rolling out the red carpet. for this year’s festivities.
Starting February 3rd and running nightly thru April 7th, this may just be the longest running Mardi Gras there is. Put on your party hats and beads and get ready to enjoy the best food, drinks, and music … imported straight from Louisiana for the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Festival!
Mardi Gras Orlando Florida 2018 at Universal Studios
Let the Parade Begin!
Anyone who’s ever been to Mardi Gras knows that it centers around its monumental parades. With its flambuoyant floats, costumed dancers, and even stilt walkers, be prepared to catch plenty of those purple, gold, and green beads. Once again, these beautiful floats will be the designs of Kern Studios, a company that has created floats in New Orleans for over 60 years .. so be sure to get out there and see these genuine works of art.
This year, nightly parades will roll down the streets starting at various times from 5:15 to 7:45. Be sure to visit www.UniversalOrlando.com to view the complete parade schedule. If you have the kiddos with you, don’t sweat it, there will be a Little Jester’s Viewing Area set up in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop. Access to the children’s area opens daily one hour before the parade so plan to arrive early.
Good Eats at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras
If you’re like us, then finding good food is always high on the list when traveling. Mardi Gras at Universal will definitely not disappoint the Foodies! Delight in all your Cajun favorites such as jambalaya, gumbo, etoufee, shrimp, crawfish, oysters, red beans ‘n rice, po boys, and a beignet for dessert! To find the food … Universal’s New York area will be transformed into an authentic New Orleans French Quarter Courtyard.
Upcoming Concerts at the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Celebration
So you’ve enjoyed the parade and some great food … lest we leave out the music! Universal has outdone itself this year with a complete roster of Lousiana jazz, blues, and xydeco bands, as well as booking some top-tier national touring artists.
Bands performing in the French Quarter this year are the Free Agents Brass Band (Feb 3-20), Naughty Professor Brass Band (Feb 21-Mar 6), New Breed Brass Band (Mar 7-20), Young Pinstripe Brass Band (Mar 21-31), and Dirty Bourbon River Show (Apr 1-7). So be sure to get out to enjoy and show your support for these incredibly talented bands on loan from Louisiana!
And if you’re up for even more music … check out this Concert List with artists appearing on select nights thru-out the Universal Orlando Mardi Gras season:
Sean Paul – Feb 3
Beach Boys – Feb 10
Kelsea Ballerini – Feb 17
Andy Grammer – Feb 18
Macklemore – Feb 24
311 – Mar 3
Phillip Phillips – Mar 4
Artist to be announced – Mar 10
Fitz and the Tantrums – Mar 11
Foreigner – Mar 17
Fifth Harmony – Mar 18
Artist to be announced – Mar 24
Bush – Mar 25
According to the Universal Orlando website, all the festivities are included with your theme park admission, Annual Pass or Seasonal Pass. However, Seasonal Passholders are blocked out of Universal Studios Florida™ the entire day on Mardi Gras concert dates.
Orlando Vacation Home Rentals:
This article is brought to you courtesy of Orlando Vacation Homes 360. If you are planning a visit to the Orlando/Kissimmee area, please take a moment to view our vast selection of vacation rental homes available at www.OrlandoVacationHomes360.com.
