Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Celebrates Mardi Gras, 2009
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort kicked off Mardi Gras in style Feb 5 with a Mardi Gras parade and float-decorating contest. The parade and contest, which is a popular treat for Guests staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, consists of Cast Member-decorated golf carts, that serve as parade floats.
“We wanted to provide our Cast Members with an event that is both meaningful and representative of our theme at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort,” said Nikki DuPuis, Human Resources assistant. “The event is a Cast favorite every year, and they enjoy interacting with our Guests during the parade, some of whom time their vacations each year to Mardi Gras. The event is an excellent way to engage our Guests in celebrating with our Cast Members.”
Each year Cast Members are given a specific theme in which to decorate their float. This year’s theme was “Past or Present Walt Disney World Resort attractions.” Departments at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort worked together to design the following eight floats:
- The Jungle Cruise — decorated by Operations Learning & Development
- Peter Pan’s Flight — decorated by Merchandise
- Splash Mountain — decorated by Food & Beverage
- The Haunted Mansion — decorated by Front Office
- Kilimanjaro Safaris — decorated by Housekeeping/Custodial
- Crush ’n Gusher — decorated by Recreation
- Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea — decorated by Watercraft Transportation
- Expedition Everest — decorated by Engineering
“The event positively impacts our Guests and really goes along well with our resort theme,” said Scott Berman of the Front Office. “It gives the Guests a chance to relax during the middle of the day, just let go and have a good time. I’ve always enjoyed the celebration of Mardi Gras. I’ve been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans once before, and today brings back good memories of that time with friends.”
Prior to the parade taking to the sidewalks of the resort, Walt Disney World Ambassadors Clay Shoemaker and Vanessa Rosas presented awards for the most creative (Splash Mountain — decorated by Food & Beverage), best themed (The Haunted Mansion — decorated by Front Office ) and best all around float (Kilimanjaro Safaris — decorated by Housekeeping/Custodial).
“It was awesome,” said Honick Laborde of Housekeeping/Custodial. “My department won the parade, and we really enjoyed that as a team. [Fellow team members] Maria Rosa Vazquez came up with the idea for Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Esnel Josias created everything else.”
In addition to the parade, Cast Members also were treated to a Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ, a visit from Jester Goofy and Mardi Gras King Mickey Mouse, played Wii and Wii Fit, and had chances to win Magic Backstage prizes throughout the day including cooler chairs, duffle bags, plush animals and a 20-inch flat-panel screen TV.
“To me, Mardi Gras means togetherness,” said Shannon Connole of Operations Learning & Development. “This event has sincerely been a ‘one resort, one team’ effort. I was amazed by all of the hard work, effort and creativity from everyone to pull this together.”
