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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