Mardi Gras and rides question

[HookedOnDCL1]

So I discovered that the two nights we will be at Universal are both Mardi Gras nights. We were thinking of experiencing Mardi Gras the first night (parade, food) and then doing some rides when the concert is on - maybe go to Harry Potter if it is not too crazy busy. The second night we will skip Mardi Gras and just do rides/shows.

The rides will be running right? Will the rides be crazy busy or will most people be at Mardi Gras? Will Harry Potter areas be busy during that time? What about shows - will the Cinematic Spectacular show be running? Anything else I need to consider regarding these 2 evenings that I haven't thought of?

It will be March break so I know it will be busy regardless. We are staying onsite so do have EP and early entry.

Please post your Mardi Gras night experiences. Thanks!

 

[RAPstar]

I got to be in the parade as an AP member 2014. It seemed a little busier because of the concert and parade, but I can't say for sure for the rides since being in the parade takes most of the night, and I was so tired after I went back to the hotel and crashed. I believe all the rides are still open since everything takes place for the most part during park hours. Cinematic Spectacular doesn't go on during Mardi Gras I believe.

 

[damo]

The last time we went during Mardi Gras, only a few rides were open.

 

[DOOM1001]

The rides will be open until park closing time,the concert may run past closing time so at that point its either concert or go home as rides will be closed.The parade will start at 7 something and the concert at 8:30pm.I've been to some of the concerts that ran until after 11pm and by that time the park had been closed for like 2 hours,but I believe those closing times on Mardi Gras may vary.