Crowds early March???

[Puffy2]

Can anyone tell me what attendence is like early March? Are weekends really bad or manageable at Universal?

 

[SpideyHulk24]

It all depends. Keep in mind that some areas are on Spring Break during that time so some days may be worse than others as far as attendance. However, if you are staying on site or purchase express passes you have nothing to worry about.

 

[JessicaR]

Weekends in early March also have Mardi Gras going on! We stayed on-site in March and it was packed! More crowded than when we were there in June. Mardi Gras is a great experience, just beware if you have small kids...they can be trampled easily when the beads fly!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Jess,

I should have known that you have gone to Mardi Gras. So tell me all about it. What is there besides the parade/beads, etc?

 

[JessicaR]

Spidey if at all possible you must check it out! It was very exciting and loads of fun! On the weekends they have headliner concerts (sat nite) and not so popular bands on fri evenings. Its been held at USO. They have the nightly parade with amazing floats and entertainers. You can try and get on a float too and you get to throw beads!! Thay have a day parade for the kids thats nice too for the little ones. Specialty drinks and food through out the park in celebration of the event. Mardi Gras memorabilia to buy in the shops. The best is catching those beads and coins...just so much fun! We got to see Hootie last year but they had some other headliners I would have loved to see! We will be doing it again in March as its now my official way to celebrate my B-Day! The parks stay open late and I just love doing the rides at night and seeing the place all lit up.

 

[Puffy2]

Happy Birthday to you in March Jes! I have a March birthday too which is why I wanted to go at that time, but I'm nervous about crowds, increased airfare and high hotel rates (I'm used to going in Jan. when deals are available on everything and the place is empty). With express pass - are weekends ok at the parks during March? Normally I avoid any crowds but that also means missing major events and special stuff.

Ash Wed. is around Feb. 25th this year (the beginning of lent - the Mardi Gras parades in NewOrleans are BEFORE this date - will the Mardi Gras celebration at Universal be AFTER this date? - anyone know from past years?)

Thanks!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

It varies. The Mardi Gras celebration last year started before the lenten season began, then ran well after it. Other years, it has started after the Lenten season. I'm not 100% sure, but it will probably start either that weekend or the one before that. *is not sure*