Laissez les bon temps rouler! Celebrate Mardi Gras year-round at your favorite destinations
- princesspartyof1
- Mar 3
- 4 min read
Fat Tuesday is upon us, and the King Cake is calling! If you're looking to put a little Mardi in your (vacation) party, check out these year-round and seasonal highlights that are sure to toss some New Orleans-inspired magic your Krewe's way!
New Orleans Square - Disneyland Park Did you know there's a WHOLE LAND that you can only find in Anaheim? New Orleans Square brings the Big Easy to Disneyland, and was the first new land built after the park's opening. Complete with charming buildings, iron balconies, and the iconic street posts, you'll find authentic food & flair in this 3-acre area of Disneyland Park. Bite into the fan-favorite monte cristo sandwich at Disney's romantic Blue Bayou restaurant while watching the boats from Pirates of the Caribbean float by. Shop for elaborate masks and jewels along Orleans or Royal street. Stop by the newly-established Tiana's Palace for a warm cup of gumbo or freshly powdered specialty beignets. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive (and famous) Club 33 doorbell, or snap a pic with Captain Jack Sparrow! While you're here, wind through the southern-inspired gardens of the west coast's Haunted Mansion as you wait to ride this original "happy haunts" attraction. And of course you can't miss a party on the bayou with the new Tiana's Bayou Adventure log flume ride, featuring Princess Tiana, Naveen, Mama Odie, and Louis.
Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside Resorts - Walt Disney World
Nestled in a quiet pocket of Walt Disney World, you'll find sister resorts with Louisiana flair. Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter and Disney's Port Orleans Riverside resort hotels are connected by boat or walking path (or even horse-drawn carriages and surrey bikes!), with Riverside showcasing the southern charm of remote bayous and stately mansions, while French Quarter is filled with the lively sights and sounds of New Orleans' most popular area. Fetch a Mickey-shaped beignet and an assortment of bead necklaces when you check in to Port Orleans French Quarter, and make sure to stop by the Scat Cat Club for nightly jazz melodies. French Quarter also has one of my favorite quick-service restaurants on property, serving up jambalaya and a whole slew of cajun-inspired dishes. Down at Riverside, evoke the romance of rural Louisiana as you stroll along the quiet bridges and mossy tree-covered walkways of the Sassagoula River. Enjoy southern hospitality and home-style cooking at Boatwright's Dining Hall, a table service dining option, and even try your luck at catch-and-release fishing. Both resorts boast themed pool areas with water slides, and Port Orleans guests can enjoy amenities at each resorts, regardless of which one you call home for your visit. Want to sleep like a true Mardi Gras King or Queen? Port Orleans Riverside has a selection of Royal Guest Rooms where you can find delightfully themed decor, including some special surprise touches from Princess Tiana and all of her Disney Princess friends!
Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort
Each year, Universal Studios throw Orlando's biggest bash east of the bayou with their 60-day (on average) celebration of all things Mardi Gras. From colorful street performers to weekly headliner concerts, this event celebrates 30 years in 2025, and has become beloved by fans - and it's all included with your theme park admission! The standout attraction is their Mardi Gras parade, which runs nightly and features elaborate floats designed alongside genuine New Orleans Mardi Gras Krewes. (If you haven't seen my post about riding a float in the parade, I highly recommend you check it out and add this unique experience to your visit!) Food stalls and photo ops line the streets, where you can grab savory plates like baked cajun mac & cheese or a sweet and perfectly 'grammable mini King Cake. Don't forget to stop by the Tribute Store, a shop that has become something of an attraction itself. Each year the Tribute Store brings a story to life from room to room as you take in the Mardi Gras merch. And make sure to check out the concert headliners, celebrating New Orleans' love of music... a few 2025 standouts have included Joe Jonas, Foster the People, T-Pain, and All Time Low. Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort is the perfect way to celebrate Carnival season!
Get a taste of the Big Easy with Disney Cruise Line
While Disney Cruise Line does not currently have any sailings scheduled out of New Orleans, there are a few places you can find some Mardi Gras magic on board. The Disney Wonder features Tiana's Place - part of DCL's unique rotational dining system - where you can get a front row seat to New Orleans-style storytelling and Jazz. With a dinner theater atmosphere and creole and cajun flavors, you'll recognize familiar faces from The Princess and the Frog film while still leaving plenty of room for surprises. You can also stop by the French Quarter Lounge for an evening performance, located just next to the restaurant and open throughout the day as a family space for some of DCL's best activities. If you're a fan of Tiana's hardworking spirit, you might want to sail on the Disney Wish, which features staterooms on select floors with artwork, murals, and other decor inspired by her animated film. Remember to swing by The Bayou, a festive watering hole serving snacks and sips straight from Mama Odie's kitchen. From a classic Hurricane to a fancy beignet flight, this was one of our favorite spots to sit for a drink and music in the evenings, and a great place to relax throughout the day. Just want to say hello to Tiana herself? Don't need to wish upon the evening star - She's a regular on all of Disney Cruise Line's fleet ;)
How do you like to celebrate Mardi Gras? From park to resort to sea, there are plenty of ways to keep the good times rolling on your next Disney, Universal, or Cruise vacation!
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