Get Ready To Celebrate Soulfully At Walt Disney World This Summer
This Summer, Walt Disney World is ‘Celebrating Soulfully’ and you’re invited. Guests at The Most Magical Place on Earth will be able to dance along to R&B favorites, dine on delectable soul food, interact with Disney characters, check out some incredible entertainment, and soak up the vibrant artistic works of African-American artists.
Here are just some of the ways that guests can ‘Celebrate Soulfully’ at EPCOT this summer.
Live Music at EPCOT and Disney Springs
Here are a few ways that guests at Walt Disney World Resort can listen to live soulful music as party of Disney’s Celebrate Soulfully celebration. This includes:
- The Garden Rocks Concert Series – Taking place through July 5th as part of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, you can take in live performances from Living Colour (6/30-7/1) and Evolution: Motown (7/4-7/5). Later in the summer, artists such as Southern Avenue (8/4-8/5), Ruben Studdard (8/11-8/12), Ayron Jones (8/25 – 8/26) and Baha Men (9/1 – 9/2) are performing live at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
- Disney Springs – Guests can enjoy the sounds of soulful music from Black musicians including Don Black, Wassalou, Free Cadence, and Franchise Players at various stages throughout the summer at Disney Springs.
Go Under the Sea with Live-Action Ariel
Ariel from the live-action The Little Mermaid is now meeting guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Her meet and greet location is at Walt Disney Presents. While there take time to check out the artwork inspired by the movie that guides guests on a journey from sea to land, ending at the picturesque setting of Prince Eric’s shoreside castle. You’ll also see replicas of some of Ariel’s favorite thingamabobs.
Cooking With Soul
Be on the lookout for a collection of soulful culinary dishes throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Highlights include:
- Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese – This item was so popular during Black History Month at the Contempo Cafe that it’s making a comeback for Celebrate Soulfully, this time at Chef Mickey’s!
- Jollof Rice With Plant-Based Sausage – This is one of the more popular dishes at Tusker House and we recommend picking it up with a side of Collard Greens.
- Bubbles at Sea – Inspired by live-action The Little Mermaid, this delicious beverage features Gold Peak sweet green tea, lemon juice, pineapple, and guava topped with boba pearls and a splash of shimmer. You’ll find this beverage at multiple locations throughout Walt Disney World.
- The Little Mermaid Sea Salt, Caramel and Chocolate Pop – Head over to The Ganachery at Disney Springs where this delicious treat is served up with ocean fondant!
Cultural Art
During the summer, three new artists will have their artwork featured across Walt Disney World. This includes:
- Nardstar – The Cape Town-based Street Artist will be painting her artwork live at Disney Springs. The piece will be a celebration of Natural Hair. Come see the artist at work through June 20th.
- Wise Two – The Kenyan artist will be painting at EPCOT on July 5th and new art will be available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in August.
Get a Glimpse of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Construction is currently underway at the Magic Kingdom for the much-anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and soon guests will be able to see the centerpiece of the attraction. Tiana’s Foods Water Tower topped with the princess’ signature tiara will be added to the Frontierland skyline this summer as part of Disney World’s Celebrate Soulfully celebration!
Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses
- Animal Kingdom Theme Park has a long tradition of featuring handmade goods from African artisans.
- Local Green Orlando – This Disney Springs Food Truck is a Black-owned eatery that offers fresh, flavorful cuisine.
- Uncle Nearest Premium Whisky – Be on the lookout for this lovely libation on cocktail menus throughout Disney World. Uncle Nearest is the most successful Black-owned distillery in the world!
ESPN Wide World of Sports Showcases Talented Athletes
- AAU Girls and Boys Summer Basketball Tournament– Over the summer future NBA and WNBA players will be competing in the AAU Girls and Boys Summer Basketball Tournament. The event will take place July 3-16th at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
- NBPA Top 100 Camp –The nation’s top high school talent will be at the sports complex during the NBPA Top 100 camp which runs June 26 – July end.
- LaLiga Promises – Soccer fans won’t want to miss this international tournament wildly considered one of the most important events of the year for 12-and-under players. The event will be at ESPN from June 23 – 25.
- USYS National Championship – From July 18 – 23, the best youth club teams in America will be crowned.
You can find out how to get tickets for these events and more at www.espnwwos.com/events.
Experience #AlltheDisneyThrills
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind- Guests visiting EPCOT can blast off on an awesome intergalactic chase through time in Cosmic Rewind!
- Kali River Rapids – Head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for this whitewater adventure through a lush jungle in the heart of Asia.
- Test Track – Put your own concept art to the test on Test Track Presented by Chevrolet.
- TRON Lightcycle/Run – Experience the excitement of Magic Kingdom’s latest high-speed coaster.
- Happily Ever After – Get ready to be dazzled by Magic Kingdom’s incredible evening fireworks display.
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Thrill your taste buds with the newly opened Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where you’ll find a menu brimming with barbecue-inspired fare family style.
Readers are encouraged to follow MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from the theme parks each and every week.
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