Cool! When I lived in N.O., my Dad ran the Clarion on Canal St. I was too young to really enjoy Mardi Gras, but I remember enough to know that it's a blast.
I lived in Key West for a few years and bartended at Ricks on Duval St. for three Fantasy Fests. Though no real comparison, it reminded me of Mardi Gras! What fun! And the tips we made that week could buy me a small island!
Have fun, man... I wish I was there to party with ya! I hope you have a minimal hangover! Good luck!