The Official Mardi Gras 2010 line up!! UPDATED 1/13 with more times

[Laurabearz]

On February 6, Universal Orlando will kick off its 15th year of Mardi Gras - the biggest and most authentic Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans. Guests will experience the spirit of Bourbon Street in the heart of Universal Studios, with authentic Cajun cuisine, a spectacular parade with tons of beads and live concerts by top-name talent. This year's headliners are:

- Sat., Feb. 6: KC and The Sunshine Band
- Sat., Feb. 13: Heart
- Sun., Feb. 14: Kool & the Gang
- Sat., Feb. 20: Blondie
- Sat., Feb. 27: Dierks Bentley
- Sat., March 6: Akon
- Sat., March 13: Aretha Franklin
- Sat., March 20: Miranda Lambert
- Sat., March 27: 3 Doors Down
- Sat., April 3: Beach Boys
- Fri., April 9: Sheryl Crow
- Sat., April 10: Flo Rida
- Sat., April 17: Chicago

More info to follow


PARADE INFO AND TIMES

The highlight of Mardi Gras is our most incredible parade ever! As it winds its way through the streets of Universal Studios®, you'll marvel at the dazzling floats, colorful costumes, towering stilt walkers, outrageous street performers, and dancers. All the while float-riders tossing handfuls of beads and doubloons to delighted parade-goers creates a festive party atmosphere unlike anything else in Orlando.
Parade Floats

This year's theme is getting back to the authentic roots of a New Orleans Mardi Gras party. All the floats have been reinvigorated with the historic flavor of America's favorite street party. Some of your favorite floats of all time are returning, along with brand new floats for this year's extravaganza!

IMG_parade

• Title Float
• Children's Float
• Music Float-NEW!
• Mythology Float
• Food Float-NEW!
• Adventure Float
• Riverboat Float
• New Orleans Float-NEW!
• Jester Float
• Western Float
• King & Queen Float
• King Gator Float

Parade Times: February 6 – March 20, April 17: 8:00 pm
March 27 – April 10: 9:00 p

Other Musical Acts

Enter our French Quarter Courtyard and you'll feel like you're strolling down Bourbon Street, filled with the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Musicians Direct from New Orleans

Every event night you'll hear some of Louisiana's most popular bands performing authentic blues, Zydeco and more. Go ahead and dance in the streets...that's what they're there for. Let the good times roll!

DATE PERFORMER
Sat, Feb 6 Bryan Lee & the Blues Power Band
Sat, Feb 13 Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers
Sun, Feb 14 Lil Malcolm & the House Rockers
Sat, Feb 20 Mem Shannon & the Membership
Sat, Feb 27 Chris Klein & The Boulevards
Sat, Mar 6 Honey Island Swamp Band
Sat, Mar 13 Big Red & The Zydeco Playmakers
Sat, Mar 20 Rockin' Jake
Sat, Mar 27 Soul Project
Sat, Apr 3 J.J. Callier & the Zydeco Knockouts
Fri, Apr 9 Lil' Brian & the Zydeco Travelers
Sat, Apr 10 Lil' Brian & the Zydeco Travelers
Sat, Apr 17 Daddy Mac Blues Band

All French Quarter Bands will perform at Mardi Gras in Universal Studios® then appear afterwards at Universal CityWalk®.

Performance Times: February 6 - March 20, April 17 - 5:00 pm, 6:15 pm, 7:15 pm
March 27 - April 10 - 5:00 pm, 6:15 pm, 8:00 pm

Times, dates and entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Authentic Cajun & Creole Cuisine†

IMG_french_quarterEnjoy the tastes of The Big Easy right here at Universal Studios Florida®. From tasty snacks to mouth-watering desserts to belly-busting main dishes, you can sample authentic Cajun and Creole specialties that will take you back to the bayou.

Sample Menu Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo, Andouille Sausage, Red Beans & Rice, Catfish, Beignets and more!

† Available for purchase.

City Walk

The Party Continues at Universal CityWalk®
After you've caught all the beads your heart desires and listened to some great live music, continue the party at Universal CityWalk! Your Mardi Gras ticket gets you FREE admission to CityWalk clubs* including Pat O'Brien's® - the official CityWalk Mardi Gras Headquarters.

Throughout the streets and in the clubs of CityWalk, you'll also enjoy:

• FREE admission to select CityWalk clubs* with your Mardi Gras ticket
• Food and drink specials
• Live entertainment including New Orleans musicians

February 6 – March 20, April 17: 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm
March 27 – April 10: 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm

CityWalk is open every night until 2:00 am.

Pat O'Brien's at CityWalk

Pat O'Brien's at CityWalk is an exact replica of the famed New Orleans watering hole where it's Mardi Gras 365 days a year! Enjoy Hurricanes on the Patio Bar with the famous flaming fountains, eat Cajun favorites in the Main Bar, or join the gang in a sing-along in the Piano Lounge.


OFFER_cw_vip_party

Times, dates and entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

* Valid on Mardi Gras event nights only. Not valid at Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom on event nights. Not valid for separately ticketed concerts and special events. Some venues require ages 21 or older for admission. Valid photo ID required. Does not include admission to AMC Universal Cineplex 20 or the Blue Man Group show. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply and benefits are subject to change without notice.

** Limited tickets available. Select dates only. Restrictions apply and offer is subject to change without notice. Must be 21 or older to purchase. Valid photo ID required.

 

[Laurabearz]

We were there last year opening weekend and it was KC who opened then too... although he was set up on a stage over by Mels since the new Stage over by Twister wasnt finished...

Remember that gang?? wondering if the new stage would be up and running in time for Mardi Gras Concerts?? It will be this year!!!

 

[lachica]

The new stage was already used for the Holiday Concert Series in Dec.

 

[Laurabearz]

The new stage was already used for the Holiday Concert Series in Dec.

My Comments were about last year's Mardi Gras.. The stage was not yet complete and many of the bands had to play on a stage set up near Mels Die In... and how This year, the stage will be open....

Sorry for the confusion

 

[lachica]

LOL! I need to brush up on my reading comprehension - or stop trying to read posts while working...

 

[Coach81]

We will be there!!!!

 

[Rip]

Just changed my dates because of this. Thanks!

 

[Metro West]

My Comments were about last year's Mardi Gras.. The stage was not yet complete and many of the bands had to play on a stage set up near Mels Die In... and how This year, the stage will be open....

When did Pat Benatar play Mardi Gras last year? She used the new stage and I think she was one of the first performers. That whole stage area was mobbed with people.

 

[freckels13]

Hey!
The 2-Park Unlimited Admission Universal Studios Ticket includes the admission to Mardi Gras?

Thank u in advance!

 

[Rip]

Hey!
The 2-Park Unlimited Admission Universal Studios Ticket includes the admission to Mardi Gras?

Thank u in advance!

Yes.

 

[nodoubtrock]

only person I would see is Sheryl Crow. I wouldn't see anyone older (pre-90s), country, or rap/r&b. that pretty much leaves sheryl crow and 3 doors down. 3 doors down is ok but their music was way over played. I like Sheryl Crow but her concert is right during peak spring break time. hmm. I'll probably just go to Mardi Gras in Feb to see the parade and leave after that.

 

[damo]

Doesn't sound too impressive. Didn't they have Kelly Clarkson for two nights last year or the year before? I think Daughtry was there too at some point. Surprised they didn't get Kris Allen or Adam Lambert or Alison Iraheta or Danny Gokey this year or even David Cook or Archie or Jordan Sparks. Seems like there is a lot of talent out there trying to push albums.

 

[Rip]

Heh, I doubt we'll be talking about most of the American Idol winners/losers in 10 years anyway.

Sorry, I'm just not a fan of any of them, and I think the lineup is pretty good. 3 Doors Down is my favorite band anyway, so I'm biased.

 

[Rosie]

My DH would like to see the Beach boys and as he drives me and the kids all over and pays for our theme park obsession, I would like to get him there. We have a really busy schedule but what is the latest time we could get to US to catch the show?
TIA

 

[Metro West]

Heh, I doubt we'll be talking about most of the American Idol winners/losers in 10 years anyway.

Sorry, I'm just not a fan of any of them, and I think the lineup is pretty good. 3 Doors Down is my favorite band anyway, so I'm biased.

I'm not a fan of the show either so I don't want to see AI contestants either...even if it is free.

I'm going to Heart, Blondie, Chicago, 3 Doors Down and Sheryl Crow for sure! I saw Heart at Universal in 2007 when the Bone Yard was still in use and they were phenomenal!

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

I guess I need to start getting with the program! Just realized we will be there during Mardi Gras! My kids are going to be bummed we missed Flo Rida and Akon, but we will be there for Chicago which my husband and I will enjoy.

How are the crowds for these usually? Is it something we should attempt to do with 12 & 16 year olds?

Anyone have a link to some pictures of Mardi Gras? I have to find out what all this is about

 

[Metro West]

How are the crowds for these usually? Is it something we should attempt to do with 12 & 16 year olds?

Anyone have a link to some pictures of Mardi Gras? I have to find out what all this is about

I have plenty of parade pictures from last year and I'll post them when I get home this evening.

The crowds can be very heavy depending on who's performing. Your kids will be fine.

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

Great thanks! I look forward to seeing them!

 

[Rip]

I'm not a fan of the show either so I don't want to see AI contestants either...even if it is free.

I'm going to Heart, Blondie, Chicago, 3 Doors Down and Sheryl Crow for sure! I saw Heart at Universal in 2007 when the Bone Yard was still in use and they were phenomenal!

Sometimes I wish I still lived there, I even like Kool and the Gang.

 

[christophfam]

Wow, I'll be there during Mardi Gras also! Cool!! Are the parades every day or just on Saturdays like the concerts? What time are they usually held?