Walt Disney World Resort honors Black History Month with 'Celebrate Soulfully'

Jan 26, 2024 in "Magic Kingdom"

Posted: Friday January 26, 2024 10:18am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating Black History Month in February 2024 with its annual "Celebrate Soulfully" event.

This celebration is marked by a range of activities that honor Black heritage and culture, including art displays, musical performances, soul food, and a special limited-edition pin.

Parade with Michael James Scott

The celebration kicks off with Broadway star Michael James Scott, famous for his role as Genie in "Aladdin," serving as the honorary grand marshal in the "Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade" at Magic Kingdom Park on February 6 at 3 pm.

Princess Tiana Tiara Pin

A limited-release Princess Tiana tiara pin, inspired by the upcoming Tiana's Bayou Adventure attraction and designed by Walt Disney Imagineering's Brittany L. Smith, is available throughout the parks and online at shopDisney. The pin is inspired by Brittany’s interpretation of the tiara-topped water tower featured in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Smith is also a designer for Tiana’s Audio-Animatronics character in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opens at Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland park this year.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

 

The festival features the works of Black artists Ryan Riller, Yesenia Moises, and Larissa Marantz, along with performances by Broadway stars like L. Steven Taylor, Kissy Simmons, and Bradley Gibson from "The Lion King," and Michael James Scott from "Aladdin."

Meet artistis: Ryan Riller (Feb. 12-19). Yesenia Moises (Feb.13-19), Larissa Marantz (Feb. 14-19)

DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series: L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King” – Jan. 26, 28 and 29, Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6), Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King” – Jan. 27, 30 and 31, Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8), Bradley Gibson (“The Lion King” – Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17 and 19), Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” – Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19)

Disney Springs Art Walk

Disney Springs showcases murals by Black artists such as Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones, and Nardstar.

African Art Exhibit

Starting February 1, Disney's Animal Kingdom hosts an African art installation featuring work by Nigerian-American artist Victor Ekpuk at the Pizzafari gate.

Tribute to Floyd Norman

Floyd Norman, Disney's first Black animator, is celebrated at Conservation Station's Animation Experience in Disney's Animal Kingdom, where visitors can learn to draw characters he helped animate.

"Cooking with Soul" Cuisine

Various Walt Disney World resorts offer soul food menu items, including Mini Red Velvet Cakes, Tiana's Petit Cake, Shrimp and Grits, and Griot and Pikliz.

Meet Disney Characters

Guests have the opportunity to meet beloved characters like Tiana at Magic Kingdom, Ariel from the live-action story at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Asha at EPCOT.

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BasiltheBatLordJan 27, 2024

Rumor is the WDW opening date will be announced on Mardi Gras.

CompedJan 27, 2024

Moon Girl isn't covered by those rights, I'm almost sure of it!

Basil of Baker StreetJan 26, 2024

That IS strange.

Vegas Disney FanJan 26, 2024

Especially with the amazing band (lead by a black singer) right across the esplanade in DCA, how hard would it be to swap bands for a couple weeks? Or… maybe some of the cast from the recenty ended Lion King show.

JohnDJan 26, 2024

I mean this in all sincerity: I hope we get more updates on Tiana in February. A great way to promote Tiana during Black History Month. Tie it to actual New Orleans history.

bmr1591Jan 26, 2024

The only thing I wish they’d do is have a guy be Joe Gardner from Soul and play piano each day outside of Casey’s. He could dress as Joe, lead off with the song from Soul, then go into other Disney songs. It doesn’t have to be an official meet and greet, but people could get pictures of him doing his thing.

BrianJan 26, 2024

Meanwhile at Disneyland: They really couldn't find a single black person to be part of that performance? It's LA, for God's sake.

Prince-1Jan 26, 2024

Always a nice thing to see.