Mardi Gras at Universal Studios
February 3rd, 2009Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2010 »
Orlando, FL – Universal Orlando is unleashing the biggest Mardi Gras celebration this side of the bayou with the most powerful and diverse concert series in the event’s history. With a combined total of more than 300 million records sold and a dozen Grammy Awards, this year’s Mardi Gras line-up features 13 of the most popular names in pop, rock, R&B, country, hip-hop and more.
Guests will experience a Mardi Gras concert series like no other, with performances by Billboard Chart-topper Ne-Yo, “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, country music-duo Montgomery Gentry and Grammy Award-winning rapper Nelly. Other headliners include the hit artists behind classics such as “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Too Legit to Quit,” and “Y.M.C.A.” – Pat Benatar, MC Hammer and The Village People, respectively. In addition, New Orleans bands will showcase their authentic bayou music in the “French Quarter,” a replica of New Orleans’ famed district.
“This year’s Mardi Gras will be our best party ever,” said Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment for Universal Orlando Resort. “We’ve got the best music line-up in the history of the event, along with a non-stop celebration filled with an amazing parade, floats, food and all of the beads you can catch.”
Guests will experience the most authentic Mardi Gras celebration outside of The Big Easy when the event kicks off on February 7 and runs every Saturday night through April 18, with additional dates on Sunday February 15 and Friday, March 27. Guests will enjoy hundreds of costumed characters, tons of souvenir beads, Cajun cuisine and an elaborate parade featuring floats designed by Blaine Kern Artists, Inc, who designs floats for the New Orleans 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.
Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2009 Concert Series
Saturday, February 7
KC and the Sunshine Band
Big Red and the Zydeco Playmakers
Saturday, February 14
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
Sunday, February 15
The Village People
Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
Saturday, February 21
Ne-Yo
Daddy Mac Blues Band
Saturday, February 28
Pat Benatar(featuring Neil Giraldo on guitar)
Chris Klein and the Boulevards
Saturday, March 7
Barenaked Ladies
Rockin Jake
Saturday, March 14
Montgomery Gentry
Mem Shannon and The Membership
Saturday, March 21
Collective Soul
The Honey Islands Swamp Band
Friday, March 27
Boys Like Girls
Jumpin Johnny Sansone
Saturday, March 28
Kelly Clarkson
Jumpin Johnny Sansone
Saturday, April 4
MC Hammer
Soul Project
Saturday, April 11
Trace Adkins
Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers
Saturday, April 18
Nelly
Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers
Florida Resident Mardi Gras Special
Mardi Gras is included in park admission to Universal Studios. Florida residents can take advantage of a variety of offers to get the most out of their Mardi Gras experience.
2009 2-Park Season Pass – Access to Mardi Gras for all 13 event nights
-Good for admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure through December 19, 2009 (dates include scheduled spring opening of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit)
- $99.99 plus tax
- Deal valid from January 15, 2008 – April 18, 2008 through specially-marked Coca-Cola and Wendy’s products
Florida Resident Mardi Gras Getaway
- 2-night accommodations at hotel near Universal Orlando
- 2-day/2-park ticket to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
- Complimentary scheduled transportation between hotel and Universal Orlando
- Starting at $75 per person, per night
- Upgrade to an on-site hotel and receive complimentary Universal Express access to rides and attractions
Mardi Gras After-5 Ticket
- Admission to Universal Studios after 5 p.m. on Mardi Gras event dates
- $45.99 plus tax
For more information about Universal Orlando Mardi Gras 2009, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.
