Celebrating Soulfully at Disney Parks has returned! Looking for a few fun ways to celebrate Black History Month? Whether in the Disney parks or at home, we’ve rounded up everything that’s happening so you can get some inspiration. And if you’re visiting the parks, what to know before you go! From soulful snacks to special performances at Walt Disney World and Disneyland there’s plenty to do. And if you’re staying home, we’ve picked things to watch on Disney+Plus too. Here are all the ways you can celebrate Black History Month with a little Disney.
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 making our own Mickey Beignets for Mardi Gras, sometimes it’s nice to just get our favorite snacks from the parks! So, 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!
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Disney World Black History Month Activities and Events
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.
Black History Month Disney Parade | February 9, 2026
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
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.
See Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom
Kicking off the Black History Month at Disney World you can see Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in the Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom. The parade starts at 3pm, so be sure to grab a spot! We most like Main Street for the best views. You can also snap a photo with Tiana usually at the gazebo in Liberty Square, just behind the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe.
Black Artists at EPCOT Festival of the Arts
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 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
- Yesenia Moises
- Ryan Riller
- Larissa Brown
- Mark Page
Black Performers in Disney on Broadway
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.
- Jelani Remy (The Lion King)
- Anastacia McCleskey (Tarzan) – New!
- Kissy Simmons (The Lion King)
- James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin)
- Michael James Scott (Aladdin)
Black Artists at Disney Springs Art Walk
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, Nardstar, Brandon Hill, and Marci Swett. And in February you can also see a Brand New Mural on the Disney Springs Art Walk by Brandon Hill.
Also at Disney Springs, you can find inspirational art. You can see “new murals and art displays inspired by favorite characters. From “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” series on Disney+, to the Southern Vernacular Art” displayed at the House of Blues. Be sure to check out all the places you can find special art displays across Disney Springs.
Head to Animal Kingdom Park for Live Music
Animal Kingdom Park typically shines most during Earth Month in April. However, this year, beginning February 1st, you can see Viva Gaia hosting the Caribbean Street Party on Discovery Island and the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe in Animal Kingdom. Performing rhythms of the Congo to Mombasa in the Harambe Marketplace section of Africa. And Black History Month wouldn’t be complete without a viewing of the Festival of the Lion King! This live-action Broadway Style show can get you in the mood of the pride lands, with all your favorite songs from The Lion King.
Mombasa Marketplace Artists at Animal Kingdom
If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom you can head to the Mombasa Marketplace! Meet the talented African artisans behind unique craftworks displayed and for sale in the shops.
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.
Black History Month Entertainment
At Disney Springs, you can find live performances including Jazz, R&B, and Motown classics. They are in the lineup all month long.
Movies Under the Stars at Disney Resorts
As part of the Black History Month Celebrations, guests staying at Disney Resorts can expect to see a variety of Black films in the Movies Under the Stars lineup. So, grab a blanket and cozy drink and head to the resort lawn. Showing fan favorites featuring some of the best actors and actresses around. “Princess and the Frog,” “Soul,” “Remember the Titans,” and more are all in the viewing lineup in February.
Disney World Black History Month Food
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!
Soulful New York Cheesecake Pop | The Ganachery at Disney Springs
Cheesecake Ganache layered with Graham Cracker Ganache enrobed in 65% Dark Chocolate. Available from February 1-28 at The Ganachery at Disney Springs.
Wakandan Mousse | Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs
Coconut Mousse, Guava Gelée, Chocolate Sablé. Available from February 1-28 Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs
Disneyland Black History Month Activities and Events
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.
Black History Month Entertainment
Live jazz is offered nightly in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa lobby throughout February. An annual tradition “Celebrate Gospel” is happening at Downtown Disney.
Dive into the spiritual history of Gospel music in Downtown Disney, 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 take place from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Get all the details on Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland.
Lighting up the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage for the first time, the beloved “Celebrate Gospel” concerts return to Disneyland Resort for two weekends of Grammy Award-winning gospel music performers in 2026: February 20-21 and February 27-28.
Special Guests – Grammy Award-Winning Gospel Legends
- Hezekiah Walker – Saturday, February 21, 2026
- Yolanda Adams – Saturday, February 28, 2026
Black Heritage Trail *NEW*
Celebrating trail blazing Black leaders you can see innovators across culture, science, entertainment storytelling and more. See who you can find along the trail and learn more about each.
- Frontierland – Dom Flemons
- Main Street, U.S.A.– Martha Blanding, Frederick Douglass and Scott Joplin
- New Orleans Square – Leah Chase and Ron Husband
- Tomorrowland – Guion S. Bluford Jr.
- Buena Vista Street – Floyd Norman
- Hollywood Land – Lanny Smoot, Austin Taylor, Marlon West and Olun Riley
- Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage – Nikkolas Smith
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!
See the Window Display of Floyd Norman at Disney’s California Adventure Park
Honoring Disney Legend, Flloyd Norman, you can see the window display in homage to Disney’s first Black animator in DCA!
Meet Black Panther, Dora Milaje and Sam Wilson, Captain America
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.
Meet Princess Tiana at Napa Rose Restaurant
Head to the Napa Rose Restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel for the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures where you can meet our favorite princess, Tiana!
Five & Dime | Buena Vista Street DCA
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.
Disney On the Yard – Yardfest | Downtown Disney
Experience the rich spirit and traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), and enjoy energetic daytime performances from drum majors and Drum Major Mickey Mouse, all accompanied by a dynamic drumline.
See Joe Gardner at Pixar Place Hotel
Head to Pixar Place Hotel to listen in on the jazz piano stylings of Soul’s Joe Gardner, playing smooth tunes in the lobby, select afternoons and evenings!
Disneyland Black History Month Food
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.
French Quarter Fried Chicken Bowl | Tiana’s Palace
- Spicy honey-glazed fried chicken served with baked macaroni and cheese and collard greens. (Mobile order available) (Available Jan. 30 through March 2)
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp | Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining
- Cajun battered shrimp served with cheesy polenta, onions, peppers, celery and a New Orleans BBQ butter sauce. (Available Jan. 30 through March 2)
Special menus can be found at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney District, where chefs honor the flavor of Louisiana with creole cuisine including their NOLA BBQ Shrimp & Grits. And visit Hearthstone Lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel for a special menu. This menu includes wines, beer, and spirits from Black-owned businesses.
Black History Month Movies on Disney+ Plus
Fill your Black History Month with films, shows, and episodes you can find in the Celebrate Black Stories section on Disney Plus. While there is a slew of things to watch on Disney Plus, we have a few favorites that are well worth any night in this February. From Hidden Figures to Haunted Mansion to Cinderella, and Princess and the Frog, we’ve done a round up of all the Black Movies on Disney+ worth watching this February.
And if you’re looking for Black History shows, ANT Farm, The Proud Family, KC Undercover, That’s So Raven, and Raven’s Home are some of our absolute favorite Disney Channel Shows. Frankly, we’re always looking for fun, family-friendly humor and find it in many of these shows. We’re big Zendaya, China, and Raven fans and so thrilled we can watch these favorites over and over and again on Disney Plus.
Things to Do for Black History Month with Disney
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!
Hopefully, this Disney Black History Month post has given you loads of ways to help celebrate the month of February.
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she’s watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
