NEWS: How to ‘Celebrate Soulfully’ During Black History Month at Disney World

February is Black History Month, and Walt Disney World is celebrating with special offerings and experiences that honor Black heritage and culture. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Annette Gibbs:

Black History Month is just around the corner, and that’s the perfect time to sprinkle a little soul into your Disney Parks adventure.

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself into all the new offerings at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or create some family memories at Disneyland Resort in California, there are soulful experiences that await around every corner, cultural touches of music, art, food, and fun that create unique opportunities for you and your family to “Celebrate Soulfully’’ in a Disney kind of way.

At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

Toya Johnson-Rushing Named Grand Marshal for Special Magic Kingdom Parade

On February 9 at Walt Disney World, a special parade moment will make its way through Magic Kingdom and officially usher in Black History Month festivities at Disney World, led by Toya Johnson-Rushing as honorary Grand Marshal.

Be sure to watch along the parade route — and down Main Street, U.S.A. — around 3 p.m. ET* for a joyful, high-energy celebration featuring beloved Disney characters, lively music, dazzling displays, and plenty of Disney magic.

And while visiting Magic Kingdom Park, be sure to stop by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, where Princess Tiana teams up with Naveen, Mama Odie, and jazz-loving Louis for a lively musical journey through the bayou as they prepare for her southern soiree.

Art Abounds at EPCOT

Black artistry shines again at EPCOT throughout February! For the second year, these artists are pushing the boundaries of creativity, inspiring festivalgoers with bold, beautiful and eye-catching work at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, a celebration of artistic expression in all forms.

• • Yesenia Moises
  • Ryan Riller
  • Larissa Brown
  • Mark Page

These talented artists will make appearances on various days through mid-February. Be sure to visit the website as dates and times are subject to change.

DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series

DISNEY ON BROADWAY returns to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts with powerhouse performances of your favorite Disney songs! With incredible Black artists from shows like The Lion King and Aladdin, the stage at America Gardens Theatre comes alive with show-stopping vocals, dazzling energy and the unforgettable magic of Disney music.

• • Jelani Remy (The Lion King)
  • Anastacia McCleskey (Tarzan) – NEW!
  • Kissy Simmons (The Lion King)
  • James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin)

For a full look at the lineup and performance dates, visit the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series website.

Dance to the Beat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!

Feel the rhythm of the islands come alive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Viva Gaia brings an infectious Caribbean street party to Discovery Island with lively music and nonstop dance moves, while the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe fill Africa with powerful beats that will have you clapping and moving along.

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 movie The Little Mermaid and Frozone from Disney-Pixar’s The Incredibles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios throughout February and beyond.

Savor the Flavor!

Enjoy savory dishes that celebrate Black culture at Walt Disney World with our limited-time offerings. Check out the bites and delights below that you won’t want to miss!

NEW! Soulful New York Cheesecake Pop

Cheesecake Ganache layered with Graham Cracker Ganache enrobed in 65% Dark Chocolate

• • Available from February 1-28 at The Ganachery at Disney Springs

NEW! Wakandan Mousse

Coconut Mousse, Guava Gelée, Chocolate Sablé

• • Available from February 1-28 Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs

Vibrant Artwork at Disney Springs

Even if you’ve walked the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression before, there’s always something interesting to see. Explore works by talented Black artists including Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones, Nardstar, Marci Swett, and Brandon Hill, and let their creativity surprise and inspire you all over again.