The food and fun party atmosphere of the French Quarter Courtyard are not to be missed. The nightly Mardi Gras parade is amazing. We watched the parade near Mel’s Drive In and we got to see it twice, as it was going out and as it was coming back! I would definitely got for Mardi Gras again.

About Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 will run daily from Feb. 1 through April 2. For 16 select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music, including world-renowned, chart-topping DJ and producer, Marshmello, the multi-platinum international star behind global smash-hits “Despacito” and “Échame La Culpa,” Luis Fonsi, and best-selling American girl group of all time, TLC, known for mega hits such as “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs,” “Creep” and “Unpretty.” For the complete line-up and performance schedule, see below.

The party doesn’t stop there! Inspired by the all-new Treasures of the Deep theme, the nightly Mardi Gras parade runs throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida featuring intricately detailed floats, vivacious dancers and stilt performers with extraordinary costumes, and countless beads. This year, the parade will debut six new floats inspired by mystical creatures of the deep, the sunken city of Atlantis and more. All 12 hand-crafted floats are engineered by Kern Studios, the same company that has created floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947. And, fan-favorite floats, including the Riverboat and King Gator, will return with all-new décor celebrating 25 years of party.

Guests can enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine at The French Quarter Courtyard and performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street. New to this year’s event, guests can enjoy all-new food and beverage offerings at the Carnival Around the Universe tasting tent that will feature dishes inspired by carnivals worldwide with new menu items debuting bi-weekly throughout the event. And returning to this year’s event are fan-favorite add-on experiences, including the Bayou Boil, bringing guests an authentic New Orleans crawfish boil experience, as well as the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard which gives guests the chance to try a variety of classic New Orleans dishes throughout their visit – including gumbo, jambalaya, po boys and more.

2020 Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Headliners

2020 Mardi Gras New Orleans Bands

As you can see, Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is so much fun! There are some great travel deals available for Universal this spring. I am a Universal Orlando Resort Specialist travel agent and I am here to help you, my services are free to you so just request a free quote.

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As part of this family-friendly version of the renowned New Orleans celebration, guests can enjoy a party animal-themed parade that will run nightly throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida, as well as sample new and returning authentic Cajun cuisine available as a tasting size at the French Quarter Courtyard.

For a limited time, Florida residents can experience Mardi Gras and the spring season with an exclusive 2-Park, 3-Day Base ticket offer for only $159.99. This offer is valid for admission to one park per day and is available for purchase through April 4 with a valid promo code from Coca-Cola^® or Coke^® Zero Sugar. Click here for complete details and additional ticket options.

I have never personally attended Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando, someday, I hope. I am a certified Universal Orlando travel agent and I am happy to help you plan your trip to Florida’s Biggest Party. Just Email Me and we will get started.

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Guests will enjoy two nights of live concerts by the genre’s top artists, including these new additions to the stellar lineup: Dove Award-winner Big Daddy Weave, GRAMMY Award-winner Francesca Battistelli, nine-time GRAMMY Award-nominee Matt Maher, Christian Billboard chart-topper Micah Tyler, LEDGER, the new project from the drummer and vocalist of rock band, Skillet, and the GRAMMY Award-nominated Rhett Walker Band.

Rock the Universe 2019 Headliners

Friday, February 1st

• Lecrae
• Matthew West
• Big Daddy Weave
• Colton Dixon
• Matt Maher
• Rhett Walker Band

Saturday, February 2nd

• Skillet
• Bethel Music
• Crowder
• Francesca Battistelli
• Micah Tyler
• LEDGER

Additional Rock the Universe experiences include the FanZone presented by Coca-Cola, which will feature even more live performances by DJ Promote and up-and-coming acts, as well as photo and autograph opportunities with top talent. Guests can also participate in a moving candle-lighting ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 2, and a non-denominational worship service on Sunday, Feb. 3. Plus, throughout the weekend, guests can experience Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy and other thrilling attractions at Universal Studios Florida, as well as Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay with the three-park Rock Your Weekend ticket.

Youth groups can experience an ideal youth group retreat and take advantage of Rock the Universe group vacation packages, which include one free ticket for every 10 purchased, chaperone access to lounges stocked with complimentary refreshments during the event and on-site hotel accommodations.

All tickets for Rock the Universe 2019 are now on sale. Visit www.RocktheUniverse.com for details on group packages, individual tickets and special offers for Annual Passholders. Get your tickets now, February is right around the corner!

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EVE tickets are now on sale and start at $109.99. Special offers include $30 off tickets purchased before
Dec. 15, plus a special discount for Annual Passholders. VIP ticket packages are also available and include two complimentary drinks, additional premium food options and a private viewing area for the pyrotechnics display. For tickets and event details, visit www.CityWalk.com/EVE.

Guests can also ring in the New Year at Universal Studios Florida, where the Music Plaza Stage and Central Park areas will transform into party zones featuring live music, appearances by beloved Universal Orlando characters and essential party favors. Festivities continue as the new lagoon show, Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration, caps off a full day in the parks and pyrotechnic displays blast off at midnight to mark the start of a new year.

New Year’s Eve celebrations at Universal Studios Florida are included with regular theme park admission or a Preferred or Premier Annual Pass (Annual Passes are now available with up to six months free). Guests planning to celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando can also take advantage of the Holidays Splash, Stay and Play package, which includes $100 savings on travel from November 17-January 6.

Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels will also offer unique dining options, live entertainment, midnight toasts and balloon drops to mark the new year. Highlights include Hard Rock Hotel’s “Rock-In 2018!” and Jake’s “Best of 2018” Beer Dinner at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Click here for details on hotel events and special ticket offers.

I am now a certified travel agent with Universal Studios Orland so if you are interested in visiting just Email Me and we will get started.

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Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team, Surfside Inn and Suites will offer nightly rates starting at just $73 for a seven-night stay and $85 per night for a four-night stay in a standard room. The hotel will feature 390 2 Bedroom Suites that sleep six and start as low as $111 per night for a seven-night stay.

“This hotel checks every box – quality, family-friendly suites and exclusive benefits that only come with staying in one of our hotels at a value that is simply unmatched in Orlando,” said Vince LaRuffa, Senior Vice President of Resort Sales and Marketing at Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this new Value hotel category, we now offer a hotel for every style and budget.”

Guests at Surfside Inn and Suites can take advantage of exclusive Universal Orlando hotel benefits to enjoy an epic vacation, including:

• Early Park Admission – allowing them to breeze into one of Universal Orlando’s three amazing theme parks an hour before everyone else
• Complimentary shuttle bus transportation to and from the theme parks and Universal CityWalk
• Destination-wide charging privileges with their room key
• Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to their hotel

Families needing a bit more room will find it easy to relax in the spacious 2 Bedroom Suites, which sleep six comfortably and feature a kitchenette and separate bath and vanity areas. It’s the perfect home-base for families of any size to experience all that Universal Orlando has to offer.

The 750-room Surfside Inn and Suites will feature a relaxed and fun surf vibe with beach details woven throughout the experience. It will be the destination’s seventh hotel in partnership with Loews Hotels & Co.

Sister property Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suiteswill add 2,050 rooms and suites when it opens in 2020. Both hotels will be located minutes away from Universal Orlando’s three theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay – as well as its dining and entertainment complex – Universal CityWalk.

To book a stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, visit UniversalOrlando.com or call 800.BE.A.STAR (232-7827).

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The musical stars won’t be the only ones on display as a constellation-themed Mardi Gras parade will keep the good times rolling every night throughout the streets of Universal Studios Florida with breathtakingly detailed floats, festive krewes of colorful dancers and stilt performers, and countless beads. Six new celestial floats – including Taurus, Virgo and Serpentarius – complete a lineup of 12 intricately hand-crafted floats engineered by Kern Studios, designer of the original New Orleans Mardi Gras floats for more than 50 years.

Guests will also enjoy mouthwatering shrimp po’boys, jambalaya, beignets and more at the French Quarter Courtyard while listening to authentic sounds of New Orleans straight from Bourbon Street.

2018 Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Headliners

These concerts take place in the Music Plaza

• February 3-Sean Paul
• February 10-The Beach Boys
• February 17-Kelsea Ballerini
• February 24-Andy Grammer
• February 24-Macklemore
• March 3-311
• March 4-Phillip Phillips
• March 10-To be Announced
• March 17-Foreigner
• March 18-Fifth Harmony
• March 24-To be Announced
• March 25-BUSH

2018 Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando New Orleans Bands

These concerts take place in the French Quarter Courtyard

• February 3 through February 20-Free Agents Brass Band
• February 21 through March 6-Naughty Professor Brass Band
• March 7 through March 20-New Breed Brass Band
  March 21 through March 31-Young Pinstripe Brass Band
  April 1 through April 7-Dirty Bourbon River Show

Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an annual pass. Florida Residents can get three months free on Power, Preferred and Premier Annual Passes with a UPC code from select Coca-Cola products. For more information, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.

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2017 Rock the Universe Artists

Friday September 8

• Chris Tomlin
• Lecrae
• Kari Jobe
• Lauren Daigle
• 7eventh Time Down
• Social Club Misfits
• Steven Malcolm
• Hollyn
• GAWVI
• Kolby Koloff

Saturday September 9

• Casting Crowns
• For King & Country
• Thousand Foot Krutch
• Andy Mineo
• Family Force 5
• Ryan Stevenson
• DJ Promote
• For All Seasons
• Hannah Kerr
• Aaron Cole

Individual tickets, group tickets, and the Rock Your Weekend Group Getaway vacation package will all be available soon. Now is the time to decide if Rock the Universe 2017 fits into your September calendar so that when the tickets and packages go on sale you and your youth group are ready.

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About Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay is a tropical paradise formed by myth and discovered by legend. It was discovered by the Waturi islanders with the help of a mystical fish who was destined to guide them to a new home. Before they came to Volcano Bay, the Waturi traversed the ocean in outrigger canoes in search of a new home. According to the legend, a mystical fish named Kunuku was destined to guide them.

Their voyages took them to the far corners of the South Pacific. And wherever they went, the Waturi embraced the customs, music and art of the many people they encountered. But alas, nowhere did they find Kunuku.

On and on they searched, until they came to the very edge of the world. And it was there that they found Kunuku playing in the waves. Within a day, Kunuku and the winds of fortune lead the travelers to the shores of Volcano Bay. The Waturi knew that, at long last, they had found home.

Volcano Bay could only be brought to life by Universal Creative – the same team responsible for bringing the ground-breaking experiences within Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure to life. The team traveled around the South Pacific to find inspiration that would redefine the water park experience and shape their vision for Volcano Bay. The water theme park is just another example of their commitment to spectacular storytelling and creating amazing, immersive guest experiences.

When it grand opens on May 25, Universal’s Volcano Bay will become Universal Orlando’s third amazing theme park and feature a variety of experiences ranging from daring to serene – including a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, a peaceful winding river, twisting multi-rider raft rides, speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below and more.

Volcano Bay Tickets

Volcano Bay’s new offerings provide a variety of choices that allow guests to shape their experience – from new 3-Park Annual Pass products to special Florida resident ticket options. Here’s a look at the new options now available to help guests plan the ultimate Universal Orlando Resort vacation.

Florida Resident 3-Park Multi-Day Tickets

(Starting at $199.99 per adult – Less than $67 per day)
The Florida Resident 3-Park Multi-Day Ticket entitles one guest admission to all three of Universal Orlando’s theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay.

•  Options available from 2 to 3 days in duration
• Valid up to 180 days after purchase

Universal Orlando Resort 3-Park Passes – Florida Residents

(Starting as low as $17.38 per month*)
Includes admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure AND Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, plus special benefits exclusive to Annual Passholders including discounts and perks, free admission to special events and more.

• Four different pass options are available
  *FlexPay option is available with low monthly payment rates after one initial down payment

Universal’s Volcano Bay 1-Day Admission Ticket

(Starting at $67 per adult)

• Allows guests one-day admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Universal’s Volcano Bay Express Pass

(Starting at $19.99 per person)
·

• With Universal Express, guests can bypass the Virtual Line experience and enjoy Volcano Bay’s rides at their convenience.
• Universal Express Unlimited (unlimited Express ride access at participating rides within Universal’s Volcano Bay) is also available

Additional ways guests can enhance their visit to Volcano Bay, such as Cabana Rentals and Premium Seating Reservations, will go on-sale soon.

For information, offers and to purchase tickets for Universal’s Volcano Bay, Email Me or visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

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The Blue Man Group VIP Experience

Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Resort is giving guests an unforgettable opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at the Orlando production of Blue Man Group with a newly-enhanced VIP Experience.

On the tour, VIP guests will explore backstage areas and inner-workings generally off-limits to non-show personnel. Highlights include a history of the Blue Man Group creative collective accompanied by rarely seen photographs and company artifacts, a brief history of the Orlando theatre, a hands-on opportunity to play a Blue Man instrument and explore the band tribal make up, and a glimpse into the work it takes to produce the show night after night.

The Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Resort VIP Experience includes:

• An exclusive behind-the-scenes pre-show tour, including:
• A glimpse of Blue Man Group history and artifacts
• The opportunity to play a Blue Man Group instrument
• The chance to try on the band’s fluorescent makeup
• Some of the best seats in the theater for the Blue Man Group performance
• Complimentary souvenir program, VIP lanyard, popcorn and soda
• Private meet-and-greet with a Blue Man after the show
• A free download of “Creature Feature” off of Blue Man Group’s latest album THREE

The Blue Man Group VIP Experience is available for all performances. Participating guests must check-in one-hour prior to show time and will be greeted by a VIP tour guide. Tickets are $199 (plus tax) for adults, $149 for children ages 3-9 and can be purchased now by visiting universalorlando.com/blueman, calling 407.BLUE.MAN, or by visiting the Blue Man Group Box Office or any Universal Orlando Resort theme park ticket window.

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The 2017 Mardi Gras celebration is a family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans bash that features Cajun-style cuisine, authentic New Orleans flair, a spectacular parade, and – on select nights – live concerts by a star-studded lineup of musical artists covering everything from pop and R&B to rock and disco.

Universal’s Mardi Gras 2017 will run daily from Feb. 4 through March 25 – giving guests 50 nights to join the celebration. For 12 select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by nationally-recognized musical acts including award winning-multiplatinum selling Fifth Harmony, three-time GRAMMY Award winner NE-YO, superstar singer-songwriter Toby Keith and rock band Collective Soul. For the complete line-up and performance schedule, see below.

Guests can also enjoy authentic New Orleans-style cuisine at The French Quarter Courtyard and performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street.

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with an Annual Pass. Florida Residents can get up to three months free on Power, Preferred and Premier Annual Passes with a Coca-Cola and Coke Zero UPC code or promo code on special marked packages. For more information on Mardi Gras, visit the website. I hope to see you there!

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