Disney’s Port Orleans Resort celebrated Mardi Gras this Fat Tuesday with their annual golf cart parade. Each golf cart is decorated by a different group of Cast Members, who then drive the carts along Sassagoula River from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.
2025 Mardi Gras Parade
Walt Disney World Ambassadors Serena and Shannon led the parade, carrying a banner featuring Louis and Ray from “The Princess and the Frog.” It read, “The Magical Music of Disney! 2025 Mardi Gras Parade,” and featured the resort logo. Serena and Shannon were followed by a band wearing red and green diamond-patterned vests.
Princess Tiana followed in a white horse-drawn carriage. She wore her iconic green lilypad dress and waved to guests.
Louis even made an appearance this year. Cast Members walking the parade handed beads to guests.
The first “float” was inspired by Moana. Decorated to look like a flower-lined boat, the cart had a basket with a plush Pua sitting on the bow. Behind Pua was a sail featuring the red swirl of Moana’s own outrigger. Blue “water” lined the sides of the cart and there were a few Kakamora. Behind the cart, a small remote-control HeiHei in a basket zoomed across the sidewalk.
The next float was inspired by “Hercules.” The front of the cart was decorated with shiny purple streamers and panels of white “teeth.” Two more heads made of cardboard created the three-headed Hydra.
The back of the cart was made to look like a Grecian structure. Shelves displayed Hercules pots, sandals, and a cup, just like in the film. A sign read, “The Hercules Store.”
A Cast Member dressed as Miguel from “Coco” walked ahead of the next float. His face was painted like a skull and he carried Miguel’s guitar.
The float was decorated with the “Coco” logo, colorful flowers, fake candles, and portraits, so it resembled an ofrenda. A Cast Member in the front seat was dressed as Mama Coco. A figure of Miguel was on the back of the cart playing guitar.
Cast Members beside each float carried a sign labeling their team. The “Coco” float was created by the Riverside Mousekeeping / Custodial staff.
The next float took inspiration from “Tangled,” specifically Rapunzel’s tower. The front had two pots of flowers sitting on a green hedge. Cast Members wore green and held up signs indicating there were hidden Pascals on the float. The back had a real-life version of Rapunzel’s lantern mural.
The Engineering team used their skills to create an “Aladdin” unit. Cast Members were dressed as the Magic Carpet, Aladdin, Abu, and Genie.
Their cart was made to look like a giant version of the Genie’s lamp, complete with smoke rising from the tip. An “Applause” sign was on the side. The Genie’s head poked out of the top, wearing the lamp’s lid like a hat.
These Cast Members are ready for the Electric Mayhem Muppets to take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. They decked out their golf cart like the band’s van with psychedelic designs, blow-up guitars, red curtains, and furry trim. Fake fire even appeared to blast out of the roof around a billboard for the Electric Mayhem.
Cast Members walking with the float carried “Mahna Mahna!” signs.
The French Quarter Mousekeeping / Custodial team dressed up as members of the Madrigal family from “Encanto” to match their float.
The cart was decorated to look like Casita from the film, with Isabela’s vines and flowers hanging from the roof. Golden butterflies were across the front. A portrait of Abeula was above the driver’s seat with the family’s magic candle.
After the parade, the celebration continues in the French Quarter. Though the resort has Mardi Gras decorations year-round, extra decor is added to the courtyard for the real Fat Tuesday. The golf carts park in the courtyard so guests can check out their details and take pictures.
Watch our video of the 2025 Mardi Gras golf cart parade:
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