Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras 2012 Announces Musical Lineup, Tons Of Beads And More!

Celebration Includes Colourful Mardi Gras Parade, Authentic New Orleans Bands, Cajun Cuisine and Live Performances Including Kelly Clarkson, Plain White T’s and KC & The Sunshine Band

Australian and New Zealand Disney Travellers,  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 from February 11^th  until April 14^th , Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration combines unparalleled theme park entertainment with an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorful-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. On February 18^th, pop superstar and Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson will take the Music Plaza Stage to perform major hits from her recent album, “Stronger”, while singer-songwriter and Grammy Award nominee B.o.B, known for his multiple top singles “Nothin’ on You” and “Airplanes” will perform on March 24^th. Additional performances include disco diva Diana Ross; Boyz II Men, the most successful R&B group of all time with more than 60 million albums sold worldwide; teen sensation Big Time Rush and 80s pop sensation Cyndi Lauper.. For the full line-up, see below.

Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can experience all the fun and excitement of The Big Easy as Universal Studios Florida is transformed into a family-friendly version of New Orleans’ famed Mardi Gras. The celebration includes an elaborate Mardi Gras parade, where guests can dance along with street performers and collect beads by the handful as colourful 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 themed 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 travelled 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.

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS’ MARDI GRAS CONCERT SERIES

Mardi Gras is included in regular admission to Universal Studios. Book a spring getaway and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the Big Easy brought to Universal Orlando Resort!

AJ/Disney Traveller 

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