Universal Mardi Gras 2024. “Feet don’t fail me now”. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler (Let the good times Roll). Skeletons, Gator’s, Beads, Parades & More

[Robo56]

Of course I couldn’t forget to take a few photos of the Dragon sitting atop Gringott’s Bank.












It was getting close to time for the parade to start and I decided to observe the parade from a different locations along the way. There were a lot more people here for sure this evening.



It was nice seeing the floats in the daylight.

 

[Robo56]

to be continued

 

[keishashadow]

There is room to expand the Potter sections a bit in both parks. That would mean giving up a few areas that are not working ie. Fast and furious etc.

That would be akin to a public service, even tho we are all family here lol

Learning from the mistakes that Disney made in their Star Wars themed interactive themed ship hotel.

Definitely plural mistakes.

It was nice seeing the floats in the daylight.

I’ve only seen at night

 

[macraven]

All your pictures and notes are stunning Robo
Many thanks from all of us.

 

[Robo56]

All your pictures and notes are stunning Robo
Many thanks from all of us.

You’re welcome Mac. I’am so glad you are enjoying the report.

 

[Robo56]

I’ve only seen at night

It does allow one to appreciate the artistry of the floats a little more in the daylight without all the different colored lighting that is reflected on the floats at night.

 

[Robo56]

Wednesday, February 7th continued

The Float that represented fire was interesting. I’am always intrigued my the designs of the various Floats. It is nice that Universal keeps some of the Mardi Gras regular favorite Floats like the Gator Float etc…..and then comes up with a few new designs for floats every year. Keeps everything fresh and interesting.

I was able to appreciate the performers costumes better in the daylight for sure.

 

[Robo56]

Water Element float was beautiful and very colorful. Again I marvel at how the performers can walk on stilts much less on stilts with all the costumes.









Have to admit the shark with the Mardi Gras beads in its mouth was a great design choice.


This was a very well designed float with all of the sea life represented.




To be continued

 

[Robo56]

Wednesday, February 7th continued


Having the opportunity to look at the floats during the daytime is a totally different experience. Seeing the floats for the second time helped really pick up on some of the design details on the floats too.

I do have to occasionally go back and edit the size of some of the photos when I’am trying to load them. This photo had to be resized twice to get it to load.





Baron Ton Ton

 

[Robo56]

The stilt walking Gators were in front of my favorite float.












The Gator float is always at the end of the Mardi Gras Parade.

There were a lot more people this evening along the parade route. I remember when I first started attending Mardi Gras at Universal weekday’s especially Tuesday, Wednesdays were very low crowd days. While last evening (Tuesday) was chilly it had much lower crowds and It was much more enjoyable.

I wanted to head over to IOA after the parade was done to see if I could get a look inside the Halloween Boutique.

As I was walking out of the exit of the Studios and turned right it looked like everyone had the same idea to head over to IOA. It was closing later.

 

[Robo56]

It was still light enough to get a photo of THe Cat in The Hat. I love the little fish in the Teapot.



For those who have not attended HHN. The All Hallows Eve Boutique was started a few years back as an addition to HHN. While HHN is held in the Studios this was a nice way of incorporating some HHN in IOA. There was also Trick or Treating at some of the designated shops in both parks if I remember correctly 2019 and 2020.

The Boutique is small, but nicely decorated for HHN and other events have been included in the Boutiques decorations.


















to be continued

 

[Robo56]

Have finally found the time to finish my trip report. Thank you to everyone who has followed along.

After I was done looking around the Boutique and taking photos it was time to head out of IOA. It was dark by now and I was ready to get back to the resort. I had to to stop and take a few photos on the way out.

I have take a photo of this in the daytime, but it is even cuter in the dark with the light shining on it.


Getting a picture of the Lighthouse that is a beacon to all who approach it on the way to Islands of Adventure is a must.



Now it was time to get back to the resort for a good nights sleep.

It was a lot busier this evening getting back to the resort. There were lines of folks waiting for the water taxi. There were extra boats running to help accommodate getting everyone back to their respective resorts.

After getting back to the resort I stopped and picked up a snack and soda and went to my room and had a nice shower then enjoyed my snacks and it was off to bed for a good nights sleep.

I got up early in the morning and walked over to Starbucks at Aventura and purchased by morning coffee.

I did purchase a couple of cups at Starbucks that I had been looking at. One is the Florida cup which has all the quintessential Florida items like Gators, orange blossoms, key lime pie, rocket ships and palm trees and more.






And the other cup is the Orlando cup that has roller coasters for the parks, oranges, whales (for Seaworld, planes, lightening etc..





I have been enjoying my coffee in these cups in the morning.


Well after getting my coffee and bag with my cup purchases it time to walk back to SF and check out. It is always sad to leave the resort and my happy place Universal Orlando, but I know I will be back soon to have some more fun and leisure time so it is not to bad.

The drive home south was pretty uneventful and I was home before I knew it.

I had a really nice time while at Universal for the Mardi Gras celebration. Universal has done a wonderful job of putting on this celebration and continues to refine its presentation every year.

I would definitely recommend a stay at Sapphire Falls and a trip to Universal during Mardi Gras to enjoy the parade, food and all Universal has to offer.

That being said come to Universal at anytime there is always something to do. They have done a wonderful job of hosting events through out the year.

HHN is gearing up for this year and if you are a fan of all things Halloween this is must see and attend event. I’am looking forward to HHN this year.

 

[Robo56]

A trip recap coming up.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Thanks for all those fantastic pics of good times .
I have to go to many events at USO since moving here !
It has even become my special place to celebrate Super Bowl cause it seems to bring Good luck to the K.C Chiefs everytime I make a reservation for Sapphire Falls !
Now I must add Cinco de Mayo cause Wow fun and music and celebrating .
I happened to glance up while standing in front of the Antojitos Mexican Restaurant in CityWalk !
Did not know they have an upstairs bar for seating and a stage to enjoy the music.
The party went on til midnight It was a blast !

 

[macraven]

Robbie always does fantastic trip reports!

 

[Robo56]

Thanks for all those fantastic pics of good times .
I have to go to many events at USO since moving here !
It has even become my special place to celebrate Super Bowl cause it seems to bring Good luck to the K.C Chiefs everytime I make a reservation for Sapphire Falls !
Now I must add Cinco de Mayo cause Wow fun and music and celebrating .
I happened to glance up while standing in front of the Antojitos Mexican Restaurant in CityWalk !
Did not know they have an upstairs bar for seating and a stage to enjoy the music.
The party went on til midnight It was a blast !

You are welcome. That Is awesome that SF has become you lucky charm for the Chiefs.

Universal has grown so much over the years with their events. So nice that you live close enough to take advantage of all the fun on offer.

I didn’t know about the upstairs bar at Antojito's will have to look up next time I;am there.

Robbie always does fantastic trip reports!

Thank you Mac.

 

[disneyAndi14]

Enjoyed your report and all the pictures. I am going to do 2 nights in early December solo at Universal before I meet up with a friend at Disney. I have an AP and don’t really need EP so I am thinking about staying at SF for the first time!

 

[Robo56]

Enjoyed your report and all the pictures. I am going to do 2 nights in early December solo at Universal before I meet up with a friend at Disney. I have an AP and don’t really need EP so I am thinking about staying at SF for the first time!

I’am so glad you enjoyed the report and photos.

You will really like Sapphire Falls. The staff are so welcoming and the rooms are very nice.

While you are there have a stop at the Strong Water Tavern for some cocktails and food. The drinks are wonderful and the food is delicious.

 

[Robo56]

Lots of things happening in my neck of the woods. Life does get in the way at times.

Now for my trip recap.

I took a trip up to Universal Orlando to enjoy a couple of days of Mardi Gras.

I stayed at the beautiful Sapphire Falls Resort in the Sapphire Suite.


I brought my Potter blanket from home.


I went to


I saw lots of fun Mardi Gras merchandise.

 

[Robo56]

There were yummy Mardi Gras treats to choose from.














I saw fun Mardi Gras decorations