The Mardi Gras 2009 Concert Series also features the Pat Benatar, MC Hammer and The Village People, Montgomery Gentry and more.
Universal's Mardi Gras fuses the party atmosphere of the famous New Orleans' festival with the opportunity to experience the over-the-top theme park attractions that Universal Studios is known for. The result is an event that includes one of the largest parades in Florida, confetti, New Orleans-style cuisine and... beads, beads and more beads!
Everyone will agree that the centerpiece of Mardi Gras is the parade. This year's parade theme is "Stories," giving guests a glimpse into the world of literature. Themed floats featuring iconic characters and settings from the pages of the most popular and beloved books featuring genres such as Mystery, Romance and Horror will cruise the streets of Universal Studios throughout the event.
Of course, the party wouldn't be complete without the taste of authentic Cajun and Creole classics such a jambalaya, gumbo and beignets, which are sure to tempt the palate of Mardi Gras partiers. And, along with mouth-watering food, guests can sip on party drinks made famous in New Orleans.
In a recent press release, Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort was quoted as saying, "This year's Mardi Gras will be our best party ever. We've got the best music line-up in the hisotry of the event, along with a non-stop celebration filled with an amazing parade, floats, food and all the beachs you can catch."
2009 Concert Series
After the parade be entertained by some of today's hottest internationally-known musicians during the Mardi Gras Concert Series (Saturday only unless noted):
February 7 - KC and the Sunshine Band
February 14 - Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
February 15 - The Village People (Sunday)
February 21 - Ne-Yo
February 28 - Pat Benatar
March 7 - Barenaked Ladies
March 14 - Montgomery Gentry
March 21 - Collective Soul
March 27 - Boys Like Girls (Friday)
March 28 - Kelly Clarkson
April 4 - MC Hammer
April 11 - Trace Adkins
April 18 - Nelly
Ticket Information
Universal Studios Mardi Gras After-5 tickets are applicable any one Saturday night from February 7 through April 18, 2009. They can be purchased for $45.99, plus tax.A 2009 2-Park Season Pass off access to Mardi Gras for all 13 event nights and is good for admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure through December 19, 2009 for just $99.99, plus tax. This deal is valid from January 15, 2009 through April 18, 2009 through specially-marked Coca-Cola and Wendy's products.
Additionally, Florida residents can enjoy a Florida Resident Mardi Gras Getaway that includes: 2-night accommodations at hotel near Universal Orlando, 2-day/2-park ticket to Univesal Studios and Islands of Adventure, complimentary scheduled transportation between hotel and Universal Orlando starting at just $75 per person, per night. Upgrade to an on-site hotel and receive complimentary Universal Express access to rides and attractions.
Universal CityWalk will host the official after-party of the Mardi Gras celebration, and guests presenting their Mardi Gras tickets will receive free admission into select clubs until 2:00 a.m. For an additional $15, guests can purchase a VIP upgrade ticket to the official Mardi Gras after-party which includes complimentary appetizers, drink specials and sourvenir beads... lots and lots of beads.
All Universal Mardi Gras tickets can be purchased online at www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.
