Disneyland Resort welcomes visitors to a unique celebration of diversity and black heritage. Featuring a range of uplifting experiences throughout the year, the resort invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in powerful stories, rich history, and vibrant songs representing black culture. This special focus intensifies during February's Black History Month and June's Black Music Month, offering an array of additional, limited-time events.
Creating a Culture of Inclusion at the Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where guests and performers feel seen and valued through attractions, entertainment, dining, holidays, and the celebration of annual cultural heritage months. This initiative enables every visitor to engage with and appreciate the nuances of black heritage.
Year-Round Celebrations of Black Heritage
Disneyland Resort honors black heritage throughout the year. This ongoing celebration includes special events during February's Black History Month and June's Black Music Month, showcasing the rich and diverse contributions of the black community.
Limited-time offers in February 2024 for Black History Month
- “Celebrate Gospel” returns to the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland Park for two days, featuring performances by Marvin Sapp on February 17th and Tasha Cobbs Leonard on February 24th. This popular annual event unites award-winning music artists and community choirs from across Southern California.
- A showcase in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park honors Floyd Norman, the first black animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
- The Downtown Disney District offers crafts inspired by Los Angeles architecture on selected days. A recently unveiled sculptural tower in the district, designed by Nikkolas Smith, pays tribute to pioneer architects of color in Southern California during the mid-20th century.
- The newly opened Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and Lawn area feature family-friendly live entertainment and music performances on selected days. Scheduled acts include magician Kenrick Ice McDonald, the UniverSoul Hip Hop Show, Apollo BeBop, Forward Motion Band, and more.
- Selected dining locations, such as the Troubadour Tavern, offer limited-time menu items, including roasted chicken bowls and sweet potato pie casserole.
Celebrating “Black Culture” Throughout the Year at Disneyland Resort
- The Main Street Opera House in Disneyland Park presents a special tribute to the relationship between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Narrated by Robin Roberts, a video presentation produced in collaboration with National Geographic commemorates their joint efforts against slavery.
- In Fantasyland at Disneyland Park, guests can meet Asha from Walt Disney Animation Studios' “Wish” and Ariel from the live-action “The Little Mermaid”. Additionally, Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” greets visitors at various times in New Orleans Square, surrounded by Tiana’s Palace restaurant and Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets.
- In the evenings, Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band perform popular, high-energy New Orleans melodies and Disney fan favorites with musical call-and-response interactions at Rivers of America in Disneyland Park.
- The renowned band on Buena Vista Street, Five & Dime, brings pizzazz and razzmatazz to Disney California Adventure Park. The singer Dime and her accompanying jazz quintet play hits from the 1920s and 1930s.
- At Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park, guests can encounter the Black Panther, train with the loyal bodyguards of the Black Panther in “The Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciplines of the Dora Milaje” program, or meet Sam Wilson – Captain America.
- For a limited time starting in February at Disney California Adventure Park, guests can meet Moon Girl from the Disney series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” in Hollywood Land and Captain Monica Rambeau on the Avengers Campus.
Year-Round Soulful Dining and Drink Selections
- The menu at Tiana's Palace in Disneyland Park is inspired by New Orleans classics, featuring changing seasonal flavors and ingredients sourced from Louisiana when possible.
- The Troubadour Tavern, located next to the Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland Park, offers a selection of African-inspired snacks and delicious bites.
- The reimagined Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio in the Downtown Disney District combines its authentic New Orleans roots with Californian influences.
“Celebrate Soulfully” at the Disneyland Resort is more than just an event; it's an ongoing recognition and celebration of Black culture that inspires and enriches every visitor. With its rich array of experiences, from music to food to character encounters, the resort provides a unique platform to honor and celebrate the history and arts of Black heritage.
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