Here's what Universal Studios actually looked like during Mardi Gras 2021 (PHOTOS)

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You might be wondering how the theme parks are handling the pandemic on a normal day, let alone when an event is going on. Well, wonder no more, because I'm here to give you the inside look on Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras celebration.

During my trip I bounced back and forth between the theme park and the thrill park, Islands of Adventure, scoping out the scenes high and low. The parks were crowded, but not to the point that it usually was prior to the pandemic. Wait times for almost all of the rides were around an hour by midday.

Several of the attractions were closed, particularly the areas where people would be in close contact, including Camp Jurassic and the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. Even some of the cafes, restaurants and stores were closed --though, the reason is not clear.

Most of the Mardi Gras celebration took place in Universal Studios (not Islands of Adventure), with a variety of festive foods, floats and decor found scattered here-and-there throughout the park. Many visitors and workers alike wore festive attire. 

I'm not sure if it was because of the pandemic, but the overall vibe of the "celebration" wasn't very exciting. There were no parades or other over-the-top festivities that one would usually expect with a Mardi Gras party. Overall, I would say it was very tame, laid back, and PG. By the end of the night, the park was littered with a rainbow of shiny beaded necklaces.

While I am happy to have had the opportunity to check it out, I can't say I was particularly blown away by the event; but I was pleased to see the park taking public health and safety seriously, which I imagine had a major impact on the festivities. 

I tried to document as much of the trip as I could; you can see the photos below.