If you’re planning a visit to Disneyland this February, don’t miss these opportunities to honor Black heritage and culture throughout the resort during Black History Month.
Disneyland Resort is home to a wide range of diverse attractions, foods, and experiences. But this year, in honor of Black History Month, there’s even more to explore. Disney has just announced that there will be plenty of exciting opportunities to honor Black culture and history in the theme parks and beyond.
Make sure your next visit to Disneyland Resort includes some of the special experiences, entertainment, and other opportunities to celebrate diversity during Black History Month – and beyond!
“Celebrate Gospel” Returns for Two Dates
Photo courtesy of Disney
A resort tradition that’s been taking place for over a decade now, “Celebrate Gospel” is returning to Disneyland Park’s Fantasyland Theatre this year. On two dates – February 18 and 25, 2023 – you can catch this powerful tribute to Gospel music. “Celebrate Gospel” is scheduled for 2:30 to 7:00 PM on both dates.
What’s in store this year? On February 18, recording artist Jekalyn Carr will take the stage with special guest singer-songwriter Melvin Crispell III and a cappella group Sacred Groove. On February 25, you’ll have the chance to see GRAMMY Award-winning singer and radio host Erica Campbell, plus special guest DOE and the vocal ensemble The Singers of Soul. And on both dates, Guests will be awed by the amazing talent of community choirs from across Southern California.
Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to try specialty menu items at Troubadour Tavern. In addition to the African-inspired menu items that are available all year long, “Celebrate Gospel” performances will also feature offerings like a honey-glazed fried chicken bowl and red velvet Bundt cake.
Catch Live Performances at the Downtown Disney District and Disneyland Resort Hotels
Photo courtesy of Disney
Throughout February, you’ll be able to experience live entertainment throughout the Downtown Disney District in celebration of Black History Month. Every night, live musical performances highlighting different genres like R&B, reggae, funk, Motown, jazz, doo-wop, and gospel will occur on the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. Scheduled weekday acts include LALA Brass, Forward Motion Band, and The Rhythm & Blue Brothas, with more to be announced. On select weekends, you can enjoy performances by Sacred Groove and The Singers of Soul.
You’ll also want to stop by Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa! Inside the Great Hall, the Mood Indigo Group will entertain Guests with beautiful, energetic live jazz performances every evening in February.
Additionally, family crafts will be planned all month long so kids and adults of all ages can express their creativity. Each craft will be inspired by Black heritage. You can find various crafts at different Downtown Disney locations. And if you’re a Guest staying overnight at the Disneyland Hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to paint an animation cel with artwork of Princess TIana from The Princess and the Frog.
Try Special Menu Offerings Resort-Wide
Photo courtesy of Disney
Restaurants throughout the Disneyland Resort will celebrate Black History Month by adding new limited-time items to their menus. While the full list of fresh foods and drinks to try is still to come, Disney will release an entire Foodie Guide to Celebrate Soulfully so you can catch everything!
However, we do have one sneak peek at what to expect. From February 9 to March 5, 2023 you can try Black-owned food truck Wings ‘N Waffles delicious sandwiches at the Downtown Disney District. This food truck will be near the building adjacent to Star Wars Trading Post, and it’ll be a must-try spot if you need a quick bite!
Celebrate Soulfully Beyond Black History Month
Photo courtesy of Disney
The festivities and diverse offerings won’t end when February does. Disneyland Resort will keep the celebration going all year long with year-round experiences and offerings that are inspired by Black history and culture as part of “Celebrate Soulfully.”
One of these experiences you won’t want to miss? A new video created for the lobby of the Main Street Opera House inside Disneyland Park. You’ll find this video just outside of “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln”, and it’s a special collaboration between Disney and National Geographic. The footage brings to life the story of the relationship between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, playing between the busts and portraits of these historical giants. The video, which begins on January 27, will be narrated by Robin Roberts and features expert testimonials, the family of Douglass, and details of how the two men worked together to fight against slavery.
Over at Disney California Adventure Park, you’ll have the chance to meet Moon Girl from Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, a new Disney Channel and Disney+ series. The series debuts on Disney Channel on February 10 and on Disney+ on February 15. Moon Girl (who’s really 13-year-old Lunella Lafayette) and Devil Dinosaur (her 10-ton T-Rex), team up together to make a difference and protect New York City’s Lower East Side from danger.
At both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, you can also celebrate the stories of Black characters from your favorite films. The much-loved live stage production, “Tale of the Lion King,” will host performances throughout 2023, drawing inspiration from the cultural roots of the original film’s story. In New Orleans Square, Princess Tiana’s footprint will grow thanks to the addition of Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets and a new restaurant, Tiana’s Palace, that’s due to open later this year. And you won’t want to miss the chance to meet characters like Black Panther, the Dora Milaje, and Captain America at Avengers Campus.
We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about additional Black History Month and Celebrate Soulfully events, experiences, and offerings available this year!
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