Mardi Gras, Universal Style

Yes, it's true, we go to Mardi Gras every year in New Orleans. This year we had the opportunity to do Mardi Gras Universal style. I've got to say it was pretty interesting. They host a concert after the parade on the select nights that they schedule for Mardi Gras. There's also a courtyard with different food including funnel cakes, beignets, shrimp gumbo, andouille sausage and some Cajun sampler platters. All in all the food was pretty good. 

We went in around 6 o'clock and explored the park. They run a concert each night as well. The night we picked was Three Doors Down. Aim early if you expect to get anywhere near the stage. Even if you don't get close there are large screens and you can hear the band in a large area. That was good enough for me. We caught the parade at the tail end of the route but that was just fine.  Their version of the Mardi Gras parade consisted of about 10 floats, although nicely done really not like what you see in New Orleans. 

They also threw some short beads and that was about it. There were stilt walkers in between the floats but sadly, no bands. One thing that was the same were the people being just as crazy in the crowd with their pushing and shoving for beads. 

The best moment came a good while after the parade when I stumbled upon a doubloon. It was just laying there and was a little scuffed up but that didn't matter. I didn't see any thrown so it made it made it even more special.

So all in all it was a fun night. I would say that the added benefit of getting to go into the Diagon Alley area of Harry Potter really made the night great. That area of Universal Studios is done so well that a really could stay in that area all night.

If you have the chance to check out Mardi Gras at Universal, do it! While its not a substitute for the real thing it stands on its own.

Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot has gotten more and more like the Food and Wine Festival… but I'm not complaining. In fact, I think it's a wonderful thing. 

Flower and Garden Festival started this year on March 2 and runs until the end of May. I got to go this Saturday and the weather could not of been more perfect. Seriously, it was a beautiful day. I mean just look at the picture. 

The flowers are everywhere, the sky is blue, and then don't forget all the food and beverages that there are to offer.

Oh, you wanted to see food pics? I thought you'd never ask. Just where do I begin?

These fine samplings come from France and China. The strawberries are back again and I'd recommend giving these a taste! Delicious. Strawberries coated with a sesame candy coating and they are juicy and delicious. 

And for those of you on Untappd, like myself, there's even a cider tasting. TheMcKenzie's  Black Cherry smelled so delicious that they really could make a perfume out of it as well. You'll find these goodies in America at the Smokehouse.

You want more? Take your pick. From salad to ribs, they have it all!

 

And there's nothing wrong with squeezing a little bit of spiced nuts, bourbon infused chocolate and caramel deliciousness in the mix as well.

I must say the watermelon slushy was the bomb with a little splash of Hendricks Gin. Having an awesome bartender made the experience even better.

Did you want to try some fish? The grouper was The perfect texture and taste to leave you wanting more.

But I should stop there. I've got you all drooling and ready to go adventure around the World Showcase eating your way through. Don't forget to get your passport and check off as many things as you can. And somebody go see the butterflies. I didn't get a chance to and that's one of my favorite things.

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