Have you ever thought about escaping the madness of Mardi Gras week in New Orleans, Southeast Louisiana, or along the Gulf Coast? The kids are out of school. It’s the perfect time for a family vacation.
Have you ever thought to escape to the Disney Parks for a magical vacation? Our family agrees that there is no better place to escape the Big Easy during Mardi Gras than Walt Disney World!
When is Mardi Gras?
The first thing you should think about is when Mardi Gras day occurs.
Mardi Gras can fall sometime between early February through early March. In 2023 Mardi Gras is on February 13, 2023. Thankfully Mardi Gras is the week before President’s Day this year!
WARNING: When Mardi Gras and Presidents Day are on the same exact weeks, be prepared for level 10 crowds this week ask families up north who are escaping winter as we escape Mardi Gras madness.
So You Want to Go to Disney World for Mardi Gras?
Ok, so now you have chosen to go to Disney during Mardi Gras break.
First of all, expect to see half of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast as Southeast Louisiana, Mississippi and Southern Alabama all have school breaks that week and also celebrate Mardi Gras. So now you need to do all the same things you would normally do when booking a Disney trip. Book your trip, and your meals, decide if you want to purchase Genie+ and pack your bags.
Then you can let the good times roll with Mickey, Minnie, and the gang.
What should you pack?
The weather in Central Florida is like the weather in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast this time of year. It could be cold because it is still technically winter or mild, or it could be HOT. The best thing to do is keep an eye on the local Orlando weather and pack accordingly. Be sure to bring a jacket, gloves, socks, and an umbrella or raincoat because, like at home, the weather can change at any moment.
You will need a few more items: A good water bottle, sunscreen, a backpack, your phone charger, and sunglasses.
Some people also bring along Mardi Gras beads and trinkets. These make great conversation starters. They are also nice to give out to Disney Cast Members from our local area to give them a taste of home.
What To Wear
Now, how about what you will wear? Purple, green, and gold of course!
Matching Mardi Gras Disney shirts would be awesome! You can find some on Etsy and Shop Disney or you can make your own with a Cricut machine. I prefer to make my own.
A good pair of shoes is a MUST. My go-Disney shoes are Crocs flip-flops. I swear by these for Disney. This time of year, though, they may not be weather appropriate. My advice, invest in a good pair of tennis shoes or a pair of Crocs.
Again don’t forget socks, gloves and an umbrella or raincoat.
How Should You Celebrate Mardi Gras Day in Walt Disney World?
Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts are the best place to spend part of Fat Tuesday if you want to get into the spirit of Mardi Gras!
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter have a small Disney style Mardi Gras golf cart parade along the scenic Sassagoula River each year where Cast Members throw beads and candy to guests. You may even see Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, and other Disney Characters. It’s not your typical Mardi Gras Parade, but it looks fun, and the kids will love it.Check with the front desk at either hotel for the exact parade route.
In years past, they have also had Mardi Gras crafts for the kids.
Dine on Creole and Cajun specialties at Sassagoula Floatworks (Port of Orleans French Quarter’s Quick Service Restaurant). There you will find the famous beignet burger, po’boys, shrimp and grits, blackened ribeye, and more. It’s the perfect place to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Mardi Gras day. You can also head over to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside and enjoy a meal at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. I suggested making advanced dining reservations if you choose this option.
Also be sure to stop by Scat Cat’s Club and enjoy some live jazz music and Mickey Beignets. They also have gluten free beignets and boozy beignets!
There have been Carnival or Carvnivale activities at Disney Springs to celebrate the season in years past. So be sure to check there for some Mardi Gras festivities.
Of course, you can also enjoy the four Disney theme parks: Magic Kingdom to check out the Haunted Mansion, Epcot for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
No matter how you spend Mardi Gras Day at Walt Disney World, you’ll be sure to have a great time. Laissez les bons temps roulette!
More Disney Parks posts:
- The Year Disney Saved Me
- Port Orleans French Quarter
- Epcot with Kids
- Winnie the Pooh at Magic Kingdom
- Quick Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World
- Fun at Disney Springs
- Beat the Summer Heat at WDW
- Fun things to do on check out day!
- Bring your pets to Walt Disney World
- Perfect spots to rest at the Walt Disney World Parks
- Disney Cruise
- Disney Vacations
- Take a Virtual Tour of EPCOT
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