When most people think of Mardi Gras, they immediately picture the French-style streets and balconies of New Orleans, Louisiana. While New Orleans might be home to the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, Orlando is home to the second largest!
The Orlando Mardi Gras festival takes place in Universal Studios, and it is a truly incredible experience that visitors will definitely want to be a part of. If you haven’t had the chance to attend Orlando’s Mardi Gras festival in the past, read on to learn about what you can expect as well as how to plan for the excitement of this amazing event.
When Does it Take Place?
Perhaps the best thing about the Universal Studios Orlando Mardi Gras celebration is the fact that it is much longer than the short three-day celebration in New Orleans. In Orlando, events take place all the way from the beginning of February to the end of April, which means that you can take part even if you miss the actual Tuesday of Mardi Gras. While there are fun Mardi Gras-themed events throughout the period between February and April, the real fun takes place on weekends, which is when you will find parades and amazing free concerts by big name performers like Pitbull, Demi Lovato and the All-American Rejects.
Where Does Orlando’s Mardi Gras Happen?
While much of Orlando gets swept up in the festivities, the official Orlando Mardi Gras celebration takes place in the Universal Studios theme park. There are several ways to get to the park, but most visitors will choose to drive there and park in the many lots. However, those who plan to indulge in a few alcoholic beverages will want to rely on an alternative form of transportation in order to be safe. There are a number of hotel shuttles that will bring you to and from the park during Mardi Gras for a reasonable price, but you can also get a taxi from the exit at any time. Expect a wait if you choose to seek out a taxi right at the time of City Walk closing, which is 2 a.m. on weekend nights.
How Do You Get Tickets?
There are no specific tickets just for the Mardi Gras event or concerts at Universal Studios Orlando. Instead, you will need to buy an entrance ticket to the park itself and then stay for the nighttime celebrations. If you live in the area and you want to enjoy several of the Mardi Gras events, you can buy special passes that will grant you entrance after 5 p.m., but these are really only worth the expense if you plan to come at least three times.
What Takes Place During Orlando’s Mardi Gras?
Just like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Orlando Universal Studios version is a fun celebration that includes tasty Cajun cuisine, parades, beads and plenty of great live music. The 14 concerts held from February to April are a big part of the event, but that isn’t all that there is to offer. The French Quarter Courtyard boasts classic cocktails straight out of Bourbon Street and spicy jambalaya, and you can also catch some colored beads from floats in the Mardi Gras parade.
Is Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Suitable for All Ages?
The themed festivities in the park itself are perfectly suitable for all ages, but the free nightly concerts may not be enjoyed by younger guests. The continuation of the party, held at City Walk after the park closes, is only meant for those over the age of 21.
For an incredible Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans, you will love the annual event held in Universal Studios Orlando.
https://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/
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