Happy Mardi Gras! Disney World began the day by announcing that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be opening this summer at Magic Kingdom and giving us a first look at the impressive audio-animatronic figures that will be in the ride. Then, it was time to head over to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort for the annual Mardi Gras golf cart parade!
The golf cart parade, or pargo parade, kicks off at the Riverside side of the resort, before rolling alongside the Sassagoula River, and then ending at the French Quarter side of the resort. This year, the parade began around 10am and finally made its way to French Quarter courtyard after 11am.
If you’re unfamiliar, the Mardi Gras golf cart parade allows different Cast Member segments of the resort (engineering, front desk, recreation, etc) to show their creative side by decorating a golf cart to an overarching theme. This year, the theme was “Celebrating Walt Disney World Parades of Past and Present”, and we saw some wonderful designs.
Here’s a look at the 2024 Mardi Gras golf cart parade – Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Tiana Leads the Parade
To kick off the parade, the current Walt Disney World Ambassadors Serena Arvizu and Shannon Smith-Conrad walked at the front of the parade, carrying the banner with the parade theme. They were followed by stiltwalkers and partiers ahead of a horse-drawn carriage with Princess Tiana to lead the parade.
Main Street Electrical Parade | Merchandise
The first parade unit was the Main Street Electrical Parade, presented by Merchandise. Of course, it wouldn’t be the merchandise team (or a Disney World parade), without some bubble wands leading things off.
The golf cart itself featured the lead train unit from the Main Street Electrical Parade and the iconic drum. Here’s a look, along with some more detailed photos from when the carts are parked at the end of the parade so guests can enjoy them before they are retired for the year.
Share a Dream Come True | Resort Duty Team
Next up was the Share a Dream Come True parade, presented by the Resort Duty Team.
Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade | Riverside Front Office
Taking a page out of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s playbook, the Riverside Front Office team presented the Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle parade!
Main Street Trolley Show | Rivercruise
The Sassagoula Rivercruise team presented the Main Street Trolley Show parade!
Rainy Day Cavalcade | Food & Beverage
It was a sunny morning at Port Orleans, but that didn’t stop the Food & Beverage team from dreaming of rainier days with the Rainy Day Cavalcade parade.
SpectroMagic | French Quarter Housekeeping & Custodial
On this magic niiiiight! The French Quarter Housekeeping & Custodial team presented the SpectroMagic parade.
Move It! Shake It! Mouseke-Dance It! | Recreation
The high-energy recreation team presented the Move It! Shake It! Mouseke-Dance It! parade.
Mickey’s Boo To You Parade | French Quarter Front Office
Happy Halloween! The Boo to You Parade was up next, presented by the French Quarter Front Office team.
Disney Stars & Motor Cars | Engineering
Yes, that’s still a golf cart under there! The Engineering team presented the Disney Stars & Motor Cars parade.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade | Riverside Housekeeping & Custodial
The Riverside Housekeeping & Custodial team finished the parade with Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade!
Following the conclusion of the parade, some of the live entertainment from the parade stuck around to entertain guests including a live band and stilt walkers.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!