NEWS: ‘Celebrate Soulfully’ to Debut in February at Disney World

Beginning in February, Walt Disney World Resort will unveil several new experiences inviting guests to celebrate soulfully at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Coinciding with and extending beyond February’s Black History Month, these offerings honor Black heritage and culture through music, food, art and more. Learn more below!

1 – The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure’ at EPCOT

“The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” will debut Feb. 1, 2021, and continue beyond the end of the month at The American Adventure inside EPCOT. Featuring Joe Gardner from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” this new exhibit showcases historic artifacts of famous jazz musicians, inviting guests on a musical tour of the United States to learn more about this colorful, inspiring and constantly evolving genre of music.

2 – ‘Celebrate Soulfully at Disney Springs’

“Celebrate Soulfully at Disney Springs” brings together several new offerings debuting in February at the Walt Disney World shopping, dining and entertainment district. With jazz-inspired performances, new art displays, special food menus and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Featured will be four new art displays inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” created by emerging Black artists: Bee Harris, Bianca Pastel, Arrington Porter and Cory Van Lew. Originally developed in collaboration with Disney and Pixar as part of a HUE Unlimited collection of wearable art, the work reflects each artist’s interpretation of the film.

Three evenings per week – Motown Mondays, Jazz Thursdays and Smooth Sundays – musicians will perform throughout Disney Springs, playing tunes sure to stir the soul. In addition, select dining locations will feature special menu items, including Amorette’s Patisserie offering treats inspired by “Soul” and Walt Disney Animation Studio’s “The Princess and the Frog.” Also at Disney Springs, several retail locations will spotlight products from Black designers, artists and visionaries.

3 – ‘Movies Under the Stars’ at Select Disney Resort Hotels

As part of their “Movies Under the Stars” program, select Disney Resort hotels throughout the month of February will show films celebrating Black culture, such as “The Princess and the Frog.” These complimentary movie screenings are available to guests of Disney Resort hotels, offering relaxing evening entertainment for the whole family in a serene outdoor setting.

More Information to Come!

This is a sampling of ways guests can celebrate soulfully at The Most Magical Place on Earth beginning in February; more details about these experiences will be released soon.

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Reasons We Love the American Adventure Pavilion at Disney’s Epcot

by Mike and Jamie Sylvester

The World Showcase at Epcot is spectacular and one of our favorite parts of Disney World! As we walk through country after country and partake in the endless supply of food, drinks, shops, and cultural settings, we find ourselves drawn to one pavilion specifically – the American Adventure Pavilion. Here are 5 reasons why we love the American Adventure Pavilion at Disney’s Epcot!

1 – Patriotic and Proud

The spirit of America comes to life through at the American Adventure Pavilion located in the middle of the World Showcase! We are always in awe of the grand and majestic building that holds the American Adventure show, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, and more. The red, white, and blue flags, the stately columns, the fountain, the clock tower, the golden eagle, and all the special scenery exudes patriotism! Maybe it’s just us, but we feel like the sights and sounds at the American Adventure Pavilion provide us with an excellent reminder of how proud we should be to be standing on American soil.

2 – America’s Past in the Present

Editor’s Note: During the phased reopening of Walt Disney World, many concert series are temporarily unavailable. However, certain Disney musical acts will perform at the theater from time to time. 

Sometimes in the American Adventure building and other times on stage at the American Gardens Theater, you will hopefully have the opportunity to catch the Voices of Liberty performing. This a cappella group sings patriotic music which echoes beautifully when inside of the American Adventure building underneath the dome. Their attire and their song choices provide a sweet reminder of America’s past. Step up your patriotism a notch and visit the theater for the 30-minute American Adventure film which typically follows the Voices of Liberty performance. Outside of the building, fun musical series takes place in the American Gardens Theater and Gallery such as Sounds like Summer, Eat to the Beat Concert Series, and the American Music Machine. Thankfully, with all of these other performances offered, it’s easy to find something entertaining and worth the time!

3 –  American Cuisine

Get ready to eat some delicious all-American style food! If looking for a simple and tasty snack, you’ll want to stop by the Fife and Drum Tavern which is a snack stand. Fife and Drum offers turkey legs, popcorn, soft-serve ice cream, and slushies. Plus, don’t forget the all-American funnel cake at the Funnel Cake cart. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it! Finally, be sure to check out the newest addition to the Epcot counter service line up, Regal Eagle Smokehouse. When it comes to food, nothing is more American than barbecue, and this new restaurant is a HUGE upgrade over Liberty Inn. Check out our full review by clicking here.

4 – Art of Disney!

Since 2019, Art of Disney has made its home in the American Pavilion. You can now shop for paintings, limited-edition prints, cels, figurines, and the Disney Classic Collection. Be sure to check it out!

5 – Kidcot!

Editor’s Note: During the phased reopening of Walt Disney World, the Kidcot program is still offered, but has been modified. 

A fun spot in the American Adventure Pavilion is the Kidcot Spot, located at the exit of Heritage Manor Gift shop (near the restrooms). Let your children (or adults!) enjoy a moment to sit down and color a free ziplock souvenir that will allow them to collect stickers from each of the 11 countries around the World Showcase.

With so much to look at, taste, and experience, we find it easy to love all the American Adventure Pavilion has to offer. We’d love to hear about your favorite experiences at the American Pavilion!