Last but certainly not least, food takes center stage with some down-home favorites. Keeping with the tradition of Disney’s New Orleans Square and The Princess and The Frog, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen is a must-visit. Serving Creole classics like gumbo and shrimp and grits and beignets, diners will leave with a full belly to match their full soul. Guests can also enjoy wines, beer, and spirits from Black-owned businesses at Hearthstone Lounge through February. Sip wines by the glass from the McBride Sisters Collection or the Brown Estate Napa Valley, enjoy craft beer from Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
“Celebrate Soulfully” is a culmination of years of work by Disney’s business employee resources group, “Pulse.” Led by Veronica Horton, sr. manager entertainment Disneyland Resort, the diverse group of participants worked tirelessly to curate a memorable experience. Disneyland Resort cast member Princeton Parker, sums up the magic of the month and what it means to him as a Black man in the Disney family.
“The representation of what we’re doing at this moment is what made me want to work here. And it’s what keeps me here, the opportunity, we have to tell a story that number one can represent and affirm people who come from our heritage and culture, but also be a bridge to people who are not in our culture, but get to step into it through these offerings and celebrate our heritage as well. It means the world to me,” he said.
Celebrate Soulfully continues Feb. 26 with Grammy-award winners Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music. Community choirs also are part of this “Celebrate Gospel!” show on the Fantasyland Theater stage. Guests can find the latest information at Disneyland.com.
