New Orleans: Mardi Gras World Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Discover Mardi Gras magic on a guided tour of Mardi Gras World, where artists and craftsmen have designed and built the oldest and biggest parade floats and attractions for each Mardi Gras season in New Orleans since 1947. Begin your tour with a film which gives an overview of the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the role Mardi Gras World plays in it to this day.

Then, enjoy a slice of the traditional Mardi Gras cake, King Cake, before your informative guide leads you through the float den. Explore where Mardi Gras World artists work year-round to build spectacular, one-of-a-kind floats and props, with over 500 floats built and decorated each year.

See how the various themed elements are created from scratch or are adapted from elements created for previous themes — from sculpting the elements, to finishing and painting them. There is even an electronic robot that can carve 3-D sculptures. Take photos with some of the finished pieces from various themes over the years, then tour the floats themselves.

Get up closer to the floats than is possible during Mardi Gras parades, and find out how these amazing pieces come to life each year. See floats in various stages of completion as they prepare for the upcoming Mardi Gras as much as a whole year before.

At the end of the tour, stay and take more pictures with any of the floats and even try on Mardi Gras costumes, if you like. For your convenience, a complimentary shuttle service is provided from stops in Downtown and the French Quarter. Just call the number provided on your voucher for your nearest stop and to arrange pickup.