Trip Report: Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Busch Gardens Williamsburg celebrates Mardi Gras every Friday through Sunday through March 3, 2024, with live music, classic Cajun flavors, and Carnaval Imaginique, a cirque show in the Globe Theatre. We were invited to check out the event, which was a delightful break from the cold winter weather in Virginia.
By Melody Matheny
I visited the theme park with my two little kids and my mother, which was an excellent way to understand (and accommodate) the needs and desires of a wide range of ages. Big roller coasters and thrill rides were out of the question, and most were closed anyway (we noticed some were under seasonal maintenance). So, food, shows, animals, and kid-related activities were on the docket for the day.
When we entered the park, we immediately noted the fabulous scenic elements, with a large Mardi Gras fleur-de-lis covering the entry plaza fountain and a box-style photo op of the event logo, which made for a great photos before we started our experience. As an attraction designer, I was looking at the fabrication quality and guest interaction with these items, and they were very well done, so kudos to the Busch Gardens Williamsburg team!
The kids were immediately attracted to the hat store, a staple of Busch Gardens Williamsburg since I was a kid. Inside, we noticed several Mardi Gras-themed retail items – all weather-appropriate since winter in Virginia can be quite cold (as that day surely was!) They were all excellent quality items with lots of great color options.
As we traveled around the park, the animal haven in Scotland was an immediate attraction as animals NEVER disappoint! It was wonderful to see the traditional Busch Clydesdales at the barn with a few doggy friends and sheep and rams hanging out outside, which my kids got to touch.
Heading into Ireland, we again immediately noticed the decor on the bridge and building facades. There were also food menu kiosks glamorously decorated upon entry. As we progressed through the land, even though the entertainment venues were all closed, it was still very festive, clearly focusing on retail and food options for guests.
Speaking of food options, the Mardi Gras lineup was fantastic, with items clearly based on authentic New Orleans-based recipes (and therefore had long lines at every turn).
A definite staple of going to Busch Gardens Williamsburg with little kids is the Land of the Dragons, the most epic, highly-themed kids’ playground around. With net climbs, multiple stories in the air, the biggest fun treehouse ever, only one entry/exit into the playground, lots of benches and trash cans, wide open spaces, and even some flat rides in the back, the kids can run wild, and parents can relax. My mom and I got some great chatting time (and some much-needed sitting time) as we watched the kids run around like hooligans.
Overall, we had a pleasant day in the park, and I hope to see this event grow and expand even more next year.
The Mardi Gras celebration continues at Busch Gardens Williamsburg on weekends through March 3, 2024. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.
