Should we avoid Universal Studios on Mardri Gras?

[cyndisue]

We are going to be at US and IOA during the first weekend of the Mardi Gras celebration. Does anyone have any experience with the crowd size? Should we skip US on Saturday to avoid the Mardi Gras crowds??

Thanks in advance for your advice.

CyndiSue

 

[BarryHom]

I would go on a Saturday to see Mardi Gras. The crowds do increase as the Mardi Gras parade time gets closer. However, if you arrive at opening, you can avoid the main rush of crowds.

 

[Molokai Gram]

I traveled all the way from Hawaii just to go to MG in 2001 and 2002 and I would do it in 2003 if I could afford it! It is our favorite time at the parks. I even put up with the cold weather and I HATE cold! Go you will love MG and catch some beads for me.

 

[robvia]

I agree with Barry. Arrive early, and do the rides first. Start with MIB cause it opens when the park does. ET (may open at 10), then the rides along the back of the park. That leaves the theater attractions and shows which have high capacity. By this time you'd be done with the major rides and it won't matter if there is an afternoon crowd. The parade is spread out across the enitre park (front area in the afternoon). It's fun to watch and catch beads. Stick with your plan, arrive early, and you'll be fine.

 

[USO2003]

The opening weekend for any event is usually a busy one. Mardi Gras is not as popular event as most of Universal's other events.

I would not say it's going to be packed. The park will not be to busy.

 

[MsDisney]

Originally posted by USO2003
The opening weekend for any event is usually a busy one. Mardi Gras is not as popular event as most of Universal's other events.

I would not say it's going to be packed. The park will not be to busy.

Um, not to be argumentative, but as far as non-hard ticket events go, I'd have to disagree. The crowds for the Saturday night concerts can range anywhere from heavy to OH MY GOSH!

During the day it might not be so bad, especially on Sunday, but I would expect Saturday will be very busy. More so as the day goes on, and even more so if the band is a popular one

That said, it's VERY, VERY fun, and I would suggest going early and staying late!

I found Mardi Gras, in general to be a big draw. But that's MY experience.

Karen

 

[MIB999999]

Ditto MsDis.

if it is a headline band from 4:00 pm on there will be a steady increase in the crowds at studios

 

[USO2003]

I guess I didn't type it in, I thought I mentioned it. If it's a name band doing the concert it will be more crowded.

I went 3 times last year, and 3 times I went it was empty. I went for the 9-11 parade with the Firefighters on 2.19.02. Then 3.2.02 which was not busy and not crowded sort of like the Macy's crowds. Then 3.23.02 when Earth Wind & Fire were there and that was a packed house. I don't know why they are not in my mind a popular band...anymore.

It depends on the band and weather on what crowd you'll have. I remember back in 99' Journey was there and this was just when CityWalk opened. Well the crowd out there was bad, I ended up at the end of the night with a 2 month old broken camcorder. (I suspect it was kicked.) That was because I had to fight a HUGE crowd to get out of the stage area and to the main gate to leave. When I got out my camcorder door was hanging off but the tape was still inside.

So yeah, in my previous post I should have mentioned this,I thought I did but I didn't.