Preview: Port Orleans Cast Members Transform Golf Carts Into Disney Movie Moments for Annual Mardi Gras Parade

This upcoming Tuesday is Mardi Gras, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort is getting ready to celebrate the occasion with a continued tradition. Each year, cast members from the resort pull together to decorate a variety of golf carts around a chosen theme. Last year saw them recreating classic Walt Disney World parades, while this year, they’ve turned their attention to classic Disney movies. Earlier this week, I was able to check out some of the work in progress as cast members work to create these homespun masterpieces.

The first golf cart I saw was inspired by Moana, featuring hand-painted kakamora on board, with the golf cart in the process of being transformed into Moana’s boat. Parade watchers will hear “How Far I’ll Go" as the cart passes by.

Here’s a sketch of what the finished product should look like.

Next up, we saw a golf cart in a lower stage of development, but I was still able to pick up that it would be themed around Hercules – thanks to the columns being placed on the back of the golf cart. In fact, much of this friendly competition between various teams at Port Orleans makes use of recycled materials. For example, the paints used are all from previous projects around Walt Disney World.

And here’s a look at some of the scenes from Hercules that inspired the cast member’s design. And yes, the song choice will be “Zero to Hero."

Lastly, I got to see a big team of cast members working on the decorations for a Tangled golf cart, inspired by Rapunzel’s paintings all across her tower – making “When Will My Life Begin" the perfect song choice.

Cast member John showed off a model of the finished product, as well as Rapunzel’s hair – which was created from 30ft of yarn.

Guests staying at both Riverside and French Quarter can partake in this annual Mardi Gras tradition on the day itself, which is this upcoming Tuesday, March 4th. Not staying at Port Orleans? You can always catch a Walt Disney World bus or watercraft from Disney Springs to the resort. If not, we’ll have complete coverage for you right here at LaughingPlace.com.