Travel Tuesday: Universal Orlando Mardi Gras event brings big name headliners

Even with the draw of Harry Potter and theme park thrill, Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras headliners are Spring’s bigger attraction.

While guests may head to Universal Orlando over spring break to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or even Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon, the annual Mardi Gras event is a huge added bonus. From Feb. 3 through April 7, some of today’s top musical talents will take to the Universal Studios Florida stage. With the concerts included with the admission price, this annual event is a great way to see some of today’s top headliners.

Recently, Universal announced many of the musical acts for its annual Mardi Gras event. This year’s special event is slated to be Florida’s Biggest Party yet. During the springtime event, 13 nights will feature some huge names in music. From popular chart toppers to nostalgic favorites, theme park guests might skip riding their favorite rides for these concert events.

Universal released the following concert schedule for Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2018.

"Feb. 3 Sean PaulFeb. 10 The Beach BoysFeb. 17 Kelsea BalleriniFeb. 18 Andy GrammerFeb. 24 MacklemoreMarch 3 311March 4 Phillip PhillipsMarch 10 To be announcedMarch 11 Fitz and the TantrumsMarch 17 ForeignerMarch 18 Fifth HarmonyMarch 24 To be announcedMarch 25 BUSH"

Looking at this line-up, music fans will fill Music Plaza hours before the concerts are set to begin. Truthfully, the Mardi Gras concerts are a great way to see some current popular favorites like Macklemore, Fifth Harmony and Fitz and the Tantrums. Many of this year’s line-up of performers are currently on tour. Considering that guests can spend the day at Universal Orlando enjoying the rides and then see a concert, the approximate $100 cost is a great deal.

While the Mardi Gras event does have some ties to the New Orleans traditional Mardi Gras celebration with themed parades and food, Universal’s event focuses on generalized fun. But the true draw to this annual event is the music concerts.

For many people, these concerts are a great way to see favorite performers in an entertaining setting. While the concert itself may not be exactly the same as the tour version, it does give fans a chance to see their favorite performers in a different setting. Plus, the cost is quite appealing.

If you decided to attend one of the Mardi Gras concerts, it is best to arrive early, claim some space and have lots of patience. Granted, the lawn area in front of the concert stage isn’t tremendously spacious, but a few key spots can be favorable.

Universal Orlando Resort is poised to kick off the biggest, best, Mardi Gras party in the country Ð straight from New Orleans to you this February 12 through April 23. Nationally renowned musical acts combine with an authentic Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic Cajun cooking and hand-picked New Orleans bands to capture the look, feel and fun of New Orleans Ð all inside Universal Studios Florida.

Finding a spot to the right of the stage, by the Jimmy Fallon ride, is closest to the bathrooms. Since many guests claim space hours ahead of time, this area can be convenient if you need to take a break. Also, this area is closest to the special Mardi Gras food tents. After all, who can resist some gumbo, beignets or even a hurricane cocktail during a Mardi Gras celebration?

Also, one benefit for some annual passholders doesn’t apply during these Mardi Gras concerts. Free valet parking, offered with Premium passes, isn’t available after 7 p.m. on these select nights. Due to the larger crowds, it is understandable that the benefit isn’t available.

Since the Mardi Gras events coincide with spring break, crowds tend to be larger. Ride wait times will be higher. Fast passes can help reduce waits, but it comes with an additional cost. Another option is to ride popular rides at the beginning of the day or at lunch time. Often these times offer smaller wait times. The Universal Florida app continually updates ride wait times and is a must for any theme park visitor.

Next: New Harry Potter nighttime light show at Universal

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando and its concerts are a great event to visit. Given the big name headliner concerts included in theme park admission, it is a perfect time to visit Universal for the first time or revisit it again and laissez le bon temps rouler!