New to Mardi Gras and and Universal...help!

[Spearhead]

We planned a trip to Universal/IoA for the week of March 12. It will be our first trip to either park. Bought the "5 days for price of 2". Planned on arriving Saturday afternoon and relaxing by the pool that evening.Then starting our 5 days at the park on Sunday. Now we find out that Mardi Gras will be going on. I believe Lynard Skynard will be there the night we arrive. Here's where I need help deciding what to do....
Should we go ahead and start our "5 consecutive day" ticket on that Saturday that we arrive? We wouldn't get to to park until around 5 or 6pm, but my understanding is that they have things going on that day that wouldn't be happening during the rest of our stay.
Also, is it typically so crowded for the concert that you have to find a seat a few hours early? My kids (ages 12 and 8) would have a hard time not being allowed to go ride some of the rides just because we were waiting in line for a concert. My son thinks it would really be cool to see Lynard Skynard, but would he really be able to see him, or hear him.
Sorry for all the questions... I have NO idea of what to expect. Or maybe we should stick with the plan and not go to Mardi Gras.
Please help with any thoughts on this....

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Unless you really want to see the concert, I wouldn't use my pass on that day. It will be crowded. As far as how close you get to see the band, it depends on how long you want to stand around (or sit on the ground) and wait for them. The earlier you get by the stage area, the better view you will have, which also means the less time you will be "doing" things in the park So depending on what you really want to spend your time doing, is what you should base your decision on. I can tell you though that 5 days is more than enough to see & do all of both theme parks. So if you had used one of the days to get in for the concert, you still have 4 more to do the parks & it can be done. What ever you decide...have fun

 

[Spearhead]

Thank you for your help. We'll probably stick with our original plan and just start our theme park adventure on Sunday instead of trying to cram Mardi Gras in. Thanks again.

 

[Seahag]

Check into the possibility of an "after 5" ticket - they probably have info on them at the website. Im guessing, but I *think* they were around $30.00.
That way, if you *really* wanted to see the concert you could.


hth!


hag

 

[highlander447]

You will see the band as the stage is pretty unobstructed not only that the concert usually finishes about 11pm so if your son thinks it's cool its well worth it they only do it on saturday night so u only have a ltd opp to see this and last year my kids where 13 & 10 they loved it and as already posted they do offer cheap tix after 5pm great way to start the vacation just my 2 cents