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New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-the-Scenes Tour

124 reviews

New Orleans Mardi Gras World Behind-the-Scenes Tour

from USD $24.20

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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 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!

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In Brief

Location:

New Orleans, United States

Country:

United States

Duration:

1 hour

Operates:

Daily

Highlights:

All entrance fees included

Fully narrated tour

Family friendly

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130-1805

Hop on the complimentary shuttle from any of its 20 convenient downtown New Orleans locations. When you arrive at Mardi Gras World, located on the beautiful riverfront, you’ll be greeted by your friendly, knowledgeable guide for a 1-hour behind-the-scenes tour of this famous facility.

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. Wandering through these magical studio spaces, you’ll see firsthand the skillful craftsmanship that goes into every float, giving you unique insight into the hard work, creativity and extensive planning that goes into such a grand celebration.

Your guide will teach you about the history of this unique and festive tradition that goes beyond its modern-day reputation of wild celebration antics.

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!

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ITINERARY
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Free French Quarter Shuttle Stops

1. Cafe Du Monde, 800 Decatur St.

2. Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 717 Orleans St.

3. Dauphine Orleans Hotel, 415 Dauphine St.

4. Hotel Le Marais, 717 Conti St.

5. Hotel Mazarin, 730 Bienville St.

6. Basin St. Station, 501 Basin St.

Free Downtown Shuttle Route

1. Mardi Gras World Shuttle Stop

2. Marriott on Canal St.

3. Astor Crowne Plaza

4. Ritz-Carlton Maison Orleans

5. Roosevelt New Orleans

6. Le Pavillon Hotel

7. Drury Inn & Suites

8. Whitney Wyndham

9. Staybridge Suites

10. Loews New Orleans

11. Harrah's Hotel

12. Hilton New Orleans Riverside

13. Omni Riverfront Hotel

14. Marriott Convention Center

15. Hampton Inn & Suites

16. Hyatt Place

17. Mardi Gras World

Duration: 1 hour

Inclusions

Guided walking tour
Slice of King Cake
Shuttle pickup and drop-off from select downtown New Orleans locations
Entry/Admission - Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World

Exclusions

Gratuities

Departure Time

9:30am - 3:30pm
Tours occur every half hour.

Departure Point

1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Returns To

Returns to original departure point

Additional Information

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
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

Booking Information

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Cancellation Terms

This trip is fully refundable up to 96 hours prior to the commencement of your trip.

Booking Terms and Conditions

When you book this trip, you need to read and accept the terms and conditions for booking our day trips in excursions.

Scoring an average traveller rating of 5 out of 5 based on the last 24 recent reviews

“

The tour guide was very informative and easy to hear. She was a charm to listen to. Thanks for the opportunity to see persons at work on the creations. So cool.”

Richard J • Submitted 02 Dec 2019

“

Would definitely recommend. Fascinating to learn how they put everything together and love that they can recycle. Amazing artistry.”

PATRICK L • Submitted 14 Oct 2019

“

The tour was upbeat, informative, and enjoyable. Everyone on the staff was helpful and friendly and made it a wonderful experience.”

James M • Submitted 23 Sep 2019

“

This tour was great! Not only did we get to see lots of the Mardi Gras floats up close and in various stages of development but the tour guide also gave us extra insight in to the history and meaning of the Mardi Gras parades. Would recommend this tour for visitors of all ages!”

Sally U • Submitted 03 Jul 2019

“

I appreciated the shuttle picking me up near Cafe du Monde. After watching a very interesting video of the history of the Mardi Gras parade, we were given a delicious slice of King Cake (rounding out the authentic New Orleans experience). Then our fabulous guide took us through the warehouses where these float masterpieces are housed. This is a working area, so we were able to see the patient, meticulous artisans sketching, carving, spray painting, creating all of these works of art. We could wander among the giant creations, taking many, many pictures. Our guide was hilarious and was incredibly knowledgeable. I’m so glad that I booked this tour!”

Terri A • Submitted 03 Jul 2019

“

Take this tour!! I was hesitant about this tour at first because I did not want to be a cheesy tourist. But you will learn the entire Martis Gras history and get an inside look at the floats -- all while getting the inside stories about what makes Martis Gras so special. There is so much history behind everything that I never appreciated or knew about. You will learn and SEE how props and floats are made. It was such a special experience and I will even go back AGAIN the next time I visit NOLA. You'll have tons of photo opportunities and even get a delicious slice of King Cake. Don't miss this tour!”

Jackie • Submitted 06 Jul 2018

“

great transport to and from museum”

DONNA M • Submitted 03 Jul 2018

“

must see in New Orleans !!”

Paul F • Submitted 24 Apr 2018

“

fun tour,,, does not take too long ,, informative and colorful for sure”

klista12 • Submitted 11 Apr 2018

“

really enjoyed the experience to go behind the scenes. I also enjoyed getting to try the King cake. I may never get to be at mardi gras so this was exciting to see the floats.”

ARETHA j • Submitted 04 Apr 2018

“

The tour was amazing. Our tour guide made it fun as well as informative. This is a must see tour for everyone.”

owen h • Submitted 01 Apr 2018

“

Highly recommend all New Orleans visitors to check this place out! Amazing!!!!”

Angelique C • Submitted 23 Mar 2018

“

Lots of info and a great tour, We were able to see the floats up close and saw how they came to be.”

mckennaw • Submitted 04 Mar 2018

“

The week before Mardi Gras. Fantastic, but the shuttles don't run during parades. Beware.”

daphatguy • Submitted 01 Mar 2018

“

This behind the scenes tour was the best thing about New Orleans for us! Learning the history of Mardi Gras, how the floats are created, and seeing the props up close was fascinating! Our guide, Spencer was excellent!”

Janet M • Submitted 01 Mar 2018

“

Great insight to how the Mardi Gras operates and how the floats are created. Very colorful, great picture op, including trying on costume and taking pics of yourself in them. About 1 1/2 hr total. Usually free suttle buses from Canal Street or French Quarter”

Barry J • Submitted 27 Feb 2018

“

Great experience to learn more about Mardi Gras, all the work that that takes place prior the parades and how to get involved with it. The tour is well organized and very relaxed. I highly recommend it even if you have not attended Mardi Gras. It will show you what the media doesn't show and what the locals enjoy about it. It is not all crazy like you see in Bourbon Street.”

Luis M • Submitted 23 Feb 2018

“

Fantastic insight to the background / history of mardi gras - great staff just let down by Viator's inaccuracy of limited opening hours / last tours / collection shuttle schedule around mardi gras.”

Diana E • Submitted 12 Feb 2018

“

We took this tour during Mardi Gras week, but it would be an excellent tour to take any time. The guide was informative and we had all of the time that we wanted to explore the floats and behind-the-scenes work.”

Amy P • Submitted 12 Feb 2018

“

This tour was very interesting. Great to have a chance to go behind the scenes. A nice way to spend an afternoon away from the heat!”

Maria Tollefson • Submitted 31 Dec 2017

“

Truly one-of-a-kind, there's not 'something else like this' anywhere. It's got a great story and a great history behind it. Got a wonderful guide Madison, a lifer from N.O. who's lived Mardi Gras her entire life. 15 min. film of the history of all things Mardi Gras then a tour of the warehouse that was incredible and fascinating. If you're going to do New Orleans you really should check this place out.”

rurokn2 • Submitted 13 Dec 2017

“

I never knew... I learned so much about the Mardi Gras and saw how the masks and costumes and fabulous floats are made in the wonderful one-hour tour.”

Gene B • Submitted 13 Nov 2017

“

love this it is a must do list .!!colo”

Valerie B • Submitted 10 Oct 2017

“

Just amazing! Every you want to know about Mardi Gras and see the floats up close.”

Tabbyslick • Submitted 26 Sep 2017