Find out what to enjoy for Walt Disney's World "Celebrate Soulfully" Black History Month celebration!
Walt Disney World is preparing its grand celebrations for Black History Month. Here’s a quick guide to what guests can enjoy for this month of celebration!
It’s been a tradition for Disney to celebrate Black History Month, which will be a bit longer this year thanks to Leap Year adding a day to February. The parks go for excellent celebrations of African-American culture and of course, some ties to Disney. Here’s a quick look at what to expect for this year’s celebrations, titled “Celebrate Soulfully!”
Parade with Michael James Scott
The celebrations will kick off on Tuesday, February 6th, as Michael James Scott, known for his Tony-award-winning role in the Broadway Aladdin musical, serves as grand marshal for the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom, starting at 3 pm. The Orlando native is famous for his good humor and should be a sharp performer for the event.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
There are two big events going on at the Festival of the Arts. First, take in the artistic designs of three notable black artists.
- Ryan Riller (Feb. 12-19)
- Yesenia Moises (Feb. 13-19)
- Larissa Marantz (Feb. 14-19)
Also, guests can enjoy some great performances by Scott and several cast members of the long-running The Lion King Broadway musical:
- 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
Guests at Disney Springs can be treated to some gorgeous new murals by artists Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones, and Nardstar and more. The range of artwork and styles is a wonderful outdoor gallery that will tie in with some local treats and decorations.
Animal Kingdom
The Animal Kingdom has some nice new touches. A new African art installation will be at the Pizzafari gate starting on February 1st. Coming from acclaimed Nigerian-American artist Nigerian-American artist Victor Ekpuk, the exhibit “will explore historical narratives and contemporary African diaspora.”
Elsewhere, visitors to the Conservation Station can see a new exhibit at the Animation Station celebrating Floyd Norman, the first credited black Disney animator. He was instrumental in animating Kaa and others in The Jungle Book, as well as working on 101 Dalmatians and other films. The exhibit shows his work and gives guests a chance to animate characters of their own.
Food, Movie, Merchandise and More
Just about every Disney resort will have a special food item to tie into the celebration. Highlights include Soulful Sunday Pork Cutlet at Saratoga Springs, Chicken and Andouille Gumbo at the Crystal Palace, Tiana’s Petit Cake at the Main Street Bakery and various other fun treats.
For pin fans, Disney is offering an exclusive new Princess Tiana pin, tied in to the coming makeover of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Designed by Brittany L. Smit, it’s a fun preview of the coming ride. There's also special merchandising themed to the month.
The usual "Movies Under the Stars" at various resorts will now feature black-focused movies such as Black Panther, Cool Runnings, Remember the Titans, The Lion King and, of course, Soul.
On top of that, there’s the classic meet and greets with Tiana, Asha and an Ariel based on the 2023 live-action The Little Mermaid movie.
There are also smaller bits from the American Adventure Gallery and others to make Black History Month one worth celebrating at Disney World in 2024.