mardi gras info please

[crazibabe]

Hi we're going to be in florida and are wanting to go to the mardi gras in universal studios ( I think ) can anyone tell me what it is like and what happen .finish time ect ??????
thanks

[highlander447]

We went last year it was great parade is usually at park close 8pm then after parade which lasts about 30-45 min the main act comes on stage it finished close to 10.30pm this year its been posted that some rides will be open I know the mummy Jaws & MIB where open last weekend we found mardi gras to be very good but then we stayed onsite so we where only 10 min walk from bed

[opticalhazer]

We went to the Mardi Gras last weekend and it was fabulous! It was certainly a massive highlight of our holiday and it would be a shame to miss it.

There are large floats based on the real mardi gras style and traditional colours and they throw purple, green and gold beads from the trucks and floats down to the crowd.

My only advice is that you MUST stand near the beginning and flee quickly afterwards! We watched from near the Jaws ride....a perfect location. My kids collected 60 necklaces that were thrown down to them and they weren't really trying that hard...they were just sitting in their buggies!!!! After talking to others that stood near the end they could hardly get any.... The views at the beginning were great and no need to wait to long...whereas those standing towards the end of the parade had crowds about 8-9 people deep.

The park filters out straight away and the crowds were HUGE! Once the parade passes walk around the park in the opposite direction and you will get out without any probs before the main crowd follow.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!! xx

[LFH]

Piggybacking here on rupert39's thread, hope you don't mind. :D

We're planning a rest day on Saturday 19th March, but want to book a Scooby and Shaggy character dinner at the Royal Pacific and then go over to Universal for the Mardi Gras after that. We'll probably just want to watch the parade as we'll have four kids with us.

What time would we need to be entering Universal after dinner in order to get a good position near the start of the parade?

For that matter, what IS the route of the parade?

And if we just stay for the parade and then leave, does that mean we'll be out of there around 9 pmish?

TIA!
Lesley

[highlander447]

last year start of parade was at the twister gift shop then down towards shrek past T2 following road around ending at whats the mummy now for your character meal they can't tell u who will be visiting or what time they will be there although they may give u a rough time as fpor the parade I would say about 7.30pm if u want a good spot for parade and yes if u only stay for the parade u will be out about 9

[opticalhazer]

The parade starts at Jaws now and they have slightly changed the route apparently....you MUST be near the beginning to get a good spot...we arrived about 20 mins before and there were no people waiting so that should be enough time.

When it passes walk the opposite way around the park and exit that way and you will be out bu nine (well that was the case when we went but bare in mind it was low season and the first one!) x

[Elouise]

Is the MARDI GRAS on anywhen between 24th April and 10th May please? It sounds like loads of fun!!!

[highlander447]

No I don't think so it usually finishes early April

[Mazzy]

April 9th is the last day of Mardi Gras, sorry. :(