On Fat Tuesday, Disneyland celebrates Mardi Gras and the spirit of NOLA and jazz. Disney offers special seasonal entertainment at New Orleans Square on weekends through March 11.
Known as “New Orleans Bayou Bash,” these weekends feature street-festival fun that include Disney’s own jazz musicians, appearances by Tiana and other characters from “The Princess and the Frog,” and Mardi Gras flair.
“New Orleans Bayou Bash” events started Feb. 10, with events stepping into high gear over Presidents' Day weekend. The 2012 celebrations continue for three more Friday through Sunday weekends: Feb. 24-26, March 2-4 and March 9-11.
As part of the festivities, New Orleans Square and the nearby Rivers of America area are decorated in the traditional purple, green and gold colors. The area also is dressed up with masks, beads and feathers to complete the Mardi Gras look.
Guests who visit during Disneyland’s “New Orleans Bayou Bash” can enjoy the following Disney entertainment:
- In “Tiana’s Mardi Gras Procession,” a musical celebration starring Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis the alligator and costumed dancers. The street festival takes place six times a day throughout New Orleans Square and the nearby Rivers of America area.
- The New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band leads a Mardi Gras procession through New Orleans Square five times each day. The procession uses a “second line" style with an umbrella dancer, musicians and street performers as well as encourages guests to join in the fun.
- The French Market Square stage will offer performances by the Jambalaya Jazz Band and the Royal Street Bachelors.
- Disney characters in Mardi Gras costumes will post with guests at the Court of Angels photo locations. Characters rotate, but include Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Chip and Dale.
Food is just as much part of the Mardi Gras atmosphere as entertainment. Disneyland Resort is no different. Guests who would like to enjoy a little New Orleans inspired food, during Carnival season or at any time of the year, might try:
- The French Market serves quick casual fare such as Mickey Mouse shaped beignets and jambalaya;
- Café Orleans is a casual table-service restaurant that serves Cajun-Creole inspired food including gumbo and vegetable ragoût, with an atmophere made for sitting outdoors to enjoy the street entertainment; and
- Blue Bayou offers Cajun-Creole inspired food – including jambalaya and crab cakes – served inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
For additional New Orleans food and entertainment, Disneyland’s Downtown District is home to Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. In addition to Louisiana cuisine and a French Quarter setting, the restaurant offers live jazz entertainment for its Sunday Brunch and live music each night.
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