Need last-minute advice, please.

[Kay1]

I shouldn't have waited until the last minute to ask, but here goes: We're going to Universal tonight to see Sheryl Crow and the parade. Last year we went when some singer we'd never heard of was performing. We had dinner at Pat O'Brien's then watched the parade from the AP holders' area.

We drifted to the performance area after the parade but couldn't make it through the crowds. Since we'd never heard of the guy, it was no big deal. Sheryl Crow is a big deal for us, so here's my question.

Will we be able to eat at Pat O'Brien's at six o'clock or so and still be allowed through the Universal gates? (Worried about crowds of other Crow fans.) Also, when does the parade start and where should we watch it that's nearest to the stage?

Thanks!

 

[Metro West]

I shouldn't have waited until the last minute to ask, but here goes: We're going to Universal tonight to see Sheryl Crow and the parade. Last year we went when some singer we'd never heard of was performing. We had dinner at Pat O'Brien's then watched the parade from the AP holders' area.

We drifted to the performance area after the parade but couldn't make it through the crowds. Since we'd never heard of the guy, it was no big deal. Sheryl Crow is a big deal for us, so here's my question.

Will we be able to eat at Pat O'Brien's at six o'clock or so and still be allowed through the Universal gates? (Worried about crowds of other Crow fans.) Also, when does the parade start and where should we watch it that's nearest to the stage?

Thanks!

Getting into the park before closing shouldn't be a problem but if you're thinking of eating at 6pm and are allowing 1.5 to 2 hours to eat dinner, you wouldn't be getting into the Studios until 7:30 or 8pm. If you're getting there that late, you won't be able to get a good spot up close for the concert and with the parade starting at 8:30pm (I think) it's going to be really crowded anywhere near the stage. You would need to arrive around 5:30pm or so to get a really good spot. If Sheryl Crow is a big deal, I would skip dinner outside the park and find somewhere inside the park to eat.

 

[Kay1]

Getting into the park before closing shouldn't be a problem but if you're thinking of eating at 6pm and are allowing 1.5 to 2 hours to eat dinner, you wouldn't be getting into the Studios until 7:30 or 8pm. If you're getting there that late, you won't be able to get a good spot up close for the concert and with the parade starting at 8:30pm (I think) it's going to be really crowded anywhere near the stage. You would need to arrive around 5:30pm or so to get a really good spot. If Sheryl Crow is a big deal, I would skip dinner outside the park and find somewhere inside the park to eat.

You're right, Metro. I hope we'll be able to get there earlier but it depends on traffic. Maybe we'll try Lombard's. Haven't been there in years.

 

[lachica]

Lombard's closes early you might to call and verify. Finnegans closes later.

 

[Kay1]

Lombard's closes early you might to call and verify. Finnegans closes later.

Thanks, lachica. Good advice.

 

[xApril]

I stayed for Mardi Gras on the 27th and Lombard's stayed open until around 8:30PM or so. They were supposed to close around 7, I believe, but people kept coming in so they stayed open. I think you should be fine with Lombard's, but calling is always good.

 

[lachica]

I personally think she'll be fine because its technically still spring break. But next weekend they'll prob close early... They are ALWAYS closed when I want to go!