Page 11 - Twice-Told April 2018

Volume 18, Issue 6 Page 11

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

By Christopher Raymond
F
lorida’s big- (Left) One of the big-
gest party is back at gest Mardi Gras tradi-
Universal Orlando tions is having the king
Resort from February and queen of Mardi Gras
3 to April 7, bringing ride atop one of the
some of the best tallest floats, waving
bands and beads from down to their loyal
the Big Easy to the “subjects.” Universal
streets of Universal has both king and queen
Studios Florida. characters, as well as
two lucky float riders
Guests attending the that act as the king and
events on weekends queen to carry on this
may be able to catch iconic tradition, which
a concert from favor- has its origins laid in
ite artists like the some of Mardi Gras’
Beach Boys or Mack- oldest history. All Pho- (Above) French Quarter Courtyard at Universal Orlando’s
lemore. No matter the tos by Christopher Ray- Mardi Gras is not only home to some of the best brass
day, guests can ask mond. bands on this side of the Big Easy, but is also home to some
for float-goers to, of the best food and photo opportunities for guests to par-
“Throw me something, mister,” and collect as many take in. While in the park, a variety of flowers, weathered
beads as they can hold during the Mardi Gras Parade. pianos, benches, arches, and float props litter the land-
Every year that Mardi Gras appears at Univer- scape, creating something of an Instagram dream world.
sal Studios Florida, a new theme brings together per- Meanwhile, tents filled the streets with the scrumptious
formers and floats with unique costuming and music. scents of spices and sweets from dishes like andouille sau-
Past years’ themes have included, “Around the World,” sages and delectable beignets.
featuring floats based on Germany or Mexico, and rade, and flinging out beads to other guests. Annual
“Mythical Creatures,” with floats such as, “Garden passholders are invited to ride on a float through the
Sprites” and, “Manticore’s Majesty,” in addition to per- Universal Orlando website, where they can enter a lot-
manent favorites, such as the, “Riverboat” and, “King tery for a specific date. Oftentimes, passholders will be
Gator” floats. This year presents a celestial theme, with assigned to the, “Riverboat” or, “King Gator” floats due
floats based on constellations and galaxies, such as, to their high capacity. However, at random, some pass-
“Taurus” and, “Andromeda.” These themes do not end holders are reassigned. Non-passholders can also join in
with the floats as parade and streetmosphere performers the fun by waiting in the float rider stand-by queue
alike both wear costumes inspired by their respective found near the entrance to A Day in the Park with Bar-
floats and themes as they party the night away in French ney, approximately two to three hours before the parade
Quarter Courtyard. starts. Guests waiting in the stand-by queue are not
The French Quarter Courtyard is not only guaranteed ridership, but when they are, they can be
home to entertainment, but also boasts some of the best assigned to any of the floats, allowing guests the excit-
cajun food on this side of New Orleans (no offense Pop- ing opportunity to ride on any float, from one of the
eye’s). Guests can order anything from rice and beans to year’s new themed floats or smaller scale classics like
andouille sausage. In addition, specialty beverages, like the, “King and Queen” or, “Jester” floats.
the highly coveted virgin Mint Julep, can be purchased While anybody can experience Mardi Gras,
to wash it all down. While the savory food and beverag- one of the most popular and fun ways to do so is with
es are all great, the real attraction of these food booths friends. Having friends by one’s side at this high energy
are the beignets, with delectable taste, texture, and pow- event can reciprocate the energy, intensify the good
dered sugar that reminds guests why this is such a clas- vibes, or even make one a little more comfortable with
sic New Orleans fan-favorite. Whether one is craving the surrounding environment. At night, Mardi Gras
something savory, sweet, or spicy, the French Quarter makes Universal Studios Florida come alive with ener-
Courtyard has it! (Above) The entrance of Universal Studios Florida acts as a bea- gy, as street performers make an energetic and eclectic
Arguably, the biggest draw to Mardi Gras is con for all party goers who wish to partake in the Creole festivi- atmosphere left unmatched by anyone but New Orleans
the incredible concert series that attracts some of the ties that occur on the streets nightly. itself. Guests can partake in authentic dining and shop-
biggest, hottest bands from across the United States, and ping experiences for additional costs. From the festive
this year is no exception. In the French Quarter Court- tional, New Orleans jazz from groups like the Free floats to vibrant music, guests can have a swinging good
yard, guests can listen to the swinging sounds of tradi- Agents Brass Band, New Breed Brass Band, and even time at Universal’s Mardi Gras Celebration.
the Dirty Bourbon River
Show. While these bands
set the lively atmosphere,
modern artists draw crowds
to Music Plaza Stage for
one of a kind concerts un-
like any other. Some of this
year’s highlights include
The Beach Boys with John
Stamos, Macklemore, Phil-
lip Phillips, Fitz and the
Tantrums, and even Fifth
Harmony. These incredible
concerts take place only on
weekends, right after the
parade, but due to the popu-
larity of the artists, it is
highly recommended that
one arrives early, especially
(Above) A wide variety of musical acts take residence at Universal Orlando’s on extremely popular
Mardi Gras for the whimsical multi-month festival. While top artists headline nights.
the event, some of its biggest stars are smaller bands that provide a lively Another way (Above) Each year, a new theme takes Mardi Gras by storm, and this year is no
atmosphere to the park’s French Quarter Courtyard area. This band is one guests can join the fun is by exception. This year’s celestial theme provided the inspiration for a variety of
such instance, whose brass instruments take influence from the Big Easy. riding on a float in the pa- things, from floats to costumes. This variety of props and décor changes from
year to year, providing something new for returning visitors.