Mardi Gras at US??

[Slacking]

If you have younger kids, try viewing the parade from the designated area set aside for kids. I haven't done it myself, but I can imagine that area wouldn't be quite as filled with adults trying to snatch beads.

 

[ddisneymom]

If I could ask someone where does the parade take place?? Is there a spot where it takes place? I will be down there 2/18 and my 14 year wants to see MG, does this take place after the oark closes?? Does it run during the day?? Please anyone with info help this mom. thank you. :earsgir
l:

 

[yaytezIOA]

I'm with Slacking, the concerts I've seen all went way over 20 minutes--usually at least an hour.

Maybe they were longer, but I remember Hootie & the Blowfish only being about 20 mins or so.
As far as the kid friendly, it all depends. I do know how to avoid the crowds, and going without a stroller is one of them. Nothing more annoying than a person with a stroller rambling through expecting to get by, just because they have a stroller. I really dont want to give up my spot, but the area right by Mels Diner...I think the old Herc/xena building...is a good place to watch from. Get there early, settle down and make sure you have everything you need to watch the parade. If you move your feet, you lose your seat! Last year we went during the extended portions of MG, maybe thats why it wasnt as unruly and the concert wasnt as long...who knows.

 

[Slacking]

If I could ask someone where does the parade take place?? Is there a spot where it takes place? I will be down there 2/18 and my 14 year wants to see MG, does this take place after the oark closes?? Does it run during the day?? Please anyone with info help this mom. thank you. :earsgir
l:

The parade takes place thoughout parts of the Universal Studios park (Production Central, New York, and I think Hollywood to be more exact). The parade starts most weekends the same time the park closes. A day ticket to the park is all you need to see the parade/concert.

Yaytez, I saw the B-52's back in '04 (along with most of KC and the Sunshine band and some of Cyndi Lauper in '05..... or was she '04 also, I forget) and they all went on longer than 20 minutes.

 

[bscs]

We have been to wdw twice but have never been to US. We are going for the 1st time in Feb. We only have time for one day. We decided on US instead of IOA.
Is the Mardi Gras parade and concert @ US?
We haven't decided which day of the week we will go to US. Should we pick Sat. for the Mardi Gras? Or will this take to much time away from our only day to do the rides?
It sounds like a lot of fun that we shouldn't miss since we may never have a chance to go back.
What time dose it start? What time should we start finding a place? And are we standing the whole time or are there seats? Is the concert able to be seen from anyplace we are placed watching the parade?

 

[Jason71]

New show added for March 4--Randall Bramblett.

Not trying to be sarcastic, but has anyone ever heard of this guy? Checked out his website figuring maybe he was a one-hit wonder or something, but it doesn't seem that way. Just curious.

 

[Slacking]

New show added for March 4--Randall Bramblett.

Not trying to be sarcastic, but has anyone ever heard of this guy? Checked out his website figuring maybe he was a one-hit wonder or something, but it doesn't seem that way. Just curious.

Simple answer to this.

Each night of MG there are 2 bands, an opener and a headliner. My guess is that this Bramblett guy is the first concert and Bonnie Raitt will be the headliner.

The first concert each night is a local artist/band. Not sure if this guy is, but its a possible explanation.

ETA: looks like this guy is doing several concerts opening for Raitt.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Actually no flames from me. I don't think Mardi Gras is very kid friendly. It is very, very crowded and no place for strollers to push through the crowds. I have seen some drunken behavior and even a fist fight over beads. I certainly wouldn't bring young kids, older kid would be fine.

I know that Yaytez has gone many times (and is a Universal pro) and so he knew what to expect. Bringing his 3 year old was fine but if you haven't been before with little kids, I wouldn't recommend it especially if you are expecting it to be kid friendly.

Bev you are right.. I didn't think of the ages.. Kiley was like 8 or 9 when I first took her so she was older... & yes, I have seen the fights over the beads, the drunks falling off the curb and I did use that as an example of what one looks like when they are intoxicated... and they (dd's) should never lower themselves to looking like that So is it family friendly, no to toddlers & yes for older kids....
poster I responded to was wondering about a 14 yr old.. and yeah 14 is safe, they can even fend for themselves when the out of hand adults grab the beads out of their hands... which I too have seen.
I know I have tried to teach mine that if there is a younger child there, mine have already caught beads, the next set they catch goes to the younger child near them It teaches mine to share & makes younger ones very happy...

 

[wright1baby]

Obviously the Saturdays that are having the concerts are going to be more crowded, Does this affect the crowd level during the week??

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Simple answer to this.

Each night of MG there are 2 bands, an opener and a headliner. My guess is that this Bramblett guy is the first concert and Bonnie Raitt will be the headliner.

The first concert each night is a local artist/band. Not sure if this guy is, but its a possible explanation.

ETA: looks like this guy is doing several concerts opening for Raitt.

This year, Universal is bringing in a lot of local bands from New Orleans.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-tourism1606jan16,0,6223620.story

Universal Orlando will showcase musicians from New Orleans during the theme park's upcoming Mardi Gras celebration, giving performers struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina a stage for their talents.

Called "Celebrate the Music of New Orleans," the Universal program will feature 11 New Orleans musical acts -- bands that have performed in the city's nightclubs, blues cafes and even on street corners.

Every Saturday night from Feb. 11 through April 22 at Universal Studios, a different group will perform with jazz, zydeco and blues music. Kicking off the program is Creole banjo player Don Vappie.

Universal Orlando has partnered with Tipitina's Foundation in New Orleans to employ the bands. Tipitina's, a well-known restaurant and bar, has hosted Louisiana music icons for more than 27 years and has formed a foundation to assist local artists. Universal Orlando will donate $10,000 to the Tipitina's Foundation in the bands' names.

"We're honored to lend a helping hand to support the music community of New Orleans," Jim Timon, Universal Orlando's senior vice president of entertainment, said in a statement.

The Mardi Gras 2006 concert series, also each Saturday from Feb. 11 through April 22, will feature live performances from such groups and musicians as Hall & Oates, Kid Rock, Bonnie Raitt and Earth, Wind and Fire.

The Mardi Gras valid after 5 p.m. ticket returns this year and is applicable any one Saturday night from Feb. 11 through April 22 and can be bought for $42.95 plus tax. Florida residents can save $10 off a Mardi Gras valid after 5 p.m. ticket with a specially marked Wendy's coupon or a Coca-Cola 24-pack at select Winn-Dixie locations. Florida ID is required.

 

[bscs]

Most of the schedual is NOW out. Look @ US web site. We will be there On Feb.25th Which is LL Cool J ! We are not into rap but are excited to see him anyway. I just hope he will keep his songs family friendly. Do you think he will leave the BAD words out of his songs for the childrens sake?

 

[Scratch42]

Thanks for the Heads Up!

Earth, Wind and Fire!

George Thorogod is there the weekend before but don't know if it would be worth it. Decisions, Decisions!

janet

 

[yaytezIOA]

Talk about a tough decision! LL or George Thorogood, or Bonnie Rait....or Earth Wind and Fire, or Kool and the Gang.....or....heck I have an AP, why not do them all?

 

[All Aboard]

Question. On Feb 11, 18 & 25, USF closes at 8:00pm. Is it a safe assumption that the parade will begin at 8:00pm? Thanks.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

It's a safe assumption.