Mardi Gras and children

[Mazzy]

Hi

I've just noticed that the last night of Mardi Gras at Universal is during our stay in Orlando, and I'm wondering whether to go see it. My children are 11 and 14. What are the crowds like for the parade? Would they be able to see anything or it is just one big crush?

We would be making a trip to Universal from our Disney Resort just to see the Mardi Gras event on the Saturday, as we are already booked in to Hard Rock Hotel for 2 nights the following week.

Do you think it is worth a special trip? We are from the UK and thought it might be great to see it, but just a bit worried about the children if it's very crowded and they are just going to get crushed.

What do you think?

Thanks for any advice on this.

 

[jehma]

My kids (ages 11, 8, 4) enjoyed the parade. They caught a million necklaces each. I wouldn't make a special trip for it though.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Hey! Mardi Gras can be a lot of fun, and as well as they are with a few adults, they should be okay. However, you do have an occassional rude person or two, who will either shove, run in front of you to catch beads, etc... But if you make a point to stand your ground and explain you have KIDS here, usually they'll back off and let your kids have fun (and annoy somebody a few yards down...lol). I'd personally say to try checking it out. Remember that the concert that evening could have an impact on the type of people who'll be there as well... but I've personally enjoyed Mardi Gras...if you decide to see the concert afterward, don't worry about being by the stage...hang near Monster's Cafe or something...less apt to get crushed (would be an issue for adults as well at these things anyway).

BTW - some viewing spots are better than others. One place I recommend is the covered area by Mel's Drive-in, where there is an outdoor queue (but no attraction...same building as Monster's Cafe). Not too many people would be behind you, and some nights it's not as crowded as other sections of the park. Another good spot is by the small arcade (across from Louie's Italian restaurant...but don't get confused with the larger arcade next to Mummy).

HTH!

 

[Mazzy]

That's a great help, thanks for that Clare.

Do you have any idea of the schedule for the parade/concert at all? The park opening hours for that day say it will shut at 7pm, I'm assuming the Mardi Gras will go on later than that?

Thanks

 

[3for Me]

My children 8,6 and 5 have to endure the crowds at the REAL Mardi Gras every year and they are fine. Just keep a close eye out.

I believe I read that some of the "festivities" related to the celebration start around 5:30 or so, then the parade and concert comes later -although I have never been, so hopefully someone who has can answer your question definitively.

 

[Mazzy]

3forMe - I'm glad your children enjoy the real thing, it must be fantastic!

 

[3for Me]

Mazzy -

Completely off topic from your original question -

Mardi Gras in New Orleans gets a bad rap from the national press. It really can be (and in many ways is) a VERY family oriented event. There are sooooo many ways to avoid the naughtiness that goes on (mostly done by young college-aged tourists). The majority of that stuff takes place in the French Quarter - where, by the way no parades roll. So if you avoid the French Quarter in the evenings after the parades you are fine.

You should consider going sometime. Most folks that bring a family and know what they are doing by asking the locals have a wonderful experience.

 

[Mazzy]

It must be absolutely great to see 'the real thing'. I have seen a holiday programme showing some of the parade and it looks a lot of fun. Unfortunately being in the UK it is out of our reach at the mo, as WDW keeps calling us!

 

[lele]

I heading to the parade tonight with my 6 yr old. As long as you aren't in the French Quarter, there are no problems. Even if something should happen that isn't appropriate, the police will stop the person. If you ever get a chance to go to New Orleans, it a really great place.

We will be watching the parade on 2/5 in Universal, so I hope it is close to the "real thing".