LAKE BUENA VISTA – The work of several talented Black artists is being featured at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T, which is just one of the many ways guests can “Celebrate Soulfully’’ at Walt Disney World Resort during Black History Month.
From art to food to music to merchandise, there are plenty of opportunities to feel soulful at Walt Disney World, including several new ones debuting this month as part of Disney’s “Celebrate Soulfully” initiative. We invite families and friends to gather for year-round experiences at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California that honor Black heritage and culture through music, food, art and more.
EPCOT
Various art forms and expressions are coming to life at Walt Disney World Resort through murals, live paintings, and photography. A diverse lineup of artists is among the many highlights of the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which runs through Feb. 20:
*Kahran and Regis Bethencourt – creators of CreativeSoul Photography
*Laurissa Marantz – illustrator and cartoonist
*Yesenia Moises – an Afro-Latina children’s book illustrator and toy designer
*Ryan Riller – animator and illustrator whose work is featured in the Disney Junior series “Whisker Haven Tales with the Palace Pets”
Kahran and Regis are best known for their images that strive to showcase youth of color in artistic new ways. Disney teamed up with the duo to create a special collection of Black dolls inspired by Disney princesses. The doll collection, along with a series of photographic prints and books, are available during the Festival of the Arts at EPCOT beginning Feb 3.
Disney Springs
In honor of Black History Month, the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression will receive new additions from two Black artists, Ernest Shaw and Nneka Jones. Both Shaw and Jones will be live painting at the same time on the Art Walk in February.
Black music and art take centerstage during Black History Month with three live entertainment nights each week (Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays) highlighting Black music and musicians.
Cooking with Soul throughout Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World’s “Cooking With Soul’’ is bringing back highly popular dishes from this past year and adding a twist. This year, several new culturally relevant menu options will be available. Many of the dishes were inspired by Disney cast members who showcase how they bring their heritage to life through authentic dishes will be available.
Some new items debuting include:
*Soulful Sunday Dinners at The Artist’s Palette at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa featuring a dinner plate of barbeque chicken, collard greens, black eyed peas and house-made cornbread
*Shrimp & Grits featuring spicy shrimp, corn grits with bacon jam and crispy radish at Tiffins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
*Tiana’s Mardi Gras Shake featuring a cinnamon vanilla milkshake topped with a Mardi Gras King Cake Doughnut served at Hollywood Scoops in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
*Pineapple Mule cocktail with Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey, pineapple juice, ginger beer and mint available at Geyser Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
*Jamaican Jerk Chicken Frites featuring Sweet n’ Hot jerk marinated chicken, pineapple salsa, scotch bonnet aioli and fries available at The Daily Poutine at Disney Springs
Magic Kingdom Park
Princess Tiana’s own attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, will open next year. In the meantime, guests have several opportunities to catch the New Orleans princess with a flair for cooking throughout the park. She can be found performing with friends centerstage during Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire stage show and taking her place on the Garden Float during the Festival of Fantasy parade.
