Mardi Gras Ride and Dine?

[AngieInOH]

Which would you choose for dining? Choices are Cowfish, NBC, Finnigan, and Lombards. 1st visit to Universal so I don't have any experiences with any of them.

How's the bugers at Cowfish? Our family isn't into sushi but Cowfish is an option for the Mardi Gras Ride and Dine.

 

[DisneyMom93]

Cowfish has great burgers and their CheeseBurgushi Rolls are fun. They are ground beef “sushi.” Cooked ground beef in sushi style rolls.

I like the shepherds pie at Finnegan’s. But Cowfish is probably more fun just because it’s different.

I do think the advantage to Finnegan’s is you don’t have to leave the park.

 

[kdotandy]

I’ve been contemplating this add-on as well but I wanted to share my apprehension in case it’s something you haven’t considered. Doing this takes a huge chunk of the day. I assumed you’d get a voucher for the meal and go eat when you want, but you actually have to eat at a specific time (3:30 or 4:30 depending on the parade time that day). With that in mind, similar to what @DisneyMom93 said, you have to leave the park to go to Cowfish so that’s additional time “lost” on your park day if you’re also trying to fit in rides.

 

[AngieInOH]

I’ve been contemplating this add-on as well but I wanted to share my apprehension in case it’s something you haven’t considered. Doing this takes a huge chunk of the day. I assumed you’d get a voucher for the meal and go eat when you want, but you actually have to eat at a specific time (3:30 or 4:30 depending on the parade time that day). With that in mind, similar to what @DisneyMom93 said, you have to leave the park to go to Cowfish so that’s additional time “lost” on your park day if you’re also trying to fit in rides.

This certainly is a consideration. But we have 4 park days and unlimited express so I don't think it will impact us too much. I think the experience would be something my family would never forget.

 

[shh]

I’ve been contemplating this add-on as well but I wanted to share my apprehension in case it’s something you haven’t considered. Doing this takes a huge chunk of the day. I assumed you’d get a voucher for the meal and go eat when you want, but you actually have to eat at a specific time (3:30 or 4:30 depending on the parade time that day). With that in mind, similar to what @DisneyMom93 said, you have to leave the park to go to Cowfish so that’s additional time “lost” on your park day if you’re also trying to fit in rides.

Also, as someone who's done the float ride several times, just a head's up: it's about a 2-2.5 hour commitment for parade portion. There's about 60-90 min pre-parade prep - you are required to check in by a certain time, be assigned a float, get your crew costume, hear detailed instructions and board. There's a LOT of waiting around. Then about 45 min for the parade itself.

It's a blast and I wouldn't talk anyone out of doing it - just realize the time commitment upfront - and know that if you're also trying to see a Mardi Gras concert that night, you will likely miss the first 10-15 minutes of it.

I would choose Finnegans - the food isn't gourmet, but the Irish atmosphere is fun, the bar is good, if you enjoy a cocktail and you're right in the heart of the park. Cowfish is ok, but you can always eat at a regular restaurant anytime. Would seem more fun to be right in the park as part of the event.

 

[kdotandy]

This certainly is a consideration. But we have 4 park days and unlimited express so I don't think it will impact us too much. I think the experience would be something my family would never forget.

I agree, definitely worth it with the amount of days you all are going and the bonus of the express pass! Would love to hear how it goes once you come back!

 

[AngieInOH]

I would choose Finnegans - the food isn't gourmet, but the Irish atmosphere is fun, the bar is good, if you enjoy a cocktail and you're right in the heart of the park. Cowfish is ok, but you can always eat at a regular restaurant anytime. Would seem more fun to be right in the park as part of the event.

This is all great info! I'm definitely between Finnigans and Cowfish. There's someone in our Party that wants to eat at Cowfish but Finnigan's is a contender because of the reason's you stated.

 

[xipotec]

We are signed up at Cowfish…

Good heads up on the total time it takes…I was afraid of that.

But its on Valentines day and our 24th wedding anniversary….so something special seems warrented.

 

[AngieInOH]

Decided on and booked Cowfish! Going to give to the family at Christmas. So excited to be able to do this with my family!

 

[xipotec]

So are you given a certain amount of beads? So you have to ration them through the parade?

LOL

 

[wdwrule]

So are you given a certain amount of beads? So you have to ration them through the parade?

LOL

There are TONS of beads on each float which they constantly replenish. They advise to pace yourself a little and throw one string at a time but there are plenty to constantly throw from our experience. There will be a bunch on a hook in front of you and tons more in boxes to replenish in groupings banded by a paper ring.

 

[xipotec]

There are TONS of beads on each float which they constantly replenish. They advise to pace yourself a little and throw one string at a time but there are plenty to constantly throw from our experience. There will be a bunch on a hook in front of you and tons more in boxes to replenish in groupings banded by a paper ring.


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Holy cow! What great info!

So that day is our 24th wedding anniversery, you think they might let us pick our float or something if we mention it?

My wife has no idea we are doing this!

 

[wdwrule]

I’m not sure but I guess it’s worth a shot. When we did it last year, it was a lottery system in the app so we got what we got. I’m assuming they’ll pre-assign you to a float so everyone is evenly distributed.

 

[Susan2771]

This certainly is a consideration. But we have 4 park days and unlimited express so I don't think it will impact us too much. I think the experience would be something my family would never forget.

Definitely so worth it. I have done the Mardi Gras floats 3 times with my family over the years and they are memories we will never forget. It is so much fun. I often look at the photos on my phone of my girls and husband throwing beads and smile at the memories. Make sure you also get a chance to be on the receiving end and watch the parade one time! Enjoy!!

 

[NJlauren]

I am debating trying to swing a quick trip and do this with my 8 year old! I think she would love it.

@shh thanks for alll the info on the timing! So that’s 2/2.5 hours on top of the meal….

 

[xipotec]

Would they let you wear a mask and your own Mardi Gras type clothing?

I saw on video that showed what appeared to be guests wearing masks.

 

[christophfam]

They give you Mardi Gras clothing to wear. At least pre Covid they did.

 

[wdwrule]

Here’s one of the tunics they’ll give you to wear while on the float. Depending on the float, there are different colors of ‘uniforms’. Whatever float you’re assigned to, you’ll get a designated tunic of that theme/color to wear.

 

[Susan2771]

Would they let you wear a mask and your own Mardi Gras type clothing?

I saw on video that showed what appeared to be guests wearing masks.

My daughter wore her mask without any issue and this was in February. Had to wear a festive tunic that was provided. Many riders though did have there own Mardi Gras accessories like necklaces that glowed or giant beads, feathers and hats that they wore during the parade.