There are all kinds of events that take place at Disney World. You might be familiar with their Christmas celebrations and Halloween festivities, but there are OTHER special events that take place that you may have NEVER heard of.

Did you know that there’s a hidden Mickey that comes out once a year to celebrate Mickey’s birthday? Or that you can sometimes catch a very limited-time Easter Parade in Magic Kingdom? Well, now we’re adding another celebration to your list of events to check out in the future — and it’s over at a beloved hotel, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter (and Riverside too)!

Mardi Gras took place on February 21st, 2023, and French Quarter went ALL-IN on the celebration! We were able to see some of the festivities in the afternoon, but we want to thank our friend Krista (@disneykismet on Instagram) for sharing some of her photos of the celebration with us!

The place to go for all things Mardi Gras is Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts. Here, guests can sample delicious treats, listen to jazz music, and enjoy other festive events at Riverside and French Quarter.

The centerpiece of the event is the golf cart parade, which winds through Port Orleans Resort — Riverside and French Quarter. But this isn’t your ordinary, run-of-the-mill parade; the “floats” are made of decorated golf carts, each one put together by Cast Members!

This tradition began over ten years ago and can take weeks or months to put together. Each year the parade has a central theme for them to follow, and this year the theme is “The Legacy of Walt Disney World Resorts,” a fitting choice for a year full of anniversary celebrations.

Several of the golf carts have been decorated to represent different Disney World resorts. Cast Members from across Port Orleans Resort are involved in the parade, but this year’s theme gave them a chance to show their love for other Disney resorts! Check out this amazing float inspired by the Wilderness Lodge.

It’s even more amazing on video!

This float from the Mardi Gras parade at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter has a secret…it’s a model of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but can you guess what the secret is? 👀

CREDIT: @ disneykismet on Instagram pic.twitter.com/1ol8mfAApP

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 21, 2023

And it holds a special secret — there’s a GIANT ketchup bottle inside the lobby portion of the float at Whispering Canyon Cafe. If you know, you know! 😉 (If you don’t know, click here to read more about Whispering Canyon Cafe and the antics Cast Members get up to while there!)

Seriously, this thing is incredible.

Here’s the float inspired by Animal Kingdom Lodge. Look at all those flags!

We also spotted a Star Wars-themed float with an R2-D2 in the passenger’s seat — makes us want to hop back on the Halcyon (Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser)!

We also spotted one float themed to look like a pirate ship.

There’s so much to see!

The Mardi Gras parade is HAPPENIN’ at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter 🎉 Cast Members made the floats! How magical ✨

CREDIT: @ disneykismet on Instagram pic.twitter.com/LQNQBR6Bpu

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 21, 2023

New to the festivities this year is the ability for guests to take photos with the floats at the end of the parade and meet the Cast Members that created these masterpieces.

Also, the riverboat connecting Riverside and French Quarter has been specially decorated for the day, so keep an eye out for that!

Aside from the parade, fans can also pick up some drinks and snacks to celebrate Mardi Gras.

We spotted a King Cake and a special beignet.

Disney shares that there is a special Mardi Gras pin available for purchase as well.

Here’s a full look at the schedule of festivities so you know what to plan for in upcoming years.

Later in the afternoon, we spotted Tiana meeting guests at the hotel. And there you have it, a special celebration you might have NEVER realized takes place in Disney World!

It’s a whole PARTY at Disney’s Port Orleans — French Quarter for Mardi Gras 🎉 pic.twitter.com/tozkPFlBVL

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 21, 2023

Stay tuned to our site for more on events and happenings at Disney World.

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Which holidays do you like to celebrate at Disney? Comment your favorite below!