It’s amazing that even when you least expect it, you can find some educational value in a fun day out with your family. We recently had the pleasure of enjoying an afternoon at Universal Studios Orlando for their Mardi Gras Celebration as guests of Universal Orlando Resort. Our family has been fortunate to experience the Mardi Gras Grand Celebration at Universal Studios Orlando before, but it’s always a fun time, especially for the kids! If the 7 reasons to celebrate Mardi Gras at Universal Studios I shared with you last year isn’t enough to get you out to Universal Orlando before the Mardi Gras celebration ends on June 7th, then maybe learning more about how you and the kids can learn about and experience a variety of cultures during the Mardi Gras celebration will be reason enough! Not sure what I mean? Read on and see how we celebrated culture with Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration!
Mardi Gras definitely brings thoughts of delicious Cajun food, king cake, beignets, great New Orleans music, and of course, beads! While you can get all of that and more during Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando, there’s no denying that one of the highlights is the Mardi Gras Parade. This year’s parade theme is “Around the World in Eighty Days” and though it’s a small glimpse of the world, kids will get a chance at seeing a few distinct cultures represented in the Mardi Gras parade! It’s a great opportunity to point out the parade floats and accompanying street performers as they pass by, then later follow-up with activities and discussions at home to further the connection. Be sure to look for these three Mardi Gras parade floats, each with beautiful, ornate decorations and costumes:
Elegance of India Float
Chinese New Year Float
Mexican Day of the Dead Float
I had the chance to speak with Patrick Braillard, Creative Development Show Director at Universal Orlando regarding the Mardi Gras Parade and specifically the Mexican Day of the Dead Float. Watch below as he enthusiastically describes the history and creation of this float, plus shares how they find the talent that performs in the parade!
[Patrick Braillard, Creative Development Show Director at Universal Orlando Resort shares insights and details about the Mexican Day of the Dead Float, part of the Mardi Gras Parade at Universal Studios Orlando.]
Another way to explore culture while at Universal’s Mardi Gras Celebration is to discuss the overall history of Mardi Gras and the culture of New Orleans. The French Quarter Courtyard is a great place to explore to do so. Here you can find some of that delicious cajun food for sale, plus musicians direct from New Orleans performing live each Mardi Gras event night. As you probably know, food and music are two of the best ways to experience what a culture is all about!
You still have time to head to Universal Studios Orlando and experience Mardi Gras for yourself. The celebration continues through June 7th, with full details on event nights and a schedule of the remaining live concerts that are included with park admission found on the Mardi Gras site. I know your kids and family will love the family-friendly Mardi Gras fun and celebrating the greatness of different cultures you can find at this celebration!
What Universal Orlando Mardi Gras parade float do you enjoy the most?
Disclosure: Our family was provided a complimentary 1-day visit to Universal Studios Orlando to experience Mardi Gras. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Al photos © Melanie Edwards/modernmami™