On any vacation you hope to have sunshine and clear days, but that’s not always the case. Recently, we spent a few days in New Orleans and had one FULL day of torrential downpour. But a New Orleans rainy day didn’t stop us from having fun. Oh no, we celebrated Mardi Gras when Mardi Gras wasn’t even going on!
Here’s what you can expect on a tour at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World.
New Orleans Rainy Day Fun
The tour starts with a free ride on the Mardi Gras World shuttle that picks up from many different stops throughout the city.
Located south of the French Quarter and outside the main downtown area, walking to Mardi Gras World is not a convenient walk – especially in the rain.
Once you receive your “ticket” which is in the form of beads but of course, you will head over to the theater to watch a short introductory film about the history of Mardi Gras. At the end of the film pick up a tasty slice of king cake brought in from a local bakery.
King cake is a Mardi Gras tradition. It’s similar to coffee cake, but typically has a small baby inside.
Yep, you read that right, a toy baby is hidden in the cake! The significance of the baby depends on who you ask and what party you are at. Whoever finds the baby is supposed to either host next year’s festivities, is king or queen for the day or is then responsible for purchasing next year’s cake.
Because of liability reasons I’m assuming, you can eat your slice in peace with no worry of cracking a tooth as there’s no baby hidden in the king cake at Mardi Gras World. Once you gobble it down, you’ll be swept off to the warehouse to see the action.
Get Your Guide is a great company that offers discounted tours and attraction tickets. One of the most unique tours out of New Orleans is the Voodoo and Cemetery Tour which is a two hour walking tour to explore the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s final resting place and learn all about the City of Dead. Did you know you cannot access St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 without a guide? If you book through our site, at no additional cost to you, you’ll help us support the blog since we receive a small commission.
Other fun New Orleans tours they offer:
Inside the float den, you’ll delve into the history and current undertaking of creating the flashy and outrageous floats that belong to the parades surrounding Mardi Gras.
The gigantic warehouse is a working environment with employees cutting, gluing and pasting away while tourists walk by and snap pictures.
About 80% of the extraordinary floats that are paraded down the streets during Mardi Gras are designed and built at this warehouse. The artists use papier mâchè to cover the Styrofoam to create an easy medium to paint on. And the result is stunning pieces of artwork!
RELATED: OTHER COOL THINGS TO DO IN NEW ORLEANS
The tour guide starts in the workshop area then leads the group through the warehouse to the amazing parade floats. They are INCREDIBLE!
You’ll learn so many fun facts about Mardi Gras like there are two bathrooms on each float. I always wondered what they had to do if they had to use the bathroom!
And who pays for the Mardi Gras floats? Parade floats are funded by members of private clubs called krewes. They collaborate year round to choose the parade’s theme, costumes and throws.
So these members pay thousands of dollars in dues AND they have to supply their own beads or whatever is decided to be thrown from the float.
The guided portion of the tour ends here and the guide allows visitors free time to independently walk around anywhere as long as you don’t climb up on the floats. Take as many pictures as you want and try on some authentic Mardi Gras costumes.
RELATED: 3 ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN NEW ORLEANS
What is there to do in New Orleans on a rainy day? What to do on a hot day in New Orleans? Fun things to do indoors in New Orleans…
If you are asking yourself these questions, head out to Mardi Gras World to learn about the tradition of Mardi Gras and its history. Even if it’s not inclement weather, the tour is so unique to the region, I would recommend it either way. It’s a great way to experience a little piece of Mardi Gras minus the crowds!
And if this is your first or second trip to NOLA, don’t miss our article here on some of the do-not-miss places!
Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World Details
1380 Port of New Orleans Place
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 475-2057
Mardi Gras World Hours
- Open 7 days a week
- From 9:00am to 5:30pm
- First tour at 9:30am and last tour beginning at 4:30pm
How Long Does it Take to Tour Mardi Gras World?
The tour itself lasts about an hour long but plan for at least 2 – 2 1/2 hours for the whole experience. There may be a short wait plus add time for the gift shop and looking around time on your own at the end of the tour.
How Much Does Mardi Gras World Cost?
- Adults and children $22
- Seniors, 65+ $17
- Students with college ID $17
- Children, 2-11 $14
Are there any discounts at Mardi Gras World? Discounts are available for Seniors, College Students, and Children 2 – 11.
TIP: Make sure to third party check for discounted tickets.
When is New Orleans Rainy Season?
The months of February, July, and August see the most rain in New Orleans. And if you are asking yourself what to wear in New Orleans when it rains, plan on packing a super cute waterproof raincoat!
Reminder: We are an Amazon Affiliate so any links on our website are affiliate links and we receive a small commission if you purchase through it at no additional cost to you.
Do you have any other suggestions for what to do on a New Orleans rainy day? Tell us in the comments below.
Like it? Pin it!
Chris Travels
Wow, those Mardi Gras floats are so beautiful and to view them at your leisure, taking in their many details, sounds fantastic. I’m sure if I ever visit that famous city I will pray for just one rainy day to experience the delights of Mardy Gras World!
Dang Travelers
The floats are incredible! We couldn’t believe how much time and effort goes into making each one.
Sarah
So glad you were able to enjoy your trip despite the rain! You just have to be flexible when you travel.
Best,
Sarah
Dang Travelers
Oh yea, especially when the rain will not stop! It was an amusing way to spend the day.
Kaylene Chadwell
Good to hear you were still able to enjoy your time there with the weather! I love the colors of all the floats, so vibrant! I want to get back to New Orleans. I’ve only been as a kid for the jazz festival.
Kemkem
Holy smokes! The Krewes have to spend gobs of money, don’t they? 🙂 . I need to visit NoLa one of these days. It just sounds like such a fun place. This tour looks really good too, even though l think l would be a bit frightened of the horny devil 🙂 .
Dang Travelers
LOL that horny devil was a little scary! My guess is anyone that takes part in the Krewes have major funds!
Maggie
I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans. I had no idea you could see all that Mardi Gras stuff even if it wasn’t actually happening at the time! Those floats are UNREAL. Better than any parade I’ve ever seen!
Dang Travelers
The floats are INSANE! I can only imagine what Mardi Gras is like… absolute craziness I’m sure!
Jim B
Few places in the world have the same feel as the French Quarter. Love the pics, I’ve always wanted to visit the Mardi Gras house and see the floats being built. Next trip I guess. Good read.
Dang Travelers
Thanks Jim! We love New Orleans too. We had no idea Mardi Gras World even existed until this trip!
Lara Dunning
That would be so neat to see all the floats! I’d do that on a non-rainy day.
Dang Travelers
That’s how we felt too!
Holly
I had no idea that you could take a tour of the Mardi Gras floats. I loved New Orleans while I was there. Definitely a city I want to go back to!
Dang Travelers
Us either! The tour was very cool. Super interesting to see all the work that goes into the parade.
Carol Colborn
You captured all the color and fun!
Dang Travelers
Thanks Carol!
Daniel
Could you make the same for many more cities? I can’t count the days I spent at the hostel not knowing what to do on rainy days… Great post!
Dang Travelers
That’s a good idea Daniel, thanks! Rainy days suck but if you find an alternative thing to do it can work!!