The best part of Universal Mardi Gras is arguably the parade and apparently Universal has finally recognized that, because this year Mardi Gras will run 49 consecutive nights from February 4 through March 24. In past years, Mardi Gras has only taken place on weekends, but now most of the festivities including the parade, the French Quarter courtyard dining, and New Orleans bands will be appearing each night. Twelve concerts featuring some very popular acts on the Universal Music Plaza Stage will still happen on select nights, but the good times will still roll even when there is no concert.
This actually seems like a very smart decision on Universal’s part. First, it will give people a chance to enjoy the festivities without having to plan a trip over the weekend and deal with some of the MASSIVE crowds that follow when the headliner is someone like Kelly Clarkson. Second, Seasonal Passholders should still be able to enjoy the non-concert nights, per the Universal website saying Seasonal Passholders will only be blocked out at Universal Studios Florida on concert nights during non-blackout days. Finally, the event is only stretching into March instead of April and that will keep the event more relevant and fresh.
No details on performers have been released yet, but we will update as more information becomes available!
Great news! That also means more opportunities for float ride-alongs for passholders (if they continue that.)