One of the most over the top and enjoyable holidays each year is Mardi Gras, otherwise known as Fat Tuesday, which is the final day before Lent where people traditionally indulge in delicious food and beverages and celebrate together. Over the years, Mardi Gras has become synonymous with New Orleans where massive celebrations happen in the streets complete with ornate costumes, intricate floats, and lots of merriment.
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort features two distinct sides, both of which are wonderful locations to enjoy Mardi Gras. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside evokes the charm and sprawling mansion homes of the South, whereas Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter brings the celebratory spirit of New Orleans to life every day. Both Disney Resorts feature some amazing experiences that Guests can enjoy, all of which are sure to make them feel as though every day is Mardi Gras!
Explore the Grounds
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort is a beautiful, moderate-level Disney Resort that features pathways and landscaping specifically designed to encourage Guests to wander and soak in the ambiance. Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is the larger side of the Disney Resort and Guests can wander through sprawling mansion homes, winding swamp paths, and neatly maintained gardens oozing with charm to feel as though they are in the heart of the south.
Over at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, the neatly arranged buildings and walkways are brightly colored and adorned with the traditional wrought iron railings that are famous in New Orleans. Guests who take the time to wander the grounds can stumble upon neat courtyards filled with gardens, gently bubbling fountains, and quiet nooks that feel as though they are hidden away in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, all set to gently playing jazz music.
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Take A Ride on the Sassagoula River
After enjoying wandering the grounds on foot, Guests can soak in the charm and ambiance of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort from an entirely different perspective. Nestled along the banks of the mighty Sassagoula River, both sides of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort feature docks where small watercrafts bring Guests to and from nearby Disney Springs. The serene boat ride is only about ten minutes in each direction, but it offers up beautiful views of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, the Sassagoula River, and lush greenery and vegetation along the way. The boat ride also offers up some unique views of the Treetop Villas and their dock, which most Guests aren’t even aware of until seeing!
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Beignets at Scat Cat’s Club – Café
One of the most iconic foods of New Orleans that helps to round out any Mardi Gras celebration are beignets which are most famously sold at Café du Monde in the French Quarter along the shores of the Mississippi River. Guests who stop by Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter can visit Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge in the main lobby building, where the traditional squares of fluffy fried dough smothered in powdered sugar are served up throughout each day. Guests can opt to enjoy a trio of classic beignets shaped like Mickey himself that are accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces or opt for the more indulgent Baton Rouge Beignets which come served in pairs and are infused with either Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua Liqueur, or RumChata Liqueur.
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Live Jazz at Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge
Just steps away from Scat Cat’s Club – Café in the main lobby building of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is a cozy lounge where Guests can get into the celebratory spirit of Mardi Gras with live music each evening. Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge features a cozy interior with exposed brick and comfortable seating surrounding a central stage. Each night, Guests can order up small bites and delicious beverages and enjoy a variety of live entertainment including jazz music, singers, and more. The ultimate Mardi Gras experience is pairing classic beignets with some live jazz, and this is just the spot to do so at the Walt Disney World Resort!
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Drinks from Mardi Grogs
A great way to channel the celebratory spirit of Mardi Gras at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort is by enjoying a delicious cocktail while soaking in the ambiance of the French Quarter. The Doubloon Lagoon pool area at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is home to Mardi Grogs, a cheerful and open-air pool bar that serves up several small bites as well as delicious cocktails inspired by favorites in New Orleans. Guests can order up a Hurricane, Nola Cola, All That Jazz, Gata-Melon Juice, and more and enjoy their specialty cocktails while wandering the beautiful grounds of the Disney Resort.
Dinner at Boatwright’s Dining Hall
Guests who are looking to enjoy a table service meal that transports them to the south for Mardi Grogs can head over to Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Open for dinner only each night, this rustic and inviting location welcomes Guests to dine on Southern favorites amongst nautical details and the hull of a massive ship, all overlooking the Sassagoula River through large windows. Guests who dine at Boatwright’s Dining Hall can enjoy amazing menu options including Mardi Gras Fritters, Boatwright’s Jambalaya, Deep South Shrimp and Grits, Nashville Hot Chicken, Blackened Salmon, General Fulton’s Prime Rib, and more.