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. Here are all the ways you can celebrate Black History Month with Disney.
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Black History Month at Walt Disney World
As part of Disney’s Reimagining Tomorrow initiative, Walt Disney World is highlighting everything in the parks that help support the goals of Black History Month. Identifying black-owned businesses at Disney Springs, and serving up specialty snacks created and inspired by Black culture. Here’s what you can find if you’re visiting Walt Disney World in February.
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. While the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe in Animal Kingdom perform 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.
Black History Month Art Displays
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.
Art of Disney at Disney Springs
Celebrating Art in the Artist Spotlight section to help you get inspired.
Check out the Artist Spotlight to learn more about Floyd Norman, Bruce Smith, Carole Holliday, and others. Some of the talented animators who have worked with the Walt Disney Animation Studios in films ranging from “The Jungle Book” to “The Proud Family” and beyond. And on select dates, meet artist, painter and operator of the Three Masks Art Gallery, Timothy Adebule.
The Soul of Jazz An American Adventure at EPCOT
Found at EPCOT’s American Adventure pavilion, you can embark on a journey of Jazz. Complete with trivia in the Disney Parks Play app to test your jazz knowledge to displays of musical instruments. Follow the history of Jazz in America. A true homage to this musical movement, Disney ties in elements and scenes from Pixar’s Soul to help make important connections. This exhibit can be found at the front of the American Adventure building and is open during regular World Showcase hours.
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.
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 Springs Black History Month Promotions
- Bowes Signature Candles will offer special discounts on candle making. Founded by Jamaica native and artisan Dave Bowes, Bowes Candles is located inside Marketplace Co-Op. And during the month of February, Bowes Candles can also be found on the porch of the Discovery Trading Co. facing the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
- Sephora at Disney Springs will celebrate a company-wide commitment to dedicate substantial shelf space in-store to diverse companies.
- Sugarboo & Co. Shop for products featuring the words of Muhammad Ali and historic figures like Maya Angelou. And find an assortment of writings from members of the Black community.
- Under Armour joins the celebration with their Black History Month Collection.
Black History Month Disney Snacks
Found at a variety of snack booths, and restaurants Disney is celebrating “Cooking with Soul.” Here are all the places you can find Disney Snacks at Walt Disney World for Black History Month.
Soulfully Sweet Pralines | The Ganachery Disney Springs
Celebrate Black History Month with Soulfully Sweet Pralines inspired by Joe Gardner from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul.” These are wonderful treats to have in the moment or save for the ride or flight home.
Coffee Pot Gelato | Vivoli il Gelato Disney Springs
As part of the Cooking with Soul collection of snacks in honor of Black History Month, you can grab this limited-edition flavor made with coffee stout sourced from Green Bench Brewing Company, a Florida-based Black-owned brewery.
Nairobi Coffee Porter | Refreshment Outpost EPCOT
This coffee porter is infused with Kenyan coffee and features subtle berry and stone fruit notes. A perfect way to honor Black History Month at Walt Disney World
Half Note Float | Fife & Drum World Showcase America EPCOT
This Soulful float includes Fanta Strawberry, Minute Maid Lemonade, Fanta Blue Raspberry Slushy, and vanilla ice cream. And is named in honor of the jazz club frequented by Joe Gardner in Disney and Pixar’s “Soul.”
Celebrate Soulfully Cupcake | Creature Comforts Animal Kingdom
This “Soul” inspired cupcake features the colors of Pixar’s Soul. This one is also available at Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus.
Mandazi | Nomad Lounge Animal Kingdom
We love Nomad Lounge and this new dessert honors Black History Month with cultural flavors you will love! This is a delicious fried dough dessert with Swahili origins and a great snack to have next time you need a break!
Peach Cobbler Rum Cake | Tiffins Restaurant Animal Kingdom
This peach cobbler rum cake is a recipe from chef James Hemings, celebrating his lasting creative and culinary legacy. You will need a reservation at Tiffin’s to grab this treat, but it’s well worth it!
Black History Month at Disneyland
Disneyland is also celebrating Black History Month with a slew of performances, and foods to honor black culture.
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 Disneyland Park. Featuring award-winning Gospel singer, actor, and fashion designer Kierra Sheard.
- Nightly in the Downtown District: Outdoor concerts featuring R&B, Gospel, reggae, funk, and jazz music.
- Feb 19. 2022: Kierra Sheard performs on Feb. 19 at Fantasyland Theater, along with a capella Gospel group Sacred Groove.
- Feb. 26, 2022: Grammy-award winners Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music take the stage, along with The Singers of Soul performing in their unique a capella style.
- On both weekends, you can hear Southern California Community Choirs as they also join this beloved tribute to the spirit of Gospel Music from 3-7 p.m. on the Fantasyland Theater stage.
Black History Month Art Displays
Located in the Downtown Disney District, you can find a variety of art, in all forms. “Originally developed in collaboration with Pixar and HUE Unlimited is a collection of wearable art. The works are from Bee Harris, Bianca Pastel, Arrington Porter, and Cory Van Lew. Plus, chalk muralist Marcella Swett will create a new chalk mural each week in February.”
Downtown Disney Black History Month Promotions
- Post 21 at Downtown Disney: Featuring a collection of modern and design-forward merchandise from Black-owned businesses, Post 21 is curated by a local Los Angeles-based mother and daughter team at a kiosk location.
- WonderGround Gallery, guests will discover items with connections to the films “Soul,” “Princess and the Frog,” “The Lion King” and more.
- Pelé Soccer will debut a new sweatshirt design that features an iconic image of Pelé and a call to “empower the culture.”
- Lovepop honors Black History Month with special “We Are Black History” and “Black is Beautiful” cards.
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!
Black Panther at Avenger’s Campus
Or head to Avengers Campus for a glimpse of Black Panther. And take training from Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje for lessons from a Wakanda warrior.
Black History Month Disney Snacks
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 with Disney at Home
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.
Princess and the Frog
This animated Disney classic may be an homage to New Orleans, but we can’t help thinking it’s also all about big dreams. Our favorite Disney princess is the hardest working girl we know, but hard work doesn’t always get you everything you need. We love the lessons of Love in this film and how it’s a message we all need to hear. Watch it over and over. You’ll learn something new about yourself every time.
Falcon and the Winter Soldier
We are HUGE fans of all things Marvel. As a result, we are usually busy waiting for the next Marvel series to arrive. Thankfully, Falcon and Winter Soldier did not disappoint. Anthony Mackie does the most fantastic job with internal battles of taking the reigns as Captain America. This is a great show to see if you’re not big into Marvel because it brings to light issues we can see differently. And watching the friendship between Falcon and Winter Soldier, against the backdrop of the John Walker story in this film is a treat.
Hidden Figures
This gripping story follows three black women who worked at NASA to help launch John Glenn into space. Taking place during times of civil unrest in the 1960s this film shows the injustice endured, and the possibility ahead for a different life. Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Jonelle Monae star.
Cinderella with Brandi
If you experienced any of the ’90s, then you know all about the power of Brandi, and Disney trying to dissolve all sorts of racial boundaries. This Cinderella features Brandi and her soft wispy voice singing classic Rodgers and Hammerstein songs from Cinderella. Alongside other greats like Queen of R&B Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg, and Broadway star Paolo Montalban, this is a must-see.
Soul
This film honors Jazz on a journey to find yourself. Follow middle school band teacher, Joe, to the place where personalities become real. A testament to the human experience and the gift of life, this film is filled with Soul, in the musical and spiritual sense. Much like all Pixar films, there’s a message here for all of us.
Sister Act
Whoopi Goldberg may just be a lounge singer, but when she has to skip town, a nunnery is the best place to go. And thankfully, they have a choir. We LOVE this film as one of the best comedic vehicles for Whoopi Goldberg, and Kathy Najimi of Hocus Pocus fame.
Twitches
A staple in our Best Disney Halloween Shows to Watch list, we love following Tia and Tamara around on their twin adventures. Because it’s important to nab the bad guy whether it’s Halloween or not!
Disney Channel Shows Featuring Black Leads
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.
Celebrate Black Disney Creators
One of our favorite ways to celebrate Black History Month is to honor all our favorite Black Disney Creators. Whether to say hello or follow, check out what all of our favorite Black Disney Creators are up to on our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion page.
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 with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. 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.
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