MARDI GRAS WORLD: WHERE MARDI GRAS IS MADE!
There are plenty of tours in New Orleans, but only one offers a real, behind-the-scenes look at New Orleans Mardi Gras, and that’s the Mardi Gras World tour. Mardi Gras World gives you an authentic Mardi Gras experience all year round, whether you visit while sightseeing in New Orleans, enjoying a New Orleans family vacation or taking a break from your business trip.
Take our day tour to see what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life year after year. Our tour allows you to see firsthand the hard work and extensive planning that goes into this grand event. Since 1947, Blaine Kern Studios has built the breathtaking parade floats for major parades not only for Mardi Gras, but for parades all over the world. Mardi Gras parades would be nothing without the fantastical floats that line the parade route year after year. The hard work that goes into making these spectacles is what makes Mardi Gras in New Orleans the greatest show on Earth!
Our knowledgeable guides take the mask off Mardi Gras with an all-access Mardi Gras tour, winding through the massive studio where these magnificent floats are built from the ground up. You’ll learn about the history of this unique and festive tradition and go beyond its reputation to get a deeper understanding of the real Mardi Gras. The whole family will love the experience of touring the space where our artisans create spectacular floats for over 40 parades each year.
There are plenty of opportunities for photos in front of floats, with props, or wearing a traditional Mardi Gras costume on this New Orleans tour. This is an experience you will want to document, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
A FREE shuttle is provided with ticket purchase, and has pick-ups at 20 convenient downtown locations. Just call 504-361-7821 to see where our designated pick up locations are. Call when you are at one of our many locations and we will quickly pick you and your party up.
If you do not wish to use our complimentary shuttle, the closest parking is available in Lot J across from the Mardi Gras World entrance. ($15.00/vehicle, owned by the New Orleans Convention Center, subject to change)
Wandering through the magical float den is an exciting experience for kids and adults alike, so come join us for the best Mardi Gras tour around.
Along the way, you can learn about the city's history by listening to the entertaining and informative commentary.
Commentary
Live Guides
Live English-speaking guides are featured on our buses.
Throughout the Tour you will be kept informed and entertained by an expert English-speaking guide with fascinating facts and stories about the Capital, ranging from the foundation of this great city right up to the events of the present day.
Departure Times
Our Night Tour runs every evening
Hop on at 7:00pm (7:30pm from July 1)
Our Night Tour runs every evening
Hop on at 7:00pm (7:30pm from July 1) from Stop #20: White House (outside the Willard Hotel) or at 7:30pm from Stop #1: Union Station. The Night Tour takes two hours and is not a hop-on, hop-off tour. Please note that Night Tour timings are subject to change without notice. Please check your ticket on the day of your tour for the most current hours of operation.
To use your Kids Eat Free Card, simply present it to your server or cashier at time of ordering. Valid at only participating restaurants.
The following restrictions apply:
Kids Eat Free Card cannot be used with any other discounts or offers.
Each Kids Eat Free Card is valid for 1 child (11 years of age or younger) with full price paying adult entree. (Example: 2 children with 2 Kids Eat Free Cards, with 2 full price paying adult entree's.)
Kids Eat Free Card child's menu items may vary from standard restaurant's child menu choices in some cases. (unless otherwise stated)
Kids Eat Free Card Meals may not apply to taxes, gratuities, bar drinks or take away food.
Card is Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable.
Card expires 90 Days from first use.
Participating restaurants may be removed from accepting card offer without prior notice. Click here to view and print a live, up to date listing.
The old port in Fira is accessible only:
By cable car: It is perfectly safe, it consists of 6 wagons and has capacity of 6 persons per wagon. During high season (April-October) it runs every 20 minutes. Single tickets cost €5 for adults and €2.50 for children.
On foot: You would need to walk down the famous 600 steps of the traditional road that connects the old port with the town of Fira. The descend takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your physical condition.
By donkey: The donkeys used to be the traditional transportation way of the island. They go up and down to the old port of Fira frequently. A single ride costs around €5 per person and takes about 20 minutes. Most people prefer to take the donkey on their way up.
