Mardi Gras 2012 kicks off at Universal Orlando

February 11, 2012, 7:02 PM · It's that time of year again, this weekend Universal Orlando kicks off its 2012 Mardi Gras season. We got to take a look the new floats for this year and got a taste of New Orleans.

Every year, Universal Orlando has a new set of themed floats made by Blain Kern Artists which is the same company that designs and builds the floats for the New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade. This years parade theme will take you on a journey through the "Blue Planet."

From the bayous and swamps…

to the rainforest…

to the deep blue sea…

and the Polar Regions.

Of course the lineup of floats will also bring back many of the old favorites like the Riverboat and Gator.

Let's not forget Mardi Gras also brings with it some tasty, delicious Cajun cuisines at Universal Studios' French Quarter Courtyard. There you'll be able to find Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo, Beignets, King Cake, and so much more. I definitely recommend if you are coming to Mardi Gras to take some time and try these delicious dishes.

And of course Mardi Gras will again play host to over a dozen concerts headlined by some of the biggest names in music starting off with the B-52's this weekend, and Kelly Clarkson next week. There will also be several New Orleans Bands straight from the Big Easy coming to perform in the French Quarter prior to the headliners taking the main stage.

Mardi Gras 2012 Lineup
Event Date Headliner New Orleans Bands
Saturday, February 11 The B-52s The Daddy Mack Blues Band
Saturday, February 18 Kelly Clarkson Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
Sunday, February 19 Boyz II Men Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
Saturday, February 25 Diana Ross John Lisi & Delta Funk
Saturday, March 3 Goo Goo Dolls Beth McKee & The Sliders
Saturday, March 10 Big Time Rush Gravy
Friday, March 16 J. Cole Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, March 17 Sugar Ray Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Friday, March 23 Hot Chelle Rae J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Saturday, March 24 B.o.B. J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Friday, March 30 Plain White T's Soul Project
Saturday, March 31 Prince Royce Soul Project
Saturday, April 7 Cindy Lauper Rockin' Jake
Saturday, April 14 KC & The Sunshine Band Big Al & The Heavyweights

Mardi Gras 2012 Lineup
Event Date	Headliner	New Orleans Bands
Saturday, February 11	The B-52s	The Daddy Mack Blues Band
Saturday, February 18	Kelly Clarkson	Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
Sunday, February 19	Boyz II Men	Lil Malcolm and the House Rockers
Saturday, February 25	Diana Ross	John Lisi & Delta Funk
Saturday, March 3	Goo Goo Dolls	Beth McKee & The Sliders
Saturday, March 10	Big Time Rush	Gravy
Friday, March 16	J. Cole	Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, March 17	Sugar Ray	Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers
Friday, March 23	Hot Chelle Rae	J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Saturday, March 24	B.o.B.	J.J. Caillier & The Zydeco Knockouts
Friday, March 30	Plain White T's	Soul Project
Saturday, March 31	Prince Royce	Soul Project
Saturday, April 7	Cindy Lauper	Rockin' Jake
Saturday, April 14	KC & The Sunshine Band	Big Al & The Heavyweights

Mardi Gras is included as a part of regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

Replies (1)

Mike Seary

February 14, 2012 at 4:49 PM · If I were not actually living in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, U-O's Mardi Gras version would surely serve as a suitable replacement. No matter, will be visiting this fall regardless. Lassez le bon temps roulet! Enjoy your King Cakes and Red Beans n Rice, I surely will!

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Mardi Gras 2012 kicks off at Universal Orlando

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