Last updated on January 30th, 2025 at 08:47 am
Celebrate Soulfully and Black History Month takes place every February at Disneyland Resort.
Black History Month was first expanded to an entire month around the United States in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford. The past few years I’ve noticed more and more opportunities to celebrate at Disneyland Resort, including the Celebrate Soulfully offerings.
Black History Events
During February we pay special “tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.” (BlackHistoryMonth.gov).
I’m excited to share how you can honor Black heritage and culture at the Disneyland Resort during Black History Month, plus give a look into Disney’s inclusion initiative and how that plays out on the screen and in the parks.
What is Disney’s Celebrate Soulfully?
Celebrate Soulfully is the soulful celebration of Black heritage and culture. Most of the offerings are available every February at Disneyland Resort and some throughout the entire year.
Where are Disneyland’s Black History Month Events?
In 2025 it seems the Black History Month (Celebrate Soulfully) events at Disneyland are slimmed down, even more so than last year. While I’d like to see more, here is what Disneyland Resort has planned this month.
Disney Legend Floyd Norman
Discover the art of Floyd Norman, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first Black animator. As you travel through Hollywood Land, take a moment to encounter this Disney Legend’s contributions to some of the most beloved animated films of all time.
Celebrate Gospel
Stop by the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park during the annual tribute to gospel music that brings together award-winning artists and community choirs from across Southern California.
- February 8 DOE (a.k.a. Dominique Jones) grew up in the church, singing with her family and siblings in various projects garnering multiple Stellar Award and Dove Award nominations, as well as two GRAMMY® Awards nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance. In her solo career she has released a self-titled EP, is available now and features her hit single “Brighter.”
- February15 Melvin Crispell III. Melvin’s legacy in music begins with his own parents, Melvin Crispell, Jr. (composer for some of gospel music’s biggest artists) and Tunesha Crispell (widely celebrated gospel singer). Melvin’s parents both passed during his teens when he turned to God and music to heal the wounds from his young life. Melvin is the winner of BET’s Sunday Best in 2019. His latest album boldly declares “there is NO FAILURE in God.”
As well as special guests of community choirs from around Southern California.
More Ways to Celebrate Black History Month
- Frederick Douglass Exhibit at the Main Street Opera House
- Five & Dime soulful singer on Buena Vista Street
- Meet Tiana in New Orleans Square and try some of the delicious food at Tiana’s Palace
How much does Disney’s Celebrate Soulfully cost?
All the extras at Disneyland Resort including Celebrate Soulfully and Black History Month events are included with you valid theme park admission and reservation. Get discount Disneyland Resort tickets here.
Any food and drinks are an additional cost (find exact prices on the Disneyland app), just like any other food and drinks in the parks.
Downtown Disney
Come celebrate at Downtown Disney District with family crafts, live music and special offerings. I love this huge selection because admission to Downtown Disney is free (just pay parking).
Here are some of the offerings you can explore:
- Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio. Enjoy soul warming cooking at an eatery fusing its authentic New Orleans roots with its adopted California influences.
- Sip & Sonder. Now open at Downtown Disney, Sip & Sonder, from founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, is a Black women-owned brand that has been recognized as one of the best cafés in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times. Stop by for a decadent drink like the Sweet Rhapsody latte made with lavender and mocha, or the Hummingbird, a Jamaican sorrel slushie. Hungry for more? Pick up a butter croissant or classic cinnamon roll for a sweet start to your day!
You can also dance and groove to live musical performances highlighting genres such as R&B, hip hop, reggae, funk, Motown, jazz and doo-wop.
I love how Black History month is getting more attention at Disneyland Resort. It’s the perfect place to discover your roots, embrace cultural and promote inclusivity. I’ve seen how Disney has done this throughout the year with celebrations like Lunar New Year, Viva Navidad and more.
It’s also more important than ever to learn and grow together and I am grateful to see events like this embraced and celebrated at Disneyland Resort.