New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-the-Scenes Tour
4.4
419 Ratings
New Orleans

Discover Mardi Gras magic! Explore float-making, try costumes, and savor King Cake on this all-access New Orleans tour. Perfect family fun!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World - Mardi Gras World offers a complimentary shuttle for people taking our day tour with ten central pick-up spots. See images for shuttle pick-up locations. The shuttle is covered with photos of Mardi Gras World and has the logo on the side. There are no prearranged pick-ups, just call when you are at one of the designated spots and we will quickly pick you up.

When you arrive at Mardi Gras World, located on the beautiful riverfront, you’ll start your self-guided tour of this famous facility. Tours begin every half hour from 9am-4:30pm. Explore the warehouses where artisans create spectacular Mardi Gras floats that are used in more than 40 parades each year. Admire the intricate designs and vibrant colors of these interesting, one-of-a-kind creations as your guide explains their meanings. Snap photos in front of the floats, pose with props, and try on Mardi Gras costumes with your friends and family. Top your experience off with a piece of King Cake, a delicious Mardi Gras tradition!

What's Included
  • Self-guided walking tour
  • Slice of King Cake
  • Shuttle pickup and drop-off from select downtown New Orleans locations
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Get a unique behind-the-scenes look at the makings of Mardi Gras with this all-access tour of Mardi Gras World in New Orleans. Perfect for the whole family, this self-guided tour shows you where the magnificent floats for the famous Mardi Gras parades are made. Witness the hard work and artistic skill that goes into every float, and learn about the history of the festive Mardi Gras tradition from your guide. Try on Mardi Gras costumes, pose with props, and enjoy a slice of famous King Cake after your tour! Self-guided tours begin every 30 minutes from 9am-4:30pm with a video presentation.

  • Tour does not operate on Mardi Gras Day, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and Easter
  • Completed floats may not be along the tour route the week leading up to Fat Tuesday
  • Last admission is at 4:30pm
Location
Mardi Gras World
Port of New Orleans Place
Arrive using your own transportation or take the free shuttle. Transport is provided from 20 downtown New Orleans locations. A list can be found on your ticket. Shuttles run every half hour from each location from morning until mid‐afternoon. Please call tour operator for estimated pickup time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(419 Ratings)
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Janet_f
Sep 1, 2024
Fat tuesday - It was a very informative tour. The tour guide she was excellent and very knowledgeable about the making of the floats, the history of mardi gras
Review provided by Viator
Calvin_l
Aug 28, 2024
Mardi Gras Tour worthy experience - This was a wonderful tour. We had a great time. We got to see the inside story on float making and artistry.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_g
Aug 28, 2024
Interesting - Very interesting seeing how the parade floats are designed then put into the sculpting process and finally completed. New designs and recycling of old materials to bring life to new creations.
Review provided by Viator
Mary_m
Aug 22, 2024
Mardi Gras behind the Scenes - Our narrated tour was interesting, educational and lots of fun! It was amazing to see some of the artists working on the new theme for the 2025 Mardi Gras! We were also given King’s Cake during our tour which is part of the Mardi Gras tradition! This is a must see when in NOLA !
Review provided by Viator
Jephranel_n
Aug 22, 2024
Mardi Gras tour - Very interesting and educational tour my family and I really enjoyed the experience. The movie was a great start to the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Darlene_f
Aug 21, 2024
Mardi Gras Fun - My husband and I had so much fun. It was nice to gain knowledge about the meaning of Mardi Gras. Also, to be able to take a look at how the massive floats are made. We were able to see the props live in person . A lot of photo ops. We highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_m
Aug 16, 2024
Incredible Artwork - The amount of beautiful artwork was incredible. So much to appreciate here. We learned a lot from our tour guide.
Review provided by Viator
602ginger
Aug 15, 2024
Worth it - I really enjoyed my trip here. The tour was great and informative. You first watch a film, then get to try King Cake (one lucky tour goer will get the baby in the cake). Then you take a tour of the factory where the Mardi Gras floats are made. I learned so much stuff..had no idea how much history was behind the parade and the floats. You get to see the robot that carves the floats. Then you get ampme free time to wander around, taking photos of all the large statues and things in the warehouse. Highly recommend, as this is truly unique to New Orleans. You're not gonna see something like this anywhere else.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nottellingname
Aug 14, 2024
Worth seeing. - This is worth a visit. We learned a lot about Mardi Gras and how the floats and decorations are made. You can see the artists at work. It is a giant warehouse and a gift shop. The tour starts with a short film about the history of Mardis Gras, then they serve you a slice of yummy Kings Cake - a tradition. The tour guide walks you through the warehouse for about a half an hour, then you can explore on your own. We were there for about an hourish with two teens. We drove and parked in Lot G right near there. We read mixed reviews on the shuttle so we did not do it. Parking was $23. We got our tickets on Groupon - cheaper - and had no issues being scanned in with Groupon voucher. It is a fun NOLA thing to do. Warehouse is hot. Gift shop is air conditioned. Hot walk from parking lot to door so if you have heat sensitive folks - drop them at door then go park. You pay for parking using an app. We enjoyed this visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Warren_h
Aug 6, 2024
A must do when in New Orleans!!! - Great experience when in New Orleans. Shared the history of Mardi Gras and insights to what happens. We all have heard stories, but I felt better educated regarding the whole process and history around these parades. Being able to see the artistry of past floats and elements was exciting and excellent to see how it is all put together. It is hot in the warehouse, but not too uncomfortable. The tour actually provided information we will use for the timing of a future visit.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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