This spring, the fun and excitement of The Big Easy makes its way to Universal Orlando Resort for Mardi Gras 2012 – an authentic celebration that completely transforms Universal Studios Florida into a family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party.
On Saturdays and select nights starting February 11 through April 14, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration combines unparalleled theme park entertainment with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists.
With a combined total of more than 350 million albums sold, guests will rock out to 14 of the biggest names in music.
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Concert Lineup for 2012:
Saturday, February 11: The B-52s
Saturday, February 18: Kelly Clarkson
Sunday, February 19: Boyz II Men
Saturday, February 25: Diana Ross
Saturday, March 3: TBD
Saturday, March 10: Big Time Rush
Friday, March 16: J. Cole
Saturday, March 17: Jill Scott
Friday, March 23: Hot Chelle Rae
Saturday, March 24: B.o.B
Friday, March 30: Plain White T’s
Saturday, March 31: Prince Royce
Saturday, April 7: Cyndi Lauper
Saturday, April 14: KC & The Sunshine Band
Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can experience all the fun and excitement of The Big. The celebration includes an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, where guests can dance along with street performers and collect beads by the handful as colorful floats wind down the street of Universal Studios. This year’s parade will take guests on a journey through the earth’s different ecosystems with elaborately theme floats including: bayous and swamps, rainforest, coral reefs, the deep blue sea and Polar Regions. Every year, the parade’s hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs the floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.
The heart of Mardi Gras is Universal Studios’ French Quarter Courtyard, where guests can groove to the soulful sounds of authentic New Orleans bands every night before the headliner concert. Since 2006, more than 20 bands have traveled straight from The Big Easy to Universal Orlando to perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music for partygoers – adding to the authenticity of Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration. The French Quarter also features delicious Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and much more.
Universal Mardi Gras is included with theme park admission
For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.
Also see: My Experience at Universal Mardi Gras 2011 & Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras Creole Gumbo.
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