Black History Month at Disney Celebrating Soulfully

If you’re looking for something to add a little more fun to your February, then heading to Disney may be just what you need! Honoring Black History Month with food, art, live entertainment, and special performances, Disney is the place to be if you’re looking for something special. From character meet and greets to specialty merchandise, here is everything you need to know about Celebrating Soulfully at Disney for Black History Month. 

Disney in February

February in the parks brings loads of things to do at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and Mardi Gras Celebrations set the tone for a month filled with celebrations. And while we love creating Disney Valentine’s Day Cookie Boards at home. Or making our own Mickey Beignets for Mardi Gras, in this post we’re going to do a roundup of all the things happening for Black History Month at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. That way, if you are traveling to the parks, you can make the most of it! 

Black History Month at Disney Parks

Whether you’re visiting Disney World or Disneyland you can find new snacks, some specialty menus at select restaurants, unique meet and greets and specialty merchandise. Let’s dive in to what you can you do for Black History Month at Disney. 

Meet Asha, Tiana and Ariel 

You can meet Princess Tiana, and sometimes Prince Naveen, from Princess and the Frog at the both parks. And if you’re a fan of Disney’s newest film, Wish, then you can meet Asha too! And for a limited time you can meet the Live Action Princess Ariel in both parks too! Be sure to check out the apps for each park to find select times for visits. 

Grab the NEW Tiana Pin inspired by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!

And for both those visiting the parks and those staying home in February, you can find brand new merchandise for Black History Month at shopDisney.com. In fact you can even find a brand new Princess Tiana Pin, honoring Tiana’s dreams! This cute crown on a pillow is limited edition, and is available in the parks and online.

The pin is inspired by Brittany’s interpretation of the tiara-topped water tower and Tiana’s tiara 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. 

Black History Month at Disney World 2024

Walt Disney World in February is one of the best times to visit if you’re headed there before Presidents Day. After the holiday the parks become really busy with Spring Break crowds, so it’s best to visit earlier in the month if you can. With the EPCOT Festival of the Arts, Valentine’s Day, and Mardi Gras, there are a lot of things happening in the parks. Additionally, weather in Florida in February is cooler and the perfect weather for strolling the parks. Here are some special things at Disney in February to look forward to. 

Get Inspired for Cooking with Soul!

It’s time to hunt down all the best foods for the celebration, that you find across the parks. At Walt Disney World you can grab specialty dishes, like Country Fried Pork Steak with Herbed Gravy at select locations. Explore the chefs, meals and new Black Month History months that are all over the parks, and resorts for February’s Celebrate soulfully event. See it all on the Cooking with Soul at Walt Disney World page. 

Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom| February 6, 2024

Kicking off the Black History Month at Disney World Celebration is Broadway performer, Michael James Scott as the Honorary Parade Grand Marshal at the Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom on February 6, 2024. The parade starts at 3pm, so be sure to grab a spot! We most like Main Street for the best views. 

Broadway performer and Orlando native Michael James Scott, well known for his portrayal of Genie in the hit Broadway musical, “Aladdin,” will be the honorary grand marshal for the “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” at Magic Kingdom Park on Feb. 6. His appearance helps kick off our month-long celebration of Black heritage and culture. You can catch Michael James Scott along the parade route all the way down to Main Street, U.S.A., around 3 p.m. ET.* 

EPCOT Festival of the Arts Black Artists to See this February

Discover new art at the EPCOT Festival of the Arts this year during Black History Month. Featuring a culmination of Disney inspired art across the park, you can visit with all artists participating at select times and days throughout the festival. Plus check out the artistry of three black artists participating in the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.

• Ryan Riller (Feb. 12-19)
• Yesenia Moises (Feb.13-19)
• Larissa Marantz (Feb. 14-19)

EPCOT Festival of the Arts Performers for Disney on Broadway Concert Series

Another great opportunity for adding to your Black History Month at Disney events is the Disney on Broadway Series. You can head to the EPCOT America Gardens Theatre during the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series on select nights during the festival to see these stars from The Lion King and Aladdin. 

• 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)

Visit the Disney Springs Art Walk to Honor Black Artists

Disney Springs is one of our favorite Fun and Free Things to Do at Disney World. And during February,  you can check out the new Celebrate Soulfully snacks, food, music, and shopping. And if you’re coming in on the Disney Buses, you’ll notice every wall painted with murals on the Disney Springs Art Walk. Check out the colorful artwork by several Black artists such as Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones and Nardstar. 

Head to Animal Kingdom Park for the African Art Exhibit

Animal Kingdom Park typically shines most during Earth Month in April. However, this year, beginning February 1st, you can see featured artwork at the Pizzafari gate from internationally renowned Nigerian-American artist Victor Ekpuk will explore historical narratives and contemporary African diaspora. 

Black History Month Snacks at Disney World

In classic Disney fashion, February brings dozens of new Disney treats across the parks, Disney Springs and Resorts. Black History Month brings classic southern comfort foods, and the flavors of New Orleans. And luckily, some of these treats are available all year long! One of our favorites, the Banana pudding at Regal Eagle Smokehouse makes this list, and you can grab it all year! 

Banana Pudding Cheesecake | Disney All-Star Resorts

• Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Banana cheesecake with vanilla pudding and vanilla wafer crust. (Available Feb. 1 through March 31; mobile order available)

Berry Beignet | Scat Cat’s Club Disney’s French Quarter Resort

• Berry Beignet: Mixed berry compote, house-made Uncle Nearest Whiskey caramel sauce, and powdered sugar served with a pipette of Uncle Nearest Whiskey.  (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Soulful Sunday Pork Cutlet | The Artist’s Palette Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

• Soulful Sunday Pork Cutlet: Smoked pork chop, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and house-made sweet cornbread (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Traditional Pound Cake | The Artist’s Palette Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

• Traditional Pound Cake: Homemade vanilla pound cake (Available Feb. 1 through March 31)
  • This dish is inspired by Proprietor Deborah Davis Pollard’s family recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Country Fried Pork Steak with Herbed Gravy | Select Disney Resorts 

• Country Fried Pork Steak with Herbed Gravy: Fried pork loin with herb cream sauce, fried cabbage sautéed with smoked sausage, and roasted marble potato salad (New); (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)
  • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Mini Red Velvet Cake | Select Disney Resorts 

• Mini Red Velvet Cake: Red velvet cake with cream cheese buttercream (New); Available at the following locations:  
  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Southern Citrus Twist | Select Resort Restaurants

• Southern Citrus Twist: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters (New)
  • Inspired by the partnership between Leaders Dougie Williams and Hunter Bernreuter, this cocktail features Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey and celebrates heritage, partnerships, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color products. (Available Feb. 3 through 29)

Bananas Foster Shake | Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies – Magic Kingdom Park

• Bananas Foster Shake: Banana milk shake layered with caramelized banana sauce and topped with whipped cream (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

Crab-topped Catch of the Day | Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom Park

• Crab-topped Catch of the Day: Roasted pumpkin-smoked gouda grits, braised greens, and brown butter-Meyer lemon emulsion

Chicken and Andouille Gumbo | The Crystal Palace – Magic Kingdom Park

• Chicken and Andouille Gumbo: Chicken, andouille sausage, and okra in a traditional gumbo base (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Tiana’s Famous Beignets | Golden Oak Outpost – Magic Kingdom Park

• Tiana’s Famous Beignets: Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with strawberry dipping sauce (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Tiana’s Petit Cake | Main Street Bakery- Magic Kingdom

• Tiana’s Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich | Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe – Magic Kingdom

• Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich: Fried green tomato sandwich with lettuce, bacon, and bacon-pimento spread served with house-made chips (New)

Sweet Potato Pie | Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe – Magic Kingdom

• Sweet Potato Pie topped with toasted marshmallow cream and candied pecans. (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

Peach Cobbler | Pinocchio Village Haus – Magic Kingdom

• Peach Cobbler: Cinnamon panna cotta, peach cobbler, brown sugar streusel, and whipped cream with a Tiana chocolate piece (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

Butter Pecan Praline Sundae | Plaza Ice Cream Parlor – Magic Kingdom

• Butter Pecan Praline Sundae: Butter pecan ice cream topped with praline sauce, spiced pecans, and whipped cream (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Chicken and Andouille Gumbo | The Plaza Restaurant – Magic Kingdom

• Chicken and Andouille Gumbo: Chicken, andouille sausage, okra, and rice in a traditional gumbo base (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Tiana’s Petit Cake | The Plaza Restaurant- Magic Kingdom

• Tiana’s Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece (New)

Peach Cobbler Mini Cake | Dino-Bite Snacks – Animal Kingdom

• Peach Cobbler Mini Cake: Vanilla cake, cinnamon-caramel-peach filling, and oat streusel topping served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (New)
  • Inspired from a recipe featured in What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking, the first cookbook by an African American author. Abby Fisher started a business in Alabama where she made and sold pickles and preserves. She eventually dictated her own recipes that would later become What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking, published in 1881. (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Creole Smoked Sausage Sandwich | Flame Tree Barbecue – Animal Kingdom

• Creole Smoked Sausage Sandwich: Creole smoked sausage on a roll with piccadilly relish and stewed black-eyed peas
  • Creole smoked sausage is best credited as the result of pairing the distinct cooking flavors of French and African descendants living in Louisiana during the 18th century. Accompanying our Creole smoked sausage sandwich are black-eyed peas, which are known to be a symbol of prosperity and hope. (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

Celebrate Soulfully Cupcake | Pizzafari, Restaurantosaurus – Animal Kingdom

• Celebrate Soulfully Cupcake: Vanilla cake with bananas foster jam filling, vanilla buttercream, Joe Gardner half note white chocolate décor, and multicolored crispy pearls. (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

Shrimp and Grits | Tiffins Restaurant – Animal Kingdom

• Shrimp and Grits: South African Mealie Pap with roasted corn and goat cheese, peri-peri shrimp, and green tomato-apple chutney (Currently available)

The Ginger Whiskey | Tiffins Restaurant – Animal Kingdom

• The Ginger Whiskey: A cocktail featuring Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey with notes of ginger and brown sugar (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
  • Uncle Nearest Whiskey is both a Black and women-owned and operated business. Begun in 2017, Uncle Nearest Whiskey has become one of the leading whiskey brands in its industry. The brand’s namesake Is Nathan “Nearest” Green, who is believed to have created the Lincoln County Process, a hallmark of Tennessee whiskey, in which whiskey is filtered through sugar-maple charcoal and then aged in charred oak barrels. Green is credited with teaching this technique to Jack Daniel, who hired Green as the first main distiller for the company and on record in the United States.

Pineapple Mint Julep | Dawa Bar, Restaurantosaurus Lounge, and Thirsty River Bar – Animal Kingdom

• Pineapple Mint Julep. (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Gumbo | ABC Commissary Hollywood Studios

• Gumbo: Chicken, andouille sausage, okra, and seasonings simmered in chicken stock served over rice. (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

Poulet Mariné Au Four  | Hollywood & Vine Hollywood Studios

• Poulet Mariné Au Four (Baked Marinated Chicken): Baked chicken marinated in assorted spices served with red peppers, green peppers, and onions

Mardi Gras Milk Shake | Hollywood Scoops Hollywood Studios

• Mardi Gras Milk Shake: Cinnamon-vanilla milk shake topped with a Mardi Gras king cake doughnut. (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Sweet Potato Lunch Box Tart | Woody’s Lunch Box Hollywood Studios

• Sweet Potato Lunch Box Tart with cinnamon-brown sugar icing, toasted marshmallows, and pecans.  (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

Hummingbird Cake The Artist’s Table at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 

• Hummingbird Cake: Banana and pecan cake dipped in cream cheese icing with caramel sauce and warm pineapple compote. (Currently available through Feb. 19)

Shrimp and Grits | Coral Reef Restaurant EPCOT

• Shrimp and Grits: Cajun-grilled shrimp, seared grit cake, andouille hash, and Cajun emulsion. (Currently available through March 31)

Half Note Float | Fife and Drum – EPCOT

• Half Note Float: Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry, Minute Maid Lemonade, and Fanta Blue Raspberry Slushy with vanilla ice cream and half note white chocolate

Banana Pudding| Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue- EPCOT

• Banana Pudding.  (Available Feb. 1 through March 31; mobile order available)

Charles Woodson Wines’ 2019 Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ – Disney Springs

• Charles Woodson Wines’ 2019 Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon  (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Cookie Butter Ganache Square | The Ganachery – EPCOT

• Cookie Butter Ganache Square: Cookie butter ganache enrobed in dark 65% chocolate (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Soulfully Pralines | The Ganachery – EPCOT

• Soulfully Pralines: Pecan pralines covered in dark 65% chocolate

Griot and Pikliz | Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar- Disney Springs

• Griot and Pikliz: Epis-marinated fried pork shoulder, fried green plantain, and pikliz (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Pork Belly Diri Kolepwanwa | The Polite Pig – Disney Springs

• Pork Belly Diri Kolepwanwa: Sweet and spicy pork belly, diri kolepwanwa (rice and black beans), and onion jalepeño slaw. (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

House of Brown 2021 California Red Blend | Splitsville Luxury Lanes- Disney Springs

• House of Brown 2021 California Red Blend. (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Black Girl Magic Float | Vivoli il Gelato – Disney Springs

• Black Girl Magic Float: Float with vanilla gelato and Black Girl Magic wine from the McBride Sisters Wine Company. (Currently available through March 30)

Black History Month at Disneyland 2024

At Disneyland, you can find Black History Month happenings in the parks, resorts and at Downtown Disney. If you’re traveling to this west coast park, you get a front row seat at Gospel performances, and local choir performances. Plus, as home to Avenger’s Campus, you get loads of opportunities to see Black Panther. And if you head over to the Bayou, you can grab a bite to eat at Tiana’s Palace! Lots of things are happening at Disneyland for Black History Month. 

Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theatre 

Dive into the spiritual history of Gospel music, at Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theatre throughout February. With special show you can take part in the annual tribute to gospel music that brings together award-winning artists and community choirs from across Southern California. Performances in Disneyland Park take place from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Get all the details on Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland. 

• February 17 – Featuring Marvin Sapp
• February 24 – Featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Performances by Sacred Groove
From soul-stirring beloved classics to upbeat modern hymns, 6 phenomenal a cappella vocalists take you on a joyous gospel journey.

Performances by The Singers of Soul
Previously performing and recording with artists such as Beyoncé, BTS and Dolly Parton, LA’s premier gospel choir is sure to knock your Disney socks off.

Visit the Frederick Douglass Exhibit 

In Walt Disney’s original attraction, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, you can see the exhibit honoring Douglass, and his work to abolish slavery. Be sure to visit this one in the February to learn more about his great work. 

Eat at Tiana’s Palace

Disneyland’s newest quick service restaurant, showcases Tiana’s dreams come true. This New Orleans inspired restaurant features all the down home cooking you’ll ever need. Complete with Creole- and Cajun-inspired fare, you can check out the Tiana’s Palace Restaurant Menu for all the great things to eat! 

Listen to Queen and the Jambalaya Jazz Band

Head to the Rivers of America in Disneyland Park to hear Queenie and the Jambalaya Jazz Band on select evenings throughout February. This jazz band offers 3 sets a night high-energy New Orleans tunes and Disney fan favorites. Be sure to take the time to see this performance. 

Set to a dynamic jazz score, colorful projections on the Rivers of America tells a short, whimsical tale of a mischievous little frog from the bayou that leaps into the lively city of New Orleans when he is lured by the jazzy sounds he hears in the distance.

Meet Black Panther and Dora Milaje

Head to Avengers Campus in Disney’s California  Adventure for some extra fun with Black Panther. Learn about Wakanda and train with General Okoye and the Dora Milaje, Black Panther’s royal guard. You may even see Captain America and Captain Monica Rambeau.

Five & Dime

One of our favorite things about Disneyland is the opportunity to see characters in the parks and impromptu performances. And one of our favorites is “Dime” and her band. You can catch this quintet on Buena Vista Street in Disney’s California Adventure Park. This Soulful singer Dime and her jazz band perform hits of the ’20s and ’30s. And can be seen throughout the day on your next visit. Check out showtimes for Five & Dime.

Black History Month Menus and Snacks at Disneyland

While the best Disney Snacks can be found all year in the parks, its fun to experience the new snacks that show up throughout the year for special events! As such, here is the best lineup for new snacks and specialty meals at select restaurants throughout February. 

Fried Chicken Bowl | Troubadour Tavern- Disneyland Park

• Fried Chicken Bowl: Spicy honey-glazed fried chicken served with four cheese mac ‘n cheese, smoked turkey collard greens, and sweet potato corn bread. (Available Feb. 16-18 and 23-25; mobile order available)

Sweet Potato Pie Casserole | Troubadour Tavern- Disneyland Park

• Sweet Potato Pie Casserole: Sweet potato-pecan pie (New) (Available Feb. 16-18 and 23-25; mobile order available)

Brunch Platter | River Belle Terrace – Disneyland Park

• Brunch Platter: Pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuit and gravy, and house slaw. (Available Feb. 1 through April 1)

Dinner Platter | River Belle Terrace – Disneyland Park

• Dinner Platter: BBQ brisket, fried chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and biscuit and gravy. (Available Feb. 1 through April 1)

Prix-Fixe Meal | Cafe Orleans – Disneyland Park

• Prix-Fixe Meal with choice of appetizer, deviled eggs and pickled vegetables, gumbo, or Caesar salad with cornmeal fried fish and turtle cheesecake. (Available Feb. 1 through April 1)

Cajun and Creole at Tiana’s Palace – Disneyland Park

• House-filled Beignet featuring lemon ice box pie filling topped with lemon glaze
• 7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage: White beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice
• 7 Greens Gumbo: White beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice (Plant-based)
• Beef Po’boy Sandwich: Slow-cooked beef in gravy dressed with shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayonnaise on a toasted New Orleans French bread and served with red beans and rice and house-made pickles

Brown Estate Chaos Theory Red Wine Blend  Lamplight Lounge – California Adventure

• Brown Estate Chaos Theory Red Wine Blend (New) Disney California Adventure Park

Specialties at Lobby Lounge Disneyland Hotel

• Shrimp and Grits (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
• Sweet Potato Fries Poutine: Sweet potato fries, gravy, and cheese curds (New)
• Barrel Aged Smoked : Uncle Nearest 1884 Bourbon, turbinado sugar, Angostura Bitters, Peychaud’s Bitters, and a luxury ice cube (New)
• McBride Sisters Sparkling Rosé (New)
• Crowns & Hops Pilsner (New)

Golden Soul | Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

• Golden Soul: Uncle Nearest 1884, ginger liqueur, creme de cassis, lime juice, and raspberries. (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)
• Crowns & Hops 8 Trill Pills. (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)

Cinnamon & Honey Fried Chicken Ice Cream | Salt & Straw- Downtown Disney District

• Cinnamon & Honey Fried Chicken Ice Cream: In partnership and support of Black-owned business, Ezell’s Famous Chicken out of Washington State, this savory and spicy ice cream is made with fresh croissants, torn into bits, that are then deep-fried with chicken fat until crispy and then churned into salted vanilla ice cream. A touch of cinnamon, splash of honey, and a shake of secret spices gives you a sweet Cajun heat with pleasant pops and crackles. (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

Disney Black History Month 

There you have it! If you’re celebrating Black History with Disney this month, there is plenty to do! You can also help support Black Disney Creators by checking out blogs, restaurants, and social influencers showing Disney love during February.  Whether you’re heading to the parks, or hanging out at home, be sure to check out the other things happening in February too! There’s even more to do for Valentine’s Day, and Mardi Gras  too. From new shows to watch on Disney+ Plus to Disney recipes for the holiday, we hope this post has given you some great ideas to help honor Black History and the month ahead!