Today is Juneteenth, a new federal holiday, and with that, Walt Disney World has shared a list of ways that guests visiting can “add a little soul” to their summer vacations. The just-released list includes ways guests can vibe to R&B favorites, dine on soul food, interact with the new live-action Ariel from The Little Mermaid, catch a soulful show, soak up talented African-American artists’ vibrant and artistic works, and more. Take a look below for the complete list!
Get a Glimpse of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
With construction continuing on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney has announced that guests in Magic Kingdom will be able to see the Tiana’s Foods water tower soon. Her signature tiara will top the water tower at a later time.
Live Music at EPCOT and Disney Springs
There are multiple locations around Walt Disney World for guests to listen to live soulful music this summer. The Garden Rocks Concert Series during EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will feature 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 at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Guests can also enjoy soulful music from Black musicians like Don Black, Wassalou, Free Cadence, and Franchise Players at various stages throughout Disney Springs.
Cooking With Soul
“Cooking With Soul” continues with its collection of soulful culinary dishes found throughout Walt Disney World Resort, such as Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni & Cheese. According to a news release, the item was so popular during Black History Month at Contempo Café that it’s coming to Chef Mickey’s later this month. At Animal Kingdom, the Jollof Rice with Plant-based Sausage and the Collard Greens remain two of the more popular items at Tusker House. New menu items based on the live-action remake of Disney’s The Little Mermaid include Bubbles at Sea, a drink featuring Gold Peak sweet green tea, lemon juice, pineapple, and guava topped with boba pearls and a splash of shimmer that is available at multiple locations. Look for The Little Mermaid Sea Salt, Caramel and Chocolate Pop with ocean fondant at The Ganachery at Disney Springs.
Cultural Art
The works of four Black artists are on display at the Disney Springs Art Walk. This summer, three new artists will showcase their artistic expression on walls at Disney Springs, EPCOT Amani Village, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Cape Town-based Street artist Nardstar* will be live painting her artwork, celebrating natural hair, at the Disney Springs Art Walk June 15 through 20. Kenyan artist Wise Two begins painting in EPCOT on July 5, and new art at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will be available in August.
Highlighting Black-Owned Businesses
A wide selection of handmade goods from African artisans is offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Local Green Orlando Food Truck at Disney Springs is a Black-owned eatery that offers fresh, flavorful cuisine served on the fly. And a handful of food and beverage items are available at various establishments throughout Walt Disney World, made with Uncle Nearest Premium Whisky – the most successful Black-owned distillery in the world.
Watch Talented Athletes
Guests can watch future NBA and WNBA players competing in the AAU Girls and Boys Summer Basketball tournament, July 3-16, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Likewise, the nation’s top high school talent will be on display at the sports complex during the NBPA Top 100 Camp, June 26-July 2. Soccer fans won’t want to miss the LaLiga Promises international tournament, June 23-25, widely considered one of the most important events in the world for 12-and-under players, and the USYS National Championship, crowning the best youth club teams in America, July 18-23.
The post New Works of African Artists, Including Tiana’s Foods Water Tower, Coming Soon to Disney World first appeared on DIS.