Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park Is the New Place to Be For Black History Month
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park are always lit, but did you know that during Black History Month, you and the family can enjoy amazing rides and attractions, great food, events, and culture?
Check out our day at both parks for #WeCameToPlay on all social media and below, to hear about our exciting day of celebration from sunup to sunset. You don’t want to miss a beat.
We started the day off when we took in the window display in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park, which honors Disney legend Floyd Norman, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first Black animator.
Any family member spanning all generations will be fascinated to see the actual sketches of the artist from some of the most iconic films and stories we all have grown to love.
We then took in the Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park, where guests encountered Black Panther, were able to train with Black Panther’s loyal bodyguards in “The Warriors of Wakanda: The Disciplines of the Dora Milaje” and got to hang with Sam Wilson – Captain America.
The Dora Milaje enchanted and were an interactive treat of strength and beauty. Fans loved seeing the show and were able to participate, bringing joy to families from all backgrounds. Everyone loves the successful movie Black Panther, and it was a real joy to feel like you are part of the film.
Frederick Douglass Exhibit
We visited the Disney tribute to American heroes, including Frederick Douglass, at Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in the Main Street Opera House. Frederick Douglass was a well-known abolitionist movement leader who escaped slavery to become a renowned social reformer, writer, and statesman who is revered in textbooks and on the silibis of universities.
The exhibit includes a video presentation produced in collaboration with National Geographic, recognizing and honoring the relationship between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. The video is narrated by Robin Roberts, who shares how the two worked together in the fight against slavery.
Pixar Place Hotel
We loved visiting the Pixar Place Hotel right outside Downtown Disney, and it is the perfect location to get in and out of the park easily. This new hotel was Pixar overload, and they didn’t miss a beat with the details from the likes of Luca to Ratatouille.
We loved all the details, and on the piano, when first entering the hotel, is a live piano player dedicated to the animation, Soul.
Don’t miss Thursday movie nights featuring Soul, starting at 6:00 PM. The hotel also boasts an amazing swimming pool and a firepit rooftop with all types of dining options inside and outside the hotel. Make sure to call ahead and find out about staying at the property or enjoying the rooftop after dining at Downtown Disney with a view of the park’s evening fireworks.
Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park
In celebration of the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park, from Jan. 23 through Feb. 18, guests can enjoy “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” which honors family, friendship, and the potential for a fortune-filled year.
Mushu from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Mulan leads the parade for the Year of the Dragon, which runs from Hollywood Land to Paradise Gardens Park.
Celebrate Gospel
Fantasyland Theatre will have an annual tribute to gospel music that brings together award-winning artists and community choirs across Southern California. Enjoy passionate performances with the best in gospel, including Marvin Sapp on February 17 and Tasha Cobbs Leonard on February 24.
Dining
When your stomach starts to growl from all the fun you’re having, it won’t last; there are so many options at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney to choose from, so come hungry. Soulful options aren’t just for Black History Month; they are available all year round.
Try one of the following this month to sink your teeth into meals that will soothe your soul while on the go at the park.
Tiana’s Place
The menu at Tiana’s Palace in Disneyland Park is inspired by New Orleans classics, with rotating seasonal flavors and using select ingredients sourced, at times, directly from Louisiana.
After dinner, you may spot Princess Tiana from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog” prancing around the park, but if you don’t spot her, you will sure be able to see her at the “Magic Happens” Parade. You may also run into Asha from Wish and Ariel from the Live Action Little Mermaid films.
Tiana’s Palace has a quick-service restaurant, and everything smelled amazing. There’s also Eudora’s Chic Boutique, which features Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets retail shop that will have you reminiscing about one of our favorite Disney films.
Troubadour Tavern
Located next to Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park, the Troubadour Tavern quick-service stand offers a selection of African-inspired snacks and tasty bites. Troubadour Tavern boasts a Fried Chicken Bowl which includes a Spicy Honey-Glazed Fried Chicken Served with Four Cheese Mac and Cheese, Smoked Turkey Collard Greens and Sweet Potato Corn Bread. They also have a Sweet Potato Pie Casserole and Sweet Potato-Pecan Pie. Run don’t walk.
Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio
The newly reopened Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio at the Downtown Disney District merges authentic New Orleans cuisine layered with hints of California flavors.
Downtown Disney District
We also got to experience the reimagining of the Downtown Disney District, which includes artist Nikkolas Smith’s homage to significant Black architects of the 20th century.
There’s a beautiful stage and lawn for special events, art, and music at the west end of the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.
- Live Family Entertainment at the Downtown Disney Live! Stage
Showtimes
12:00 PM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM - Performances
- February 2 and 3: Magician Kenrick Ice McDonald
- February 14, 18 and 25: The Singers of Soul
- February 16 and 17: UniverSoul Hip Hop Show
- February 23 and 24: Got Rhythm – History of Tap Show
- Live Music at Night at the Downtown Disney Live! Stage
Showtimes
6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM - Performances
- February 1: 9Zero Band
- February 2: LALA Brass
- February 3: Denean’s Soul Foundation
- February 4: Del Atkins and the LYFE Band
- February 16: Forward Motion Band
- February 17: Apollo BeBop
- February 18: Michael Haggins
- February 23 Apollo BeBop
- February 24: The Honeydrops
- February 25: Aquile Muzik
The Magic Happens Parade
The “Magic Happens” parade returned to Disneyland Park on Feb. 2, and we enjoyed every step with an amazing view as the sun went down for the evening.
The Magic Happens Parade at @DisneyLand is back and it was a whole vibe. Make sure you don’t miss it; it’s sure to put a smile on your face from ear to ear! #WeCameToPlay #DisneyLand pic.twitter.com/XjSr19DW4n
— Glitter Magazine (@glittermagazine) February 4, 2024
This parade celebrates the awe-inspiring magic moments at the heart of so many Disney stories. This spectacular event features stunning floats, artistic costumes, and beloved Disney characters.
We ended the night with the Disney California Adventure Park’s “World of Color – One” show. It was one of the best light shows we have ever seen, with a homage to all of your favorite Disney films and characters using light, fire, and smoke.
You will feel the magic that Disney brings each and every time you visit the parks. Share the magic of Disney once you experience everything for yourself and get tickets for you and the family to enjoy Disney and Disney California Adventure Park.
What a magical night. Glitter magazine was a guest of @DisneyParks #WeCameToPlay day at @DisneyLand + #disneycaliforniaadventures and took in the #WorldOfColorOne show. Make sure to get your tickets and take in one of the best light shows we have ever seen. #disneyparks pic.twitter.com/fjAWvYSmbW
— Glitter Magazine (@glittermagazine) February 4, 2024
Visit Disneyland.com or DisneylandEspanol.com for updates, follow @Disneyland and @DisneyParks, and hashtag #Disneyland.
