Park closing times for Mardi Gras ?

[Gator Kate]

This was a bit confusing to me. The Universal site says it closes at 8 pm. The concert that night (2/17) doesn't even start until 8:30. So do you have to be in the park before 8 pm or not get in? I'm a Mardi Gras 1st timer and would appreciate any info. Does the hotel room card express feature for rides work during Mardi Gras? TIA !

 

[phamton]

The turnstiles close at 8:00 PM. You must be inside the park by 8:00 PM if you want to be able to go to the concert. No one is admitted through the gates after 8:00 PM.

You can use your room key for FOTL but be aware that all the rides shut down at 8:00 PM.

 

[Gator Kate]

Thanks so much Phamton , that helps. I appreciate your participation in these boards. Seems like it's getting more difficult to find good info on US/IOA.

 

[phamton]

Glad I could help. I certainly don't want you locked outside the gates at 8:30 hoping to go to the concert.

 

[smartypantz]

Completely incorrect Phamton. Only the attractions close at 8pm

The front gates remain open until just about the end of the concert.

We were there last Saturday in the rain and they were still selling tickets and allowing guests to enter at 9:30pm

 

[phamton]

Thanks for the correction.

In the past years, they haven't done that. Maybe there was a crowd trying to enter or maybe they changed it for this year. I'll definitely find out tomorrow if it is a permanent change for this year and post back here.

And my apologies to Gator Kate if I gave you wrong information.

 

[Gator Kate]

It's not too crucial either way as I'm sure we'll be there earlier then 8:00. That said, it's always good to know the bottom line just in case.

 

[phamton]

I certainly don't want to give out incorrect information so I'll check tomorrow. I appreciate Smartypantz for correcting me.

 

[rangebob]

Last year I remember people coming in during the concert and the park was already closed.

 

[phamton]

OK, I checked today and was told that the turnstiles close at 8:00 PM. I don't "think" they would shut the gates if people were still trying to enter or trying to buy tickets but technically the close time is 8:00 PM. If you want to make sure you get in for the concert, I'd be there at 8:00 PM. If the concert or park is filled, they could turn you away after 8:00 PM.

 

[phamton]

Turnstiles stayed open tonight until a little after 9:00 PM tonight.

 

[Gator Kate]

Hi phamton,
Were you there tonight? If so, how were Mardi Gras and the concert ?

 

[phamton]

I had a wonderful time. It was busier than last week, probably because the weather was nicer or maybe everyone came to see Donna Summers.