Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Lower Garden District
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See what travelers are saying
  • Daydream32465885940
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful!
    We throughly enjoyed ourselves! My 5 and 8 year said they loved it! We found all the sculptures/props from the past floats beautiful, interesting and the perfect photo opps. We enjoyed watching the movie in the beginning and eating our piece of king cake, it gave a nice history and backstory to all the work that was being done in the warehouse. We watched some of the artisans shaping, papering and painting new and reused props for next year and watched some of the graphic design artist at work in creating new designs.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written March 29, 2023
  • Jenni M
    Decatur, Indiana556 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s Mardi Gras Everyday at Mardi Gras World!
    I took a tour of Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World with my group. Our guide was very informative and taught us about the tradition of Mardi Gras. We even got a piece of King’s Cake to sample! Seeing how the floats are made is amazing. There is so much time and detail put into each float, which helps bring the magic into the parades. This was a great learning experience! Go check this place out!
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 29, 2023
  • colelander
    Chicago, Illinois57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Neat informative with lots of photo ops
    Was not sure what to expect to be honest, but one of 3 ( the other adult) in our family was not feeling well and wanted to venture out, and while informational, this wouldn’t be “their thing” per say. Didn’t use, but like the fact they have a free shuttle pick up locations. We had already purchased a jazzy pass and it was a quick (15 or so min) walk from the stop. The video to start was informative, the king cake was delicious, our guide, whose name I don’t recall) was nice. It’s a fairly quick tour if you do guided, but you can walk around after If you want to get any additional photos. Over all it was a fun experience and neat to learn about the making of the floats and how it’s set up over all.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written March 30, 2023
  • Michelle A
    Portsmouth, United Kingdom198 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The background behind Mardi Gras
    It's like a working museum. People at work on the various bits and pieces for the floats in next year's Mardi Gras. Their work is excellent. There are also some of the floats stored there. Before the tour there is a sort film show explaining Mardi Gras. You are guided for the start of the tour but then can walk around on your own. You definitely need a camera.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written April 7, 2023
  • Dawb99
    309 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great experience.
    Finally visited here. A very worthy destination. Informative semi-guided tour. Huge working warehouse/shop for the design and build of the floats. Free shuttle transportation from Canal street locations to and from the tour site. Thousands of "props" to wander around and view. Provides a unique behind the scenes view of the work involved in float building.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 7, 2023
  • SGMHT
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved Mardi Gras World!
    We noticed Mardi Gras World on Google Maps and decided to visit while we were in town. We are so glad we decided to visit. It was so much fun, and the staff there couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming! The location was easy to get to from our hotel in the French Quarter. It is a fascinating place; don't miss it!
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 17, 2023
  • Kristen
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great for all ages
    We had a great time at Mardi Gras world! Our tour guide was awesome and taught us all about the history of Mardi Gras as well as how the floats are made and changes from year to year. The tour included a slice of King’s Cake. It is worth noting that it is very warm in the warehouse where most of the tour is led. Overall, highly recommend for all ages.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 11, 2023
  • Joyce J
    Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina134 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun Family Outing
    Used a Groupon. Good value with Senior discount. Shuttle pick up when you call. Short film then a walk through the work area where float characters are produced. Work area was colorful, informative and great place for pictures, but very hot!
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 22, 2023
  • William C
    37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mardi Gras Central
    Quite a unique place. Worth doing as you won't find many places like this. A little out of the way so consider Uber. They DO have a shuttle so consider calling to see if you are in their pickup area. Much of the display is in a large warehouse which gets very hot in warm weather so keep that in mind. But it is a fun place to visit.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 8, 2023
  • mplstravel
    Minneapolis, Minnesota385 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique, Don't Miss Experience
    So I wasn't particularly interested in going. I visualized a warehouse full of dusty floats that hadn't been used for decades. Boy, was I wrong. We had an amazing guide who was clearly passionate about Mardi Gras, and is an active participant, so he spoke with authenticity. The props were amazing, and it was so great seeing the artisans at work. One of our favorite stops in New Orleans!
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 22, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles4,424 reviews
Excellent
2,546
Very good
1,415
Average
340
Poor
78
Terrible
46

Louise P
Gatineau, Canada37 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The tour is interesting and it's nice to see all the floats and the decorations, but at $22 per person, plus $20 for parking, it makes for a very expensive tour, especially since the tour itself is not even one hour. You can spend a lot of time with the floats and decorations, but after a while, you've seen them all. Overall, I'm glad to have gone, but would not recommend it if you're time in NOLA is limited. there are other attractions that are more worth it.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pirate Gal
Lexington, SC140 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Sound/microphone system used by tour guide was crap. The group was way too large, and the sound/microphone system didn't allow us to hear in the back. Got to see the artists working on float and other display pieces, which was very cool, but it was incredibly loud and hot in the workshop. Pretty good gift shop.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tami P
Red Deer, Canada71 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Mardi Gras World has a free shuttle that picks you up at some hotels in the French Quarter. Our driver was so friendly and gave you a little history of New Orleans and Mardi Gras World on the drive over. We loved the tour. They show you a video and let you try king cake. Then they take you into the warehouse and show you the artists at work on the parade floats. After the tour you are free to wander and spend as much time as you want which we appreciated so you don't in any way feel rushed.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Debbie S
Atlanta, GA36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
You may not think to go here, but if you go to New Orleans 1-2 months before Mardis Gras, this place is especially special. The floats are already partially built, you get to really appreciate the history of Mardis Gras and how hard the artists work to make it so special. And they do it for free fun. Harry Connick, Jr. has a group of people that create these floats and an awesome experience. Who knew?
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Julie
New York City, NY48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
Luckily I visited here 2 weeks before the Mardi Gras and could see some artists doing final touches to the marvelous work they have done for the parade. I wish I could take a tour but I got here less than 1 hour before the closing time and tried to see and take photos as much as I could. I entered with a Go New Orleans pass. One of a kind.. this place.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Beth B
Saskatoon, Canada56 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Definitely a Must See. 11 minute film gives the history and explains the importance of Mardi Gras to New Orleans. A sample of King Cake was handed out to everyone. The workshop and rows of floats was amazing - going in Jan we saw the floats ready for the parades. Good tour guide. Good gift shop with plenty of items for kids too.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Debbie
Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel408 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
I did not take a tour but walked through the venue. I was amazed at all the work that goes into creating these larger than life flotillas and parade items. There were artists at work and it was interesting to see how the model figures become real life figures for the parade. It’s a really colorful place and worth a visit.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Charlie Duncan
New York City, NY188 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Yes it’s a tourist trap but what a beautiful one it is. We went the week before the large parades roll through town and it was great to see the mostly finished product. The tour was fine but having free reign to explore the craftsmanship up close and personal was worth the visit. We enjoyed comparing the kern floats to the others when we saw parades later in the weekend
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Carlanmcd
Brooklyn, NY330 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2021 • Family
Visited for the first time and was amazed by the production that goes into these floats and was thrilled to see artists at work. Endless sculptures. So beautiful and nice touch to give visitors king cake in celebration of Mardi Gras
Written February 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heidiks1
New York City, NY85 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
Don't miss this!!! It is an out-of-the-way world of fun!

I was afraid it might be a bit hokey but instead it was amazing! It is like having a front row seat to seeing how the Mardi Gras floats are created.... like being backstage at a theater and seeing all of the sets and props up close.

You actually get to wander through the warehouse and watch the people working on the different design elements. And you can wander endlessly around the gigantic and brightly colored creations that fill the warehouse.

They even have a shuttle that will pick you up downtown.

I would not, however, recommend walking there because it is not a beautiful walk, and it is a bit remote and isolated.
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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