Mardi Gras Help Again

[momnum1]

We are driving (about 12 hrs) to Orlando Saturday, March 23 to watch my daughter in the parade at WDW on Sunday but can't resist stopping at Universal on the way in. It will be around 6 pm when we get there so I really need help figuring out how to see the parade, which is my top priority, and find some good food before it gets too, too late. We aren't interested in seeing the band or riding anything so that will help with the time. I have never been to this event and both my DH and I have AP's. Plus I'm not very familiar with Citiwalk other that the resturants right along the main walk in front of the water. I know the parade starts at 8 and we should go in the park around 7 for that, but is the food something we can get quickly or will it have to be a sit down meal? Or are there event specific food carts in the park that are serving cajun style food? And, is there a link for the parade route someone wouldn't mind posting?

Sorry, I know I have asked this question before but now I have a more specific time frame...

Thanks!!!!

 

[xApril]

The parade time may not be 8pm. They haven't officially announced what it's going to be. But the week you're coming is going to be busy, so they may have a later parade.

In Citywalk, right when you enter, to the right on the second level, they have Panda Express, Moes, and Burger King for quick food. Otherwise, yes, they do have stands set up in the park that have cajun food such red beans and rice, shrimp gumbo, etc. The stands are located in Gramercy Park which is in New York right across from Twister and near the Mummy.

And this link has all the info including the parade route - http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/Parade.aspx

 

[Metro West]

You can check out my thread to read about my experience this past weekend.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3061710

The parade started at 7:45PM and it was hard finding a good spot by the time I arrived and ate. It is possible to get counter service but Mel's and Louie's were really busy. I didn't see how the booths were...I'll check that out this weekend. You might want to try and grab something outside so you can find a good spot for the parade...which is your main goal.

 

[buckeev]

If a prime viewing spot is important to you, I recommend "securing" a spot well in advance, if possible. While this will be our first Mardi Gras parade, we have spent many hours warming and shining the concrete curbs to stake out a "good" viewing spot for dozens of other Universal (and WDW) parades...(Read: Autistic OC parade/character crazed teenager!)

 

[momnum1]

Thank you all!! I think getting a good viewing spot and then trying out stands will be our best bet, since I would like to get more cajun style food. But if we're starving, we'll just grab a quick bite before even getting to the park.

Just wondering how far in advance they announce the parade times?

And, thanks for posting the thread Metro!

 

[Metro West]

Just wondering how far in advance they announce the parade times?

I saw where the concerts are at 8:30PM through mid-March which means the parade will start anywhere from 7:45PM to 8PM. I think it would be closer to 7:45PM.

 

[cc-atl]

We went on 2/9 and the spots started to fill up about 45 minutes before the parade started.

We got a spot on the curb in front of a trash can which was nice as it acted as a bit of a barrier between us and the others behind us. A 45 minute wait is not ideal but it was not bad. I went to get a dessert for the kids and then they made friends with some kids around them, plus you can see the fireworks from the night show if you get a spot near Mel's where the parade begins.

 

[Jason71]

I saw where the concerts are at 8:30PM through mid-March which means the parade will start anywhere from 7:45PM to 8PM. I think it would be closer to 7:45PM.

Was 7:45 on the dot again Sunday. Imagine this is the new rule until DST kicks in.

 

[Metro West]

Was 7:45 on the dot again Sunday. Imagine this is the new rule until DST kicks in.

Yeah...makes sense.

 

[hydrotony]

I went Sat. Feb. 29 and stood in the AP area which was right near the start where the floats make their first turn. The floats come right at you and then they turn to their left (viewer right). It seemed like a good place but I don't think it was. Because of the turn, the bead throwers were far away and almost all the beads fell short and the people right on the curb got most. Also, it did not seem like many beads were thrown here. The AP area is just a sidewalk wide with trees and high bushes behind. The area was small and the people were crammed in. Next time I will find a spot along a straight portion of the street farther down the route where the bead throwers had some practice and increase their range. I loved the floats but the turn also limited how much you can see. The best bead throwers were in the alligator float. Parade started at 7:45 pm.