Disney Port Orleans Mardi Gras Parade 2026 & EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Preview

Port Orleans Mardi Gras Parade

• 🎭 The Port Orleans Mardi Gras Parade is a popular event at Walt Disney World, now heavily promoted by Disney, drawing larger crowds than in previous years.
• 🦸‍♀️ This year's theme, "Heroes vs. Villains," featured elaborate cast member-designed carts, including themes from 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'Hercules'.
• 🚶‍♂️ Unique elements like stilt walkers were present at the French Quarter location but not at Riverside, showcasing variety across the resort.
• 🎨 Cast members' talent is highlighted, with the 'Alice in Wonderland' float being a standout for its intricate, handmade details and use of recyclable materials.
• 💨 Special effects, such as smoke from cannons and rotating signs with animatronics, added to the parade's spectacle.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Preview

• 🌸 The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is set to begin on March 4th, with topiaries and preparations already underway.
• 🌳 New and returning topiaries include characters from Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Snow White, and Goofy, with some locations having been updated from previous years.
• 🎨 The video also touches on the ongoing EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, showcasing impressive chalk art, including pieces inspired by 'Avatar' and 'Toy Story'.
• ☕ A special chocolate hazelnut pastry, reminiscent of a sweet donut, was tried and enjoyed, though it had a long line on the festival's opening day.
• 🌷 The importance of topiaries and floral displays is emphasized, with a mention of how they have evolved and improved over the years, including updated character faces.

Disney Parks News and Updates

• 🐅 Sad news regarding the separation of the young tiger Bakso from his mother at Disney's Animal Kingdom, a process fully documented on MouseSteps.
• 🏰 Upcoming visits to Magic Kingdom are planned, with a focus on seeing the castle painting and work being done at Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear.
• ✈️ The episode concludes with a reminder to check out MEI Travel and Mouse Fan Travel for spring travel plans, including trips to Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Universal's Epic Universe.