Universal Studios Mardi Gras.

[PoppyAnna]

Has anybody been?

We won't spend days in parks on weekends but don't mind popping in for the evening if it's for a special event.

How busy does it get? Is it suitable for a 5 and 8yo? Not too bothered about the concert but is the parade worth seeing? The atmosphere looks great but I don't want the girls to get crushed if it's too mad.

Thanks.

 

[strawberry blonde]

We usually go in Feb and stay for the concerts. Last time in 2009, it was manic trying to get out and that was with two 6ft teenage boys. We were getting swept along and holding onto the back of one another's t-shirts to try and stay together.

The parade's ok and you get lots of beads thrown at you but we went more for the concerts which were really good.

 

[Pegasus928]

We have been a few times and really enjoyed it. We never went for the concert as people tend to take the places for that hours in advance.
The first time we went for the parade we made the mistake of standing with a crowd and the kids were in a scrum for the beads most of the time. It always amazes me how important these things become to some people, so much so that people that are old enough to know better were snatching them from the hands of my DD who was 6 or 7 at the time
The next time we went we took a position on the side of the road in plenty of time and got a drink and something to eat while we waited, then when the parade came we never had any of the usual pushing and shoving. The place we chose was near to the Theatre of Magic as the floats slow down for the corner that Mels Diner sits on

Just a foot note - do you have Google Earth installed? It has street view in Universal Studios and is great for having a 'walk' around and planning a spot

 

[wayneg]

They have made the parade route longer this year so hopefully it will be better. Having DS at 6`3" helps with getting beads. we went a couple of time last year, great fun.
Being AP holders we get chance to apply in advance for throwing out beads from the floats but DMIL who will be with us this time isn't an AP holder so decided not to apply.
Wouldn't mind seeing KC & the Sunshine band on Sunday evening but we are not sure if we will be back from the port in time.
We saw 2 concerts last year, 1st got a good spot(Sheryl Crow http://www.youtube.com/user/StitchMatt#p/u/20/rOYDEPL_X-E), 2nd(Chicago) a bit further out.

 

[Camac]

I was at Universal yesterday and was very surprised at how small the area in front of the stage is. I think you would have to stake out your place very early. There is no shade in that area and I'm sure it will be very crowded and will get very hot as the midday temps are 80 degrees at the moment.

I was also amazed that the queue for Olivander's Wand Shoppe was a 1.5 hour wait at 9,30am and getting longer - they only let 25 people in at a time.

Camac