Mardi Gras/Where/When to have dinner?

[FrannyK]

We will be at US/IOA for first night of MardiGras. Called HRH today and they still don't know who will be appearing that night. I know the park will close about 8pm, followed by the parade and then a concert. The HRH said the first night may just have one concert and not two like MardiGras nights in March. All the sites I've looked at for last year's MardiGras say that it starts at 5pm but they don't say what exactly is happening from 5 till park closing. Could someone whose been to Mardi Gras clear that up for me?

Where and what time would be good for dinner that night? We have our two teens w/us. Thanks for your help!

 

[3for Me]

Good question - I would like to know also - we will also have children with us but they are younger than teens.

 

[phamton]

Here is the schedule from last year:
http://www.ioacentral.com/universal...al_events/mardi_gras_2004/mardi_gras_2004.htm

 

[FrannyK]

That is exactly the problem: I have looked at last years schedule but it doesn't tell you what is happening from when "MardiGras begins" till the first concert--this two-hour span is the time I am asking about--is that when you should have dinner or should you plan to eat before that? What IS it that is happening these two hours?

 

[phamton]

There are all sorts of New Orleans and Cajun food booths set up all around the park. It is almost like Epcot "eat and drink" around the world. There is music playing and a festive atmospmhere with stilt walkers and Mardi gras costumed employees walking around but no real formal entertainment. Most people are eating, drinking, or riding the rides during that time. The entertainment doesn't start until the parade and concerts. You are on your own until then so that is why you will not find a schedule during those 2 hours. Walk around, enjoy the amazing costumed actors walking around, ride a few rides, and have some shrimp creole.

 

[FrannyK]

Thank you Phantom--that totally clears it up for me! Although we've never been to Epcot (only MK and MGM when the kids were small), I can understand the set-up. It sounds just great! :jumping4: I'm so excited we'll get to experience MardiGras while we are there--I hadn't intentionally planned it that way.

We arrive that day so I think we will have a nice lunch, maybe at the Hard Rock Cafe (I'll make PS reservations) on our way into the parks and then just catch dinner at different booths later on.

The next day is Superbowl Sunday, and just in case the Eagles make it, I rented a cabana (a surprise for DH) to watch the game

 

[drumflower]

I can't wait until we find out who is playing on Feb. 5 ( my birthday) !!! We have a ps at Tchoup Chop and hopefully be able to see the parade after dinner!

 

[travelin' tigger]

Can't wait to find out who'll be there!!!

drumflower - sent you a pm!!!

 

[Count Grub of Mooch]

Hello All!

I'm going to be at Universal during that time as well.

Wasn't sure it was worth going to the Mardi Gras parade with a 7, 9 and 11 year old.

Does anyone think it is?

What is HRH and what kind of concert is everyone talking about?

 

[phamton]

I am sure your kids will love the Mardi Gras parade. HRH is Hard Rock Hotel, one of the hotesl on site. They have free concerts during Mardi Gras inside Universal Studios park.

 

[Momto2Minnies]

So is the parade at 8:00pm when the park closes? When is the concert? How late does the park stay open for this stuff? Thanks, we haven't been to USO yet and will be there in Feb for the 1st time.

 

[JessicaR]

Wasn't sure it was worth going to the Mardi Gras parade with a 7, 9 and 11 year old.

My kids loved Mardi Gras. The appeal of catching beads thrown from the floats is HUGE! Just a small warning...be careful where you stand and of your surroundings, my son was knocked to the ground trying to reach for some beads! Not so easy to see the little ones in the crowds.

 

[phamton]

The parade is usually at 8:00. They say that is park closing only because the rides are closed. The concerts usually start around 8:30 so there are still things open like stores and food/alcohol booths for quite awhile, until the last concert ends.

 

[sweetpeakaris]

Is the Food at the Mardi Gras Free?

 

[phamton]

Is the Food at the Mardi Gras Free?

No, it isn't free.

 

[FrannyK]

Hello All Just checked Universal website and I almost fainted when I saw what we are in for on Feb 5th Appearing will be "Musicians 4 Disaster Relief" who include:
* Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora
* Cheap Trick's Robin Zander
* Eddie Money
* Twisted Sister's Dee Snider
* Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner
* AC/DC's Brian Johnson
* Three Dog Night's Chuck Negron
* Rick Derringer
* The Allman Brothers' Dickey Betts
* Michael Bolton
* and many more!

I wonder how this will work time-wise since there are so many artists appearing in one night? WOW!!

 

[drumflower]

What a great b-day concert for me! When the word gets out they might even get more famous people performing. Will we have to pay big bucks to see the concert since it is a benifit?

 

[Harley-Mouse]

Hi I think it will be cool for the DD 7, DS 4, DD 19 months to see the parade. My question is this are the parkes more crowed on the days of the parades.We will be there on the first Sat Feb 5. In the past we went on the sunday of the supperbowl and found the parks to be empty. Would go on Sun if this means we will have to deal with less of a crowd. Only going one day and would like to hit all the good rides in bouth parks. This was not a problem the last time we when on supperbowl sunday.

 

[travelin' tigger]

I've never been to a concert at US/IOA so have a couple questions.

Where do they hold the concerts? Concerts will be held at US, maybe the Boneyard like last year, but hasn't been finalized.
Do you think I'll be able to record the concert? I don't want to bring my camcorder if the answer is no - anyone know the policy?? No videotaping will be allowed.

TIA!!!

 

[FrannyK]

The concert is included w/your Universal Parks admission ticket. I called today and they said they think the concert will still be in the evening w/each artist performing one song.