Heroes and Villains Take Over Port Orleans Fat Tuesday Mardis Gras Parade

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside Resorts once again celebrated Mardi Gras this Fat Tuesday with their legendary golf cart parade, turning the tranquil Sassagoula riverfront into a vibrant display of “Heroes vs. Villains.”

The festivities kicked off with the soul of the French Quarter, a live jazz band leading the way. Their brassy rhythms set a swinging tempo for the crowds lining the pathways, signaling the start of a friendly battle of creativity between resort departments.

After the band we were visited by Tiana in a horse-drawn carriage, followed by a special family chosen for the event .

Cast members started off with a float that welcomed people and handed out Mardi Gras beads, bags, and candy.

A Neverland Rivalry

Then the parade really started to swing. The Merchandise team took us to England where Peter Pan joined Wendy, John and Michael to fly over Big Ben. However, the whimsy was quickly challenged by a darker force. The Riverside Front Office team leaned into the shadows, unveiling a Hook cart topped with Tick-Tock the Crocodile.

A Duel in the Desert

Riverside Housekeeping and Custodial created the Aladdin float while Recreation created the Jafar floatl

Wonders and Royal Wraths

The vibe shifted from the desert to the dreamscape as the French Quarter Housekeeping and Custodial team brought Alice in Wonderland to life. They transformed their utility vehicle into a topsy-turvy garden overflowing with oversized paper flowers and tea-party charm.

Of course, where Alice goes, trouble—and a bit of an ego—is sure to follow. The French Quarter Front Office rolled in right behind her as the Queen of Hearts, their cart draped in velvet and playing cards. 

The Epic Finale

The parade concluded with a clash of titans from the resort’s operational powerhouses:
Engineering, fittingly, the heavy lifters of the resort, chose Hercules, crafting a sturdy temple of faux-marble columns and a pegasus.

Bringing the heat, the Food and Beverage crew went all out for Hades.