need info on Mardi gras

[deelam]

I just found out that the last night of Mardi Gras will be the date we arrive, 4/30. Can anyone tell me about Mardi Gras? Also, Hootie and the blowfish will be performing. Where do they play? Do you think it will be hard to get a decent seat to see them? Also, do they have rides open during Mardi Gras? From what I can tell, it looks like the park closes at 8, but the celebration will still be going on.

 

[Metro West]

I just found out that the last night of Mardi Gras will be the date we arrive, 4/30. Can anyone tell me about Mardi Gras? Also, Hootie and the blowfish will be performing. Where do they play? Do you think it will be hard to get a decent seat to see them? Also, do they have rides open during Mardi Gras? From what I can tell, it looks like the park closes at 8, but the celebration will still be going on.

Mardi Gras is winding up this year with Hootie. The concerts take place at the studios in the space across from the Monster Cafe and it's SRO..no seats. They usually have the bigger rides (Twister, ROTM, Shrek, etc.) operating during that time.

 

[deelam]

What about the food vendors. Do they have vendors with cajun food set up along the streets? If so, Are the vendors up all day, or only at night? I think I will skip doing dinner at city walk so that we can sample the food at Mardi gras.

 

[deelam]

I have another question. Where is the best place to watch the parade with kids?

 

[phamton]

The cajun food vendor booths are only open in the evening from about 6:00 PM until the concert is over. I like watching the parade over by Jaws near that bathroom just across the bridge. The parade starts between jaws and the old wild west stadium. You can watch it there and then head across the bridge toward BTTF and walk toward mel's and catch it again. It is too crowded by Mel's to catch many beads but over by Jaws you will catch plenty of beads.

 

[Figment22]

I have another question. Where is the best place to watch the parade with kids?

We just got back from Universal. We were at the parade on Saturday night. There are the Little Jesters' Viewing Areas which provides viewing for children under age nine located in front of Jimmy Neutron and in front of Earthquake. The Family Viewing Area is located across the street from Twister. You should also keep in mind that there is a Mini Character Parade at 2:00 p.m. which is usually a surprise to most people. My kids got LOTS of beads during the mini-parade. The mini parade begins in the area between the Horror Make-Up Show and Cafe LaBamba, winds its way over to the New York area (Fifth Ave.), back down the Plaza of the Stars and then to Hollywood Boulevard. It's a smaller route than the nighttime parade.

Have fun!!

 

[deelam]

My 9 year old's favorite ride is Jaws, is that open during Mardi Gras?

We may try to catch the parade by Jaws if it is.

 

[deelam]

I just want to find out a little more on the food. Can anyone tell me what they have. I'm not really familar with cajun. I do like spicy food. My kids are picky eaters.
Is there anyplace I can see a listing of what the food vendors are serving?

 

[deelam]

I found some info on Mardi Gras, here it is:

Parade Times:

February 5, 2005 - 8:00 PM
February 12, 2005 - 8:00 PM
February 19, 2005 - 8:00 PM
February 26, 2005 - 8:00 PM
March 5, 2005 - 8:00 PM
March 12, 2005 - 8:00 PM
March 19, 2005 - 9:00 PM
March 26, 2005 - 9:00 PM
April 2, 2005 - 9:00 PM
April 9, 2005 - 8:00 PM
April 16, 2005 - 8:00 PM
April 23, 2005 - 8:00 PM
April 30, 2005 - 8:00 PM
Parade Route:

Amity Avenue, The Embarcadero, South Street, Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive, Plaza of the Stars, 57th Street, 5th Avenue, Canal Street
Parade Viewing:

Little Jester's Viewing Areas (unobstructed parade viewing areas for children under the age of nine)
Near Earthquake - The Big One
Near Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast
Viewing Areas for Guests with Disabilities
Near Earthquake - The Big One
Near Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time
Annual Passholder Viewing Area
Near Battery Park
Family Viewing Area
Near Gramercy Park
A Mini Character Parade happens at 2:00 PM, giving guests their first opportunity to catch beads.
Food:

Cajun Cuisine
Spicy Jambalaya, Grilled Andouille Sausage, and Shrimp Gumbo
French Quarter Desserts
Funnel Cakes, Doughnut Beignets, and Bread Pudding
Mama Damita's Pizza
Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, and King Jester's Nachos
Big Easy's
Double Cheese Burgers, Fried Catfish, and Cajun Chips
King Jester's
Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, and King Jester's Nachos
Voodoo Juice (a specialty drink served in a souvenir glass)

 

[deelam]

Can anyone tell me what voodo juice is?

 

[Slacking]

Can anyone tell me what voodo juice is?

Overpriced alcoholic drink with not much of a kick to it.

 

[phamton]

Jaws is open until a half hour or so before the parade at 8:00.

 

[marknj05]

Voodoo juice is a rip-off. They say there is rum in it, but I never tasted any.

 

[teachingmyown]

Will our Power Passes get us into Mardi Gras or will we need to purchase an additional ticket? It's not included in the black-out dates, if that's a clue.

 

[phamton]

As long as it isn't a blackout date, you will be able to use your powerpass. I've seen people in front of me use theirs.