Happy Mardi Gras!

Happy Mardi Gras Everyone!  

Photo Source: Disney Parks Blog

I confess, I have never really been one to celebrate Mardi Gras.  It's not that I haven't ever wanted to, it's just that it always falls right in the middle of tax season and both of my parents are accountants.  St. Patrick's Day and Mardi Gras usually passed by without much fanfare.  Now that I'm older, I try to pay more attention to them.  After all, I love holidays and having any reason to throw a party, decorate the house, etc.  

That being said, I've always thought it would be fun to visit a Disney park over the holiday.  I love visiting Disney over holiday celebrations.  And let's face it, Disney makes anything more fun to celebrate.

I haven't been able to experience Mardi Gras at Disney, yet.  However, I have been fortunate to have stayed at Port Orleans- French Quarter twice!  It's probably the closest I've been to "celebrating" Mardi Gras.

The first time I stayed at Port Orleans- French Quarter was when I went with my best friend Katie.  It was our first big trip going anywhere by ourselves.  My Mom made the travel arrangements so we had direct flights, Magical Express and stayed right on property.  (She wanted to make sure it was really easy for two college girls to get around the Walt Disney World Resort.)  

This was also my first time flying to Disney and my first time staying on property at a Disney Resort.  While growing up, my family always drove down to Florida from Maine and we stayed off property, usually in Kissimmee.  I was so excited to stay in a Disney Resort!  Growing up I always had my Mom order the Disney Planning tapes and DVDs so I could watch the footage of the resorts.  I was completely mesmerized by all of the theming that went into the design of them and how cool they were.  (I should have known back then that I'd want to be a designer.)

Katie and I were there over New Year's Eve week of 2006-2007, so the Christmas and holiday decorations were still up around the resort.  (I also absolutely love the WDW Resort at Christmas!!!)  Port Orleans also had a little sprinkle of Christmas pixie dust.

I was not disappointed at the design details of the resort.  As soon as we walked through the front doors I felt like we'd just walked into New Orleans.  I loved all of the small details like the chandeliers in the lobby, the street names and the jazz instruments on the signs.

I think my favorite part of staying at a resort on property was the extra Disney magic. Katie thought I was crazy when I spent about 15 minutes looking for hidden Mickeys in our bedding.  (I found a ton.)  There were also Mickeys on the chairs and on the shelves.

The pool area was a ton of fun.  (We didn't get too many pictures since we were busy enjoying the water but I took a few before getting in!)

The second time I stayed at Port Orleans- French Quarter, I was with my family, my Nana and Papa and my friend Justin.  Mom and Dad were staying off property with our dog Lucky but the rest of us stayed there.  

It was fun to see it without all of the Christmas decorations.  This time, we were staying on the other side of the resort so we got to see more of the landscaping!

Anyways, I've always wanted to stay at the French Quarter over Mardi Gras since I'm sure Disney always finds a way to make it lots of fun!

Photo Source: Disneyland Today Facebook Page

The other thing I've always thought would be fun is to celebrate Mardi Gras at Disneyland in New Orleans Square.  Disney decorates the square so it's all ready for the celebration!

And while we're on the topic of celebrating, I want to wish a very Happy Birthday to my Papa!  (That's him and Nana at Port Orleans above.)  I hope you enjoy your special birthday dinner and that Winnie the Pooh sings you a cheerful Happy Birthday song!  

I hope you have a Happy Mardi Gras Everyone!  And Happy Birthday Papa!!!  °o°