Orlando Travel Blog

Let the good times roll at Mardi Gras 2009! Universal Studios boasts the largest Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans – complete with a live concert series that features a diversity of musical stars, colorful parades full of floats (plenty of beads will also be thrown around!), elaborately costumed characters and delectable “Big Easy” cuisine such as jambalaya and shrimp gumbo. Mardi Gras 2009 at Universal Studios will begin on Saturday, February 7, 2009, and runs every Saturday night through Saturday, April 18, 2009, with additional dates on Sunday, February 15, 2009, and Friday, March 27, 2009.

Topping the entertainment list for Mardi Gras 2009 are such musical superstars as Billboard Chart-topper Ne-Yo, “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, country music-duo Montgomery Gentry and Grammy Award-winning rapper Nelly, as well as Pat Benatar (“Hit Me with Your Best Shot”), MC Hammer (“Too Legit to Quit”), The Village People (“Y.M.C.A.”) and KC and the Sunshine Band (“Please Don’t Go”). In fact, this year’s Mardi Gras lineup has collectively sold more than 300 million records and captured a dozen Grammy Awards. In addition, lively New Orleans bands such as Big Red and the Zydeco Playmakers, Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers, Daddy Mac Blues Band, Chris Klein and the Boulevards, Rockin Jake, Mem Shannon and The Membership, The Honey Islands Swamp Band, Jumpin Johnny Sansone, Soul Project, Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers, and Lil Brian and Zydeco Travelers will showcase their authentic bayou music.

The centerpiece of Mardi Gras 2009 will be the parade featuring more than a dozen colorful floats that wind around the “French Quarter Courtyard” – a replica of New Orleans’ legendary French Quarter – the heart of Mardi Gras. These authentic floats are designed by “Mr. Mardi Gras” himself, Blaine Kern, whose company, Blaine Kern Artists, Inc., has built Mardi Gras floats since 1932. The parade theme for Mardi Gras 2009 is “Stories,” which will provide guests with a glimpse into the world of literature. Themed floats that feature iconic characters and settings from the pages of some of the world’s best-loved books will cruise the streets of Universal Studios throughout the event.

The Mardi Gras 2009 celebration would not be complete without the taste of traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine such as jambalaya, gumbo and beignets, which are sure to tempt the palate of Mardi Gras revelers. Along with delicious New Orleans-style cuisine, guests can enjoy flavorful drinks made famous in New Orleans.

Mardi Gras is included in park admission to Universal Studios. Admission to Universal Studios after 5 PM on Mardi Gras event dates is $45.99 plus tax. Live concerts in the Universal Studios Mardi Gras Concert Series begin at 8:30 PM.

So mark your calendar for Mardi Gras 2009 at Universal Studios, which provides a wonderful addition to the dynamic rides and shows at Universal Studios Florida such as The Simpsons Ride, Shrek 4-D and Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride. Both locals and visitors alike will enjoy the nationally recognized musical acts that headline the Mardi Gras events. In addition, Universal CityWalk hosts an official Mardi Gras after-party that includes free admission to select nightclubs until 2 AM such as Pat O’Brien’s, the official Mardi Gras Headquarters of CityWalk.

Mardi Gras 2009 at Universal Studios Concert Schedule

FEBRUARY

KC and the Sunshine Band, Big Red and the Zydeco Playmakers – Saturday, February 7, 2009
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers – Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Village People, Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers – Sunday, February 15, 2009
Ne-Yo, Daddy Mac Blues Band – Saturday, February 21, 2009
Pat Benatar (featuring Neil Giraldo on guitar), Chris Klein and the Boulevards – Saturday, February 28, 2009

MARCH

Barenaked Ladies, Rockin Jake – Saturday, March 7, 2009
Montgomery Gentry, Mem Shannon and The Membership – Saturday, March 14, 2009
Collective Soul, The Honey Islands Swamp Band – Saturday, March 21, 2009
Boys Like Girls, Jumpin Johnny Sansone – Friday, March 27, 2009
Kelly Clarkson, Jumpin Johnny Sansone – Saturday, March 28, 2009

APRIL

MC Hammer, Soul Project – Saturday, April 4, 2009
Trace Adkins, Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers, Saturday, April 11, 2009
Nelly, Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers – Saturday, April 18, 2009

Note: Times, dates and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

Looking for great deals on spacious villa rentals during your stay in Orlando for Mardi Gras 2009 at Universal Studios? Visit www.orlando-florida.net/hotels for information on Westgate Resorts properties, including Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, Westgate Leisure Resort, Westgate Palace, Westgate Towers, Westgate Town Center and Westgate Vacation Villas.