MARDI GRAS PICS-2014-Post Them Here

[buckeev]

Show us your USO Mardi Gras photos!

 

[schumigirl]

Yay........nice idea..........looking forward to seeing some of those.

We're not likely to ever go this time of year, so be nice to see some pics of MG

 

[Metro West]

I didn't go last night because of the weather. I'll post em when I get em.

I'm going to stick this thread for the photos and reports.

 

[PammyK]

I'll try to get some photos up if I can but mine aren't great.

I really liked the new floats for this year and was glad that they were able to incorporate the new for 2013 floats (Mexico/Day of the Dead), China, India) as well.

Ended up with 28 strands of beads despite draping a good dozen around the neck of the cute kid from the family we met while waiting for the parade to start. Also got clocked in the face with beads a number of times - ouch! We were toward the end of the parade route and they still seemed to have lots of beads coming off the floats. I almost left with 2 coins (caught one on the fly, yay me!) but gave one to my friend and one to the nice lady standing behind us. Figure I'll be back several more times so I'll have plenty of chances.

Maybe my memory is failing but it seemed like the Riverboat float had some cosmetic work done - it seemed fresher than last year.

 

[PammyK]

First New Float - Around the World by Air





Second New Float - Around the World by Rail





Third New Float - Around the World on the Sea

 

[PammyK]

Unfortunately, these aren't the best pictures but I thought people might like to see some of the performers and costumes.

Steampunk inspired Stilt-Walker - new costumes


Mardi Gras royalty (first night) - existing costumes




*************Random Performers*************

Most performers will be on stilts, but on inclement weather days, may be street level.

Robin Thicke/Blurred Lines inspired? Just kidding.


Mexico/Dia De Los Muertos performer


India performer - I wish this was a better picture because this young lady is simply beautiful, as is her costume.

 

[PammyK]

And here are some photos of the returning floats...

The classic Riverboat has been given a facelift and looks great with the updated lighting and sparkling smokestacks. Unfortunately this float did not make an appearance on Feb 15. Hopefully this was just a one-time technical glitch and not a permanent removal.


King Gator is back to close out the parade




The India float that was introduced last year is back. So are the Mexico and China floats, but I wasn't able to get any decent photos of them yet.

 

[xApril]

If anyone was there 2/16, I'd love to see photos. My boyfriend and I were on the Day of the Dead float.

 

[buckeev]

Great pics Guys-n-Gals! My son really enjoys looking at them! (of course-so do I!!!)

Keep 'em comin'!

 

[PammyK]

If anyone was there 2/16, I'd love to see photos. My boyfriend and I were on the Day of the Dead float.

Sorry, didn't make it over on Sunday but I think some friends might have. If any of them have pix of that float I'll see if I can get you a copy.

 

[xApril]

Sorry, didn't make it over on Sunday but I think some friends might have. If any of them have pix of that float I'll see if I can get you a copy.

Thank you!

 

[PammyK]

Well, I got some more photos yesterday during the pre-parade Meet and Greet. Sorry about the so-so quality - the weather made for terrible light conditions, especially since I use my phone's camera and not a fancy-dancy camera with cool lenses and gizmos.

I really think they did a fantastic job with the stiltwalker costumes for this year's new units - love the kind of steampunk vibe they have going on. What do you think and which are your favorites?




























Next up - returning/classic Mardi Gras characters.

 

[PammyK]

Classic Mardi Gras costumes



Beautiful and sweet




Mardi Gras Royal Court


Chinese New Year introduced in 2013

 

[PammyK]

I know there will be others visiting Universal for Mardi Gras and sharing photos, but in the meantime, does anybody have anything specific that they'd like to see photos of? I tend to meet up with my friends most Saturdays, so if there is something you want to see, I will do my best to get a photo for you.

 

[rangebob]

I know that the Jester float is back as I was on it on Saturday 3/15. They said that it was just redone.

 

[PammyK]

Am I the only one visiting Universal during Mardi Gras? Or maybe I'm just the only one visiting weekly, lol.

I actually got to ride on a float yesterday - left side of King Gator's tail. Great fun but hard work too. Unfortunately, no photos from the float.

But here are a few new photos for anyone interested.





The back of the Sail Away float...


Some of the Stilt Walkers on terra firma due to weather...



Beautiful girls in beautiful costumes...

 

[schumigirl]

Lovely pics Pam........looks like so much fun there......Thanks for posting

 

[PammyK]

Lovely pics Pam........looks like so much fun there......Thanks for posting

Thanks, I'm happy to share some pics since I know a lot of people won't get to experience Universal Mardi Gras Grand Celebration in person. But if you can take a springtime trip to Florida, it is really an awesome experience, especially if you can get there on a night with a good concert. I'm fortunate to live nearby and have an amazing group of friends with whom I can share the fun each week.

If there is anything particular that you, or anyone else, would like me to try to get a picture of, just let me know and I'll do my best to oblige.

 

[buckeev]

Thanks for the cool pix PK!
We went for the first time last year and had a great time! Doubtful we'll get back for this year's, but still trying to get "permission" from the proper authority!

 

[FINFAN]

if anyone has video or pic's from the parade Friday night, March 28th~PLEASE post them! My DD was on the Alligator float..had no idea it was gong to happen! She had a blast throwing beads to the crowd lol.

Thanks to anyone who can help me out!