Universal Mardi Gras tips: Make a party plan

Packing a laid-back attitude and setting priorities can make Universal Mardi Gras a nice evening with thousands of your closest, party-Mardi friends. Here are tips to guide you.

Arrive early

The parade starts at 8 p.m. (9 p.m. on April 16 and 23), but there's a ton of New Orleans-style atmosphere to take in beforehand. Cajun cuisine and Louisiana musicians are showcased in Universal's French Quarter. Stilt walkers and other performers mingle with guests for funky photo opportunities (Glitter! Abs!) in the New York area and near Music Plaza. Leave plenty of travel time. Interstate 4 can back up as Mardi Gras time nears, plus you must find your way through the mega- garage and Universal CityWalk then past the turnstiles of Universal Studios to get to the action.

Let the good times roll

This is one crowded event, especially when the show starts. Claustrophobics, beware. And at peak capacity, you're not getting anywhere in a hurry.

The crowd tends to exit in two waves -- one immediately after the parade and the second at the end of the headlining concert. Timing a departure between those two groups helps.

All about the beads?

Scout for less-populated spots along the parade route marked on the guide map. A good area is in Amityville -- not a lot of room for bystanders and the floats' official bead-tossers are off to enthusiastic starts.

All about the concerts?

Forgo the beads bonanza and park yourself by the stage area early for a good spot.

Want both beads and music?

Standing along the main drag for the parade puts you in a good position for a view of the stage. The concert begins immediately after the last float passes the stage area. The side of the stage area nearest Twister usually feels less populated and has more elbow room -- plus easy access to the restrooms.