Universal Orlando kicks off Mardi Gras 2014 with better-than-ever parade traveling around the world and back to New Orleans

in Entertainment, Events, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras began at Universal Orlando this past weekend, launching a 3-month concert series with an impressive line-up of popular acts.

But it’s the parade that’s stealing the show this year, building on a trend of wild, over-the-top designs that began last year, heightened even further for 2014.

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Three new floats themed to worldly travel add a whole lot of festive flair to this year’s Mardi Gras parade, featuring planes, trains, and even an illuminated zeppelin flying high overhead along with plenty of beads tossed to the crowd. And despite a particularly rainy opening day, performers were as lively as ever, though stilt walkers were on foot instead, likely humming “feet don’t fail me now” all the way around the parade loop.


Video: FULL Mardi Gras parade 2014 at Universal Orlando


The Mardi Gras parade is full infectious energy, a must-see multiple times between now and the event’s conclusion in June.

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

In addition to the parade, there’s a marketplace full of food, merchandise, and meet-and-greet opportunities (weather permitting).

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Despicable Me’s Minions are getting into the Mardi Gras fun this year too.

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando

Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal dates and concerts are as follows:

FEB 8 DAUGHTRY
FEB 15 BARENAKED LADIES
FEB 16 THOMAS RHETT
FEB 22 ROBIN THICKE
MAR 1 COLLECTIVE SOUL
MAR 8 PRINCE ROYCE
MAR 14 CODY SIMPSON
MAR 15 FOREIGNER
MAR 21 A GREAT BIG WORLD
MAR 22 GAVIN DEGRAW
MAR 28 KELLY ROWLAND
MAR 29 WEEZER
APR 5 SKILLET
APR 12 LYNYRD SKYNYRD
APR 19 KOOL & THE GANG
MAY 3 NELLY
MAY 10 THE WANTED
MAY 17 THE ROOTS
MAY 24 CHER LLOYD
MAY 31 HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS
JUNE 7 ROBIN THICKE

More information can be found on the official Mardi Gras web site.

More photos from Mardi Gras 2014 at Universal Orlando:

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