Mardi
Gras. When think of this, we think of beads, drinking, beads, food, beads, and
more beads. Mardi Gras is known for being held in New Orleans, Louisiana right
in the center of the French Quarter. If you couldn’t make it this year then you
might have visited Florida’s version, right here in Orlando, Universal Studios
Mardi Gras Grand Celebration.
After
the concert, unfortunately the park closes, but if you are not ready for the
night to be over then head to CityWalk for the after party! There is a live DJ
on the stage near the water, or if you are still feeling the Mardi Gras spirit
head to Pat O’Briens to experience their famous Hurricanes, or sing a song with
the dueling pianos in their lounge!
While
our own home version extends longer than what they have going on in Louisiana,
the atmosphere is the same. On select nights from February 8th to June 7th, Universal Studios
Florida turns into the French Quarter. You can find amazing food, crazy dancers
dressed up in costumes, as well as performances from well-known artists right
after the parade and of course beads, beads, and more beads.
I
was able to experience this tradition at one of the last nights of the
celebration.
Mardi
Gras officially starts at 5 P.M. in Universal Studios. You can find stilt
walkers, performers, and jesters all dressed up in the Mardi Gras spirit right
near the French Quarter in the park, which is to the left of Transformers, and
in front of Twister: Ride It Out. You are able to joke, take pictures, and get
a few beads right before the parade begins.
If
you are going to try some of the New Orleans specialties, I highly suggest
going early to avoid lines! All the food was fantastic, of course, whether you
love potato twists, jambalaya, shrimp po boy’s, or my favorite, beignet’s you
will not be disappointed. Universal definitely brings the Cajun spice to make
these dishes transport you straight to New Orleans.
Depending
on the time of the performance, the parade will start forty-five minutes before
that (The last parade will start at 8:15pm ). The parade will start out of the
Esoteric Gates (right across the street from Mel’s Diner in Hollywood) and it
will make a loop from there to in front of Shrek Monster’s Café, turn into New
York, and head back to exit through the gates once again. The best place to
stand, for the most beads would be right in front of the Horror Make-Up Show,
that way you can experience the floats not once, but twice.
With
over ten different types of floats will all amaze, and astound you. Every
year there is a theme to the floats, this year’s theme is “Around the World in
Eighty Days”, from the classic Jules Verne’s story. Each float has a story that
will take you around the world from beginning to end.
After
you have gotten more beads than you can dream of owning, head to the concert
yard to experience the live performance, with only one performer, Robin Thicke,
who is known for singing “Blurred Lines”. These concerts are fun, short, and
worth standing next to someone who might pop your personal space bubble by
dancing too close.
We hope you have fun! We know we did!
Morgan Mcgee
for About Town With Shel
