Please tell me about mardi gras...

[ChisJo]

I will be arriving on april 22, at 7pm, and technically could be at universal by 8pm. Since this is the last day of mardi gras, I was thinking about seeing what it was all about. But, I do have some questions.

1) What time does the parade start?
2) Will this environment be safe for a solo traveller?
3) What is mardi gras like?
4) What do the tickets cover, and do I have to have one to partake in the festivities?
5) how crowded is it?
6) are the parks still open for the whole night?
7) what time does it generally go to?

I literally know nothing about it....so any information would be greatly appreciated. The website on Universal didn't have a lot of the answers I was looking for.

Thanks - Jo

 

[Jason71]

Mardi Gras in a nutshell: there's a parade through the park with a lot of cool floats and costumed characters; people on the floats throw beads. After the parade, you see a typical concert--they have an outdoor stage set up off to the side of the main drag, you just stand around and watch. There are also booths with traditional New Orleans food, and lots and lots of liquor.

The parade starts at 8, concert begins when parade ends, generally around 8:30. Lasts until 9:45-10, usually. Of course, you can go to City Walk afterwards, if you want to continue the party.

Yes, you need a ticket to Universal Studios. A "normal" ticket covers admission to the entire event, or you can get an "after 5 p.m." ticket for around $40. Your ticket will also get you into the City Walk clubs (normally there is a $10 cover).

It's as safe as the park is normally for a solo traveler--maybe even safer given the increased security. It does tend to be crowded along the parade route.

Rides shut down at 8, but a lot of the restaurants and stores stay open until close.

 

[ChisJo]

Wow - thanks for the info! You summed it up nicely.....Would you recommend going?

 

[Jason71]

Wow - thanks for the info! You summed it up nicely.....Would you recommend going?

If you are sure you can make it in time to see the parade, and care about the band. I have already gone several times but I have an AP so it's not like it's costing me anything. But the parade is very impressive, and you're getting a concert, too. I forget who is playing the last weekend.

 

[Slacking]

On the 22nd, the park is actually open until 10pm. I believe on these later nights the parade start at 9pm, but the rides will be open until 10pm.

 

[MIB999999]

April 1: Gavin Degraw. Not bad a bit more geared to a small club environment.
April 8: HEART
April 15: Kool and the Gang
April 22: K C and the Sunshine Band.

K C has been at Mardi Gras before and although he is showing his age it is still a good show and he will get the crowd involved.