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Google PlayIf you have ever been to Disneyland, you already know the exhilaration that can overcome you as soon as you step through the gates. There’s no other feeling quite like it, and while the park welcomes visitors of all ages and from all over the world, there is a group working diligently behind the scenes to make sure that people of all races and backgrounds can also feel at home through initiatives like Celebrate Soulfully, which aims to highlight Black heritage and culture throughout the park.
Disneyland encompasses stories, movies, and characters from various cultures, countries, and people, but there’s no denying that Black visitors may not have seen themselves widely represented at the park in the past. It wasn’t until 2009 that fans got their first Black Disney Princess with The Princess and the Frog (A new ride called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is coming to Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland park in California in place of Splash Mountain in late 2024), and now the parks are also aiming to catch up by celebrating the soul and the magic that represents Black culture through new experiences, shows, and food and lives music.
“Celebrate Soulfully is a collaboration across Cast Members at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products to develop ways we could present authentic celebrations that represent Black culture,” Crum tells Complex. “We drew inspiration from soul being an integral part of Black culture, as well as the connecting spirit across family, friends and loved ones. That is a universal theme everyone can relate to, and Celebrate Soulfully invites all guests to enjoy delicious food, amazing live music, and more.”
The group of journalists also attended a special viewing of Tale of the Lion King, a new addition that takes place at the Fantasyland Theatre. The show is an original, story-theatre adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King, which showcases incredible performances from a talented cast, as well as outstanding costume designs, original musical arrangements, and stunning choreography. “At Disneyland Resort, we seek to create experiences and products that reflect the diverse backgrounds, traditions, and stories of our guests, fans, and Cast Members,” Crum says. “We are so proud of these offerings and what they mean to our guests who visit us from all over the world.”
The park tickets alone also come at a hefty price tag. The amount for a single day, one park ticket for anyone 10 and up is currently $164 and $155 for children ages 3-9. Those figures might not be affordable for some families, especially those with multiple children. So when speaking about inclusion, affordability also ensures that everyone can attend, regardless of their financial situation. With that in mind, Crum says there are ways that families can save.
Entering the Disney parks should take you away from the realities of life, even if it’s for one day, while also inspiring parkgoers to dream bigger by making them feel seen. Celebrate Soulfully is a solid effort from the team to create an ambiance where Black visitors feel represented, appreciated, welcomed, and like they also have a part in creating that incomparable Disney magic.
