Disney World is well known for their amazing holiday celebrations throughout the year. Though some holidays are celebrated more than others, most have some sort of celebration for guests to enjoy the special day they’re spending at Disney. Mardi Gras is no different except that this celebration we’re going to talk about is not in the parks but at a resort.
Table of contents
When is the Mardi Gras celebration?
The Mardi Gras celebration is on Mardi Gras each year. So for 2020, the celebration was on Tuesday, February 25. In 2021, the celebration will be on February 16.
What does French Quarter do to celebrate Mardi Gras?
There are two main celebrations the day of Mardi Gras. The first is a parade put on by the cast members at both French Quarter and Riverside. This is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This involves decorated floats with a theme they choose (this year was Past Disney Attractions), dancing, music, beaded necklaces, and candy for all the guests. The floats start at Riverside and make their way to their ending at French Quarter. They even had Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen waving from a horse-drawn carriage. This is so fun to watch and enjoy and is a can’t-miss for us!
Tiana and Naveen 
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea float
The second celebration is in the evening. This is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and includes a dj, dancing, activities, snacks, drinks, special Disney characters, photo opportunities, and a cake-eating contest. The atmosphere at the evening celebration is fun and lively with everyone having a great time and getting involved with the activities.
The cost of the tokens 
The tokens for games and prizes 
The candy bar 
The drinks and snacks 
The photo backdrop 
The props for the photo stop 
Gator ring toss 
The prize for the gator ring toss was a balloon ball 
The color choices for the masks 
Example make-your-own masks 
The awesome dj 
Guests having fun dancing 
King Cakes for games 
Free beads and crowns
Who can attend the French Quarter Mardi Gras celebration?
Anyone is welcome to the Mardi Gras celebration at Port Orleans- French Quarter. You don’t have to be a guest at the resort or even staying on Disney property to join in the fun. The event is for anyone of any age.
How much does it cost?
The event itself is free, and there are several fun things to do that don’t cost any money; however, there are a few activities that do cost money but are so fun for families to do and enjoy. The free activities include the parade, dj and dancing, Mardi Gras beads, Disney characters (these change based on the year, but Louis and Dr. Facilier were there this year), and photo opportunities with props.
The paid activities include decorating your own Mardi Gras mask, drinks, snacks, candy, a ring toss game, and a keepsake photo. The drinks and snacks are all paid for using card, gift card or magic band (no cash allowed). The Mardi Gras masks, candy bag, ring to game, and keepsake photo are paid for using tokens that you can purchase. The tokens were 1 token for $3 or 4 for $10. Each activity was 1 token except the masks which were 2 tokens each.
Conclusion
This was such a fun event, and we can’t wait to attend again next year. The activities and pricing vary based on the year, so things are subject to change, but the parade is the main event that doesn’t change much each year (except for what theme they choose to decorate the floats). If you’re at or near Walt Disney World for Mardi Gras, Port Orleans- French Quarter is a great place to celebrate with family and friends and even grab a Mardi Gras beignet or two while you’re there!
