Strategy for Mardi Gras time when we aren't interested in the concerts

[coastgirl]

So it looks like there will be 3 concert nights during our visit. We aren't going to any of the concerts but want a strategy for using those days. I know weekends are generally more crowded anyway, and the concerts are Fri/Sat/Sun. (Friday MKTO, Saturday Styx and Sunday American Authors)

The Friday is one of our two days with the onsite FOTL pass, so we definitely want to use it.

When does the park fill up? Is it centered on UO, or do both parks fill? Where in UO will the concert stage be?

Would the concert time be a good time for touring IoA?

What else is there beyond the concerts? A special parade? Is that fun/family-friendly?

I read something about Cajun food--worth finding? And is that all day, or just around concert time?

Or maybe we'll just use our early entry, our express pass and get the heck out by mid afternoon?

Thanks for your guidance!

 

[johde]

I've never been to Mardi Gras so I can't answer all of your question. The closest I've been is Rock the Universe but that's hard ticketed. The stage is on the left hand side right across from Monster Café. Right in front of the first hill and loop of HRRR. http://binged.it/1zt4t0J

All of the Mardi Gras stuff is in USF. In addition to the concert, there is a parade. There is "family friendly" viewing on Hollywood Blvd. (near Terminator 3d). That area from what I read may be more for the parents of small kids that want to see the parade then exit quickly avoiding the crowds around the music pavilion.

During the concerts, I would think either the back of USF (MIB, Diagon Alley, Simpson etc.) or IOA would be fine for touring. Most of the Crowds during the concert will be centered around the music stage and down the streets on either side of Monster Café towards Transformers. So, I'd except Despicable Me, HRRR, Transformers, ROTM etc to potentially be slammed.

My thought would be, the band your most interested in (I know it doesn't sound like your too crazy about any of them). Watch the parade from the area around Monster Makeup show. After the parade, head back to the back of the park until park closing at 9:00. The concert will probably continue until 9:30 or so. Head out by Monster Makeup, Terminator 3d etc. and catch a song or 2 from the back of the crowd on your way out. On a second night, head over and tour IOA at night until park closing. And then the 3rd night, maybe head out early, eat dinner in City Walk and go swimming at the pool. So, on each of your 3 nights do one of your 3 suggestions.