We are only a few days from the arrival of February, and if you are anything like me, January has felt like a bit of a slog. It’s time for a new celebration within the Disney Parks, and Black Heritage Month is the perfect time to enjoy Disney’s Celebrate Soulfully event. This year, the festivities are looking bigger and better than ever, with so much to look forward to in both the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s take a look at some of the specifics in each location, including new menu items and delightful entertainment that is sure to impress.
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
Tamron Hall Headlines Magic Kingdom Parade
We are kicking off Black History Month at Walt Disney World with a little extra glam! Emmy-winning journalist and talk show host Tamron Hall will lead the way as Grand Marshal in a magical parade at Magic Kingdom Park on February 1. Guests will be able to see her along the parade route, through the park and down Main Street, U.S.A., around 3 p.m. ET. The parade will also feature popular Disney characters, lively music and dazzling displays.
Vibrant Artwork at Disney Springs and EPCOT
Take a stroll down Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression and be inspired by all of the stunning artwork by many talented artists including Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones, Nardstar and Marci Swett! And in February, a brand-new mural by Washington, D.C.-based artist Brandon Hill will make its debut.
Over at EPCOT, several Black artists are participating in the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, a celebration of artistic expression in all forms.
- Yesenia Moises
- Ryan Riller
- Larissa Brown
- Mark Page
These artists will make appearances on various days through mid-February – you can find the full schedule of visiting artists here.
DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series
Join us for show-stopping performances as DISNEY ON BROADWAY stars perform songs from your favorite Disney hits at America Gardens Theatre in EPCOT!
- Jelani Remy (The Lion King) – NEW!
- Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King)
- Michael James Scott (Aladdin) and Kissy Simmons (The Lion King)
For a full look at the lineup and performance dates, visit our DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series information.
Dance to the Beat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!
Enjoy the energetic melodies and unstoppable dance moves of Viva Gaia, a troupe of musicians leading a Caribbean street party in Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe will also deliver driving rhythms in Africa where you’ll be sure to join in on the beat!
Meet Princess Tiana and (Live Action) Ariel!
And guests can always interact with a variety of popular and diverse characters, such as Princess Tiana at Magic Kingdom, Ariel from the live-action story The Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Asha at EPCOT.
Savor the Flavor!
Delicious new treats are coming to the menu at select Walt Disney World locations with these two new menu items included:
NEW! Blackened Salmon with Plant-based Hot Italian Sausage-Bean Ragoût
- Available from February 1-28
- Various locations across Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
NEW! Peach Cobbler: Cinnamon panna cotta, peach cobbler, brown sugar streusel, and whipped cream with a chocolate piece
- Available from February 1-28
- Various locations across Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
DISNEYLAND RESORT
Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland!
“Celebrate Gospel” concerts return to the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park for two days in 2025, headlined by DOE on February 8 and Melvin Crispell, III on February 15. On both days, the beloved annual event brings together award-winning musical artists and community choirs from across Southern California.
Meet Your Favorite Super Heroes
At Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park, you may cross paths with Black Panther, train with Black Panther’s loyal bodyguards in Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciplines of the Dora Milaje or encounter Sam Wilson – Captain America.
Black Heritage Appreciation Throughout the Year
Disneyland Resort also has a collection of experiences available throughout the year that celebrate Black heritage culture. The rich storytelling of Princess Tiana spans throughout New Orleans Square and Bayou Country in Disneyland Park, including the recently debuted water attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Her story also extends to Tiana’s Palace quick-service restaurant and three themed retail shops: Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets, Ray’s Berets and Louis’ Critter Club.
Honoring a Black Disney Legend
At Disney California Adventure Park, a window display in Hollywood Land honors Disney Legend Floyd Norman, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first Black animator.
Downtown Disney District and Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
At select times in the afternoons and evenings, you may see Joe Gardner from Pixar Animation Studios’ Soul playing smooth jazz tunes in the lobby of Pixar Place Hotel.
At Parkside Market in the Downtown Disney District, Sip & Sonder is a Black women-owned brand featuring signature lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites. Among their featured menu items is a cold brew-based drink, Nod to Nicaud, which honors Rose Nicaud, who is regarded as the first coffee vendor in New Orleans. For a limited-time, you can also discover Celebrate Soulfully offerings at Ballast Point Brewing Co., Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Lovepop.
Celebrate Soulfully Cuisine!
Catfish Po’Boy: Southern-style dusted catfish filet with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise on toasted New Orleans French bread with remoulade sauce served with black-eyed pea stew, hot water cornbread, and house-made pickles.
- Available from January 31 – March 2
- Location: Tiana’s Palace
Fried Chicken Bowl: Fried chicken, baked mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato cornbread
- Available from January 31 – February 23 Fridays-Sundays only
- Location: Troubadour Tavern
Will you be enjoying the Celebrate Soulfully celebration in the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort this February? Let us know what you are looking forward to during Black History Month as we celebrate all the beauty of Black heritage and culture.
