Mardi Gras questions

[gigi from canada]

• So our family will be there on 3 Mardi Gras nights. We are Power pass holders and 2 of those days are blocked but we can gain entrance after 5pm. This is ok for us. If anyone knows if this has changed for Power pass holders, please advise.
  
  I have also read that
  -The Annual Passholder viewing area is in front of Mel’s Drive-In, right at the start of the parade.
  -American Express Card Holders get their own special viewing area along Delancey Street in the New York backlot.
  
  We are both. Which one is preferable? We would like to see the parade but we are not willing to hold a place for more than 30 minutes.
  

 

[lvdis]

I can't help with your questions, but it got me thinking about possible wait times for a spot to view the parade, so I thought this might be a good place to ask a couple of questions.

1. How far in advance do people typically show up to get a good spot? I don't qualify for either of the special viewing areas.
2. We will be there for 2 Mardi Gras nights; Sat, 3/12 and Sun 3/13. Would one night be better crowd wise than the other?

Thanks!

 

[SnackCredit]

Most of the Mardi Gras stuff happens at night, so you wouldn't be missing much by showing up after 5.

 

[lvdis]

Thought I'd bump this up now that the Mardi Gras activities have started for this year. Any insight on where to watch the parade and what time to be in that spot would be greatly appreciated. Any other tips? We aren't planning to see either of the concerts, just view the parade on Sat or Sun. Thanks!

 

[PammyK]

It really all depends on the crowds that day. I'd guess that the Amex area may be less busy than the AP area but I can't be certain as I have a couple places that I go for parade watching so I don't really pay attention to any other locations. As far as when to get there, if you'd like a front row spot, you'll want to claim it fairly early.

With regard to which night to go, I think it is a crap shoot because there are so many factors involved. Two that immediately come to mind are:

• The Fray on Saturday vs Adam Lambert on Sunday
• Local Spring Break - one local county will be out the week of the 13th which could impact Sunday crowds

At this point, I'm just not sure which will be better. I'm kind of leaning toward Sunday because even though my sources indicate Adam Lambert will be the more popular concert that weekend, that could work in your favor because people may forego parade viewing in order to secure a good concert viewing location. Also, out of 6 local counties, only one will be on spring break so most kids will still need to get up for school on Sunday morning.