Disneyland Shuts Down Due to State of Emergency

Disneyland Resort is a name that evokes wonder and enchantment. However, even “The Happiest Place on Earth occasionally faces challenges that impact its operations.

One such challenge is inclement weather, which, on rare occasions, may lead to Disneyland closing early for the safety and comfort of its guests.

On February 4th, Disneyland was forced to close early due to a severe weather alert. So far this threat is still in the area forcing Disneyland Resort to close another day early.

The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has declared a State of Emergency due to the severe storm affecting the southern region of the state. The Anaheim area, which is where Disneyland is located, is currently under several wind and flood advisories.

Man arrested Disneyland hit and run

For the safety of guests and Disney cast members, Disneyland Resort has taken precautionary measures and made the decision to close its theme parks. Disney California Adventure Park, which was initially set to close at 9 p.m., will close at 8 p.m. And next door, Disneyland Park will now close at 8 p.m. this evening instead of the initially scheduled 10 p.m. closure.

California is known for its generally pleasant and mild weather, with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures prevailing for much of the year. However, like any region, it is not immune to weather-related disruptions, including rain, high winds, or extreme heat.

When such adverse weather conditions are forecasted or occur during operating hours, Disneyland’s top priority is its guests’ and cast members’ safety and well-being.

One common weather-related issue is rain. When the theme park experiences heavy or prolonged rain, it can impact the overall guest experience and safety, leading to temporary closures of certain outdoor attractions and entertainment offerings.

disneyland's pixar pier at night

Another factor Disneyland looks into when dealing with weather-related issues is wind. High winds can pose a danger to guests and cast members, especially on rides and attractions with elevated elements.

Decisions to close early or modify operations due to weather are made with careful consideration of various factors, including weather forecasts, safety protocols, and the overall guest experience.

the many adventures of winnie the pooh rain scene featured image version

While it may be disappointing for guests who have traveled from far and wide to experience the magic of Disneyland, these closures are enacted to ensure the well-being of all.

Disneyland still is “The Happiest Place on Earth,” and guests can expect nothing but the most magical experience, even during the scariest of storms.

Taylor Swift Fans Crowd Disneyland

Taylor Swift fans are taking over Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland is a world-renowned theme park located in Anaheim, California. Opened in 1955, it is often referred to as the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Disneyland Resort offers a magical experience for guests of all ages. It is divided into two main parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Disneyland Park is the original and features classic attractions such as Sleeping Beauty Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion. Disney California Adventure Park, which opened in 2001, offers a more modern and diverse experience with rides like Cars Land and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!

Disneyland is already a popular tourist location due to the attractions and different parks guests can visit but “Swifties” are purchasing tickets for the day after the Super Bowl in hopes of seeing Taylor Swift and her new boyfriend Travis Kelce.

Practically Perfect Family made a TikTok about looking at tickets for the day after the Super Bowl this year ,which will be played on February 11 between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. There are major rumors, especially among Taylor Swift fans, that she might make an appearance at “The Happiest Place on Earth” should the Chiefs win the Super Bowl.

@practicallyperfectfamily

Do you think Taylor will go to Disney if the Chiefs win and Travis goes?!? ❤️ 💛 🐭 🏈 We should probably book a room just in case 😂 #disney #wdw #imgoingtodisneyworld #superbowl #taylorswift #swift #swifties #taylornation #magickingdom #disneymom #disneytiktok #disneyprincess #disneyparks #traviskelce #disneylove #kansascitychiefs #kansascity #taylorgang #lover #reputation #disneyaddict #disneyadult mickeyears@Taylor Swift @Travis Kelce @Disney Parks

♬ I Believe – Yolanda Adams

The tradition of the Super Bowl winners going to Disneyland started in 1987 when New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms was asked by Disney’s CEO at the time, Michael Eisner, what he planned to do after winning the Super Bowl. Simms famously responded, “I’m going to Disneyland!” This off-the-cuff remark sparked an idea that would become a cherished post-Super Bowl tradition.

Travis Kelce

In 2023 Patrick Mahomes, who plays for the Kanas Chiefs who won the Super Bowl, was spotted the next day with his family at Disneyland. This is why Taylor Swift fans are purchasing tickets in hopes that Taylor Swift and new boyfriend Travis Kelce, who plays for the Chiefs, will be spotted at Disneyland.

Even if the Chiefs win, it’s important to note that Taylor Swift will most likely not attend Disneyland the day after. Taylor Swift is starting back the second leg of her ERAS Tour and has concerts on Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan. Then, she will be heading to Melbourne, Australia for her Friday, February 16, 2024 concert.

Pixar Place Hotel Celebrates Pixar Stories at Disneyland Resort

Today, we’re celebrating the grand opening of Pixar Place Hotel at the Disneyland Resort, the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States! Inspired by the artistry and innovative storytelling of Pixar Animation Studios, the 479-room hotel is filled with nods to beloved films from “Toy Story” to “Ratatouille” and “Elemental.” In fact, there is a nod to every Pixar feature film to date!

At Pixar Place Hotel, Guests will see so many familiar Pixar friends brought to life in a whole new way, through various styles of playful artwork, contemporary decor and even surprise visits!

Special Guests & Pixar Characters Join Grand Opening Dedication

Ka-chow! Lightning McQueen, Mater and more Pixar pals made a special visit to celebrate the hotel’s opening day dedication alongside Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock and Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter.

“We are looking to turbocharge expansion at Disneyland Resort over the coming years, and the transformation of Pixar Place Hotel is a demonstration of how we’re creating high-quality guest experiences infused with our most popular stories,” said Potrock.

Docter, who is the Oscar-winning director of “Monsters, Inc.,” “Up” and “Inside Out,” spoke to the creative collaboration between Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, who together bring so many favorite stories to life in Disney parks.

“At Pixar, our mission is to tell great stories. And nothing is more exciting than when we see those stories come to life in Disney parks. Pixar Place Hotel at the Disneyland Resort is the perfect example – it’s like walking into a world of Pixar. It’s truly immersive, and we’re thrilled to have collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering to make such an experience possible for guests.”

And speaking of stories coming to life …

Pixar Place Hotel Welcomes New Characters

Who’s your friend who likes to play? It’s Bing Bong from “Inside Out,” making his worldwide debut, as this is the first time he is being seen at any Disney property! This part-cat, part-elephant, part-dolphin imaginary friend is greeting guests and making more core memories at Pixar Place Hotel, beginning today!

And is that … piano music? All the way from The Half Note Jazz Club, it’s Joe Gardner from “Soul!” Guests may find Joe getting lost in the music as he plays piano near the hotel lobby staircase. In this alcove, the ethereal artistry of “Soul” creates a mood with deep purple walls and drawings of jazz musicians and counselors from “The Great Before,” with Joe dropping in on occasion to play piano for passersby.

Pixar-Themed Spaces You Can Enjoy Now, Plus More Pixar Touches To Come

There are so many sights to see at Pixar Place Hotel, so let’s explore the new areas!

The iconic Pixar Ball and Lamp now welcomes guests at the front lobby entrance, with an abstract mobile of Pixar characters floating from the skylight above. Guests may even catch a glimpse of Carl and Ellie’s house from “Up” as it travels up and down the lobby elevator.

The lobby is a vibrant, colorful blend of different art galleries. Seven giant portraits of Pixar characters surround the front desk including Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.” and Merida from “Brave.” These portraits depict characters at pivotal moments in their journeys when they are discovering their world or a piece of who they are for the very first time. Nearby, guests also see maquettes of Elastigirl from “The Incredibles,” Flik from “a bug’s life” and more!

Guests may even hear new music specially composed for Pixar Place Hotel! Celebrating favorite themes from many Pixar films, 10 new arrangements of Pixar cues can be heard in the hotel lobby and the album is available now digitally to listen to!

The rear entrance of the hotel is inspired by the stages of character design development, as artists bring ideas from pencil and paper illustrations to something built in the computer. In this part of the hotel, guests will see animator thumbnail sketches and lit wireframes of Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story,” Edna Mode from “The Incredibles” and others in action poses.

Throughout the lobby and elevator cab flooring, there are 16 silhouettes of Pixar friends randomly embedded in the porcelain tiles, which is a nod to the flooring details found at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif.

Next, let’s visit Great Maple! This flagship restaurant and modern American eatery serves an all-day menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner using the highest quality seasonal ingredients. Dive into any of the amazing dishes — like Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Maple Bacon Donuts — take in the sophisticated ambiance of gorgeous green leather seating, a beautiful bar area and seamless transition to an open-air patio. The black and white portraits of Pixar characters seen throughout the space were originally created for the Pixar offices in Emeryville, Calif., and this is the first time they are being publicly displayed! What’s more, the food and beverage offerings throughout the hotel are all operated by Great Maple.

Just off the lobby, The Sketch Pad Café serves assorted pastries, sandwiches, grab-n-go items and offers a full espresso bar. It’s a great spot to stop on the way to a fun-filled day in the parks, although guests may want to sit and stay a while in this fun space. Along the café walls is a timeline of Pixar films conveyed through character design and early concept art from Buzz Lightyear, a star of the studio’s first feature film, “Toy Story,” to Mei Lee from “Turning Red.”

Now, let’s head to the third-floor rooftop deck, where Pixar touches abound! At the new Pixar Shorts Court, the whole family can play games inspired by the animation studio’s iconic shorts “Bao,” “For The Birds,” “La Luna” and “Burrow.” Guests can even lounge and enjoy a bite to eat beneath umbrellas from “The Blue Umbrella.”

Opening adjacent to the Pixar Shorts Court in early March, Small Bytes will serve up inventive floats and tasty “bytes,” such as ceviche, soft pretzels and nachos, and will be open to non-hotel guests. While guests are noshing, they can see the pixel-art style portraits of 22 Pixar characters, created expressly for Pixar Place Hotel! Spot Lightning McQueen from “Cars” and Remy from “Ratatouille.”

As the sun begins to set on a great day, cozy up by the firepits (cleverly reminiscent of some hotheaded Pixar characters), enjoy drinks and appetizers, and watch the fireworks of Disneyland Park light up the sky on select evenings.

At the pool area, hotel guests can frolic on a “Finding Nemo”-themed splash pad at Nemo’s Cove, take a ride on Crush’s Surfin’ Slide and splash in Pixel Pool. Guests may choose to rent private daybeds, cabanas and pods to lounge the day away in comfort and style.

As we make our way to the guest rooms, let’s take a peek at some of the art found along the way. Each floor of the 15-story hotel displays a mural outside of the elevator banks giving an homage to a different Pixar film, from “Finding Nemo” to “Cars.”

Now, to the guest rooms! From the headboards featuring concept art from feature films to the accent pillows with a Pixar Ball motif, there are Pixar touches to be found all around. For a more in-depth look at the guest rooms, take a look at this tour from Walt Disney Imagineering art director Kirstin Makela!

And there’s more! Pixar Place Hotel also has a fitness center where guests can see a mural of Mike and Sulley from “Monsters University” on treadmills and the STOR-E retail shop offers more unique art, Pixar apparel and toys, and Disneyland Resort souvenirs and sundries.

Later this year, the hotel will offer its new lounge, the Creators Club, to its concierge level guests. This lounge will showcase the collaboration between Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios, featuring concept art, maquettes and attraction posters. See repurposed light fixtures from the former “a bug’s land” and a snake ride vehicle from Jessie’s Critter Carousel in Disney California Adventure Park. Adorable! Here, concierge level guests will be invited to enjoy snacks and beverages throughout the day, and a dedicated concierge may assist with any requests during their visit.

Additionally, two new 2-bedroom themed signature suites will be available for arrivals later in 2024. The Coco Suite will pay tribute to Miguel and his family’s legacy through vibrant Oaxacan art, and the Incredibles Suite will have a midcentury design with a “spy-fy” twist, complete with Parr family memorabilia.

Guests staying at any of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort can enjoy benefits such as hotel guest activities and early entry 30 minutes prior to regular theme park opening into a designated park to enjoy select attractions, dining and shopping locations.* Plus, guests of Pixar Place Hotel can enjoy a convenient, dedicated entrance to Disney California Adventure Park just a short walk away.

Disney Pledges Billions on Brand-New Disneyland Project, But an Uphill Battle Lies Ahead

The Walt Disney Company has pledged a multi-billion-dollar investment into a totally revamped Disneyland property, as well as into the City of Anaheim, California, but the company faces an uphill battle despite its willingness to dole out the dough.

Simply put, Disneyland Forward is a multi-year public planning initiative created by The Walt Disney Company with the goal of updating Disney’s existing development approvals from the City of Anaheim. Those updates will ultimately lend themselves to a complete, multi-year transformation of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

“Thinking big and leading the way is both our legacy and our best path forward,” said Disneyland President Ken Potrock. “Now is the time to be bold, to dream, to believe, and to lead. The Disneyland Resort is poised to create new jobs and revenue for our community as well as new immersive entertainment and experiences for loyal fans and new audiences for generations to come.”

The official website describes the mission of Disneyland Forward in detail, explaining that it is “fully funded by Disney” and “updates Disney’s current development plans, which were approved by the city [of Anaheim] in the 1990s.”

The new project will not increase the square footage that is already approved for hotels and for the development of Disney’s theme parks. Disney says its goal in the Disneyland Forward project is to change the way entertainment is offered and experienced by mixing together theme parks, live entertainment, shops, restaurants, and hotels to create an entirely new experience across Disney properties in the future.

On Tuesday, Disney held a community workshop to give people a better idea of what the Disneyland Forward project entails. The workshop allowed attendees to see concept artwork and maps of the proposed redistricting and projected areas of expansion on the east and west sides of the Disneyland Resort.

But despite being armed with ample ambition, drive, and funding, Disney faces an uphill battle in getting the new project approved by the City of Anaheim.

Disney faces challenges as it works toward its new goals for the Disneyland Resort.

Per the Disneyland Forward website, the City of Anaheim’s “traditional” district and zone approaches don’t allow for the “integrated experiences” Disney is hoping to bring to its guests. Thus, the current approaches limit Disney’s ability to keep investing in the community at this time.

city of anaheim california

As part of Disney’s proposal, the company plans to spend millions of dollars on housing, parks, and streets in the city. Disney further announced its commitment to invest a minimum of $1.9 billion into Disneyland Resort over the next 10 years.

Per news station KTLA:

The development agreement was presented Tuesday during an informational workshop for Disneyland Forward, a rezoning project proposed by the entertainment company.

The proposal states that Disney would be given flexibility on where it can build new theme park areas, hotels, and dining within its existing footprint, and in return, the company would guarantee the city of Anaheim a continued investment into the resort along with $30 million for affordable housing and $8 million for parks and nearby road improvements.

mickey mouse gesturing to sleeping beauty castle

The development agreement would last until 2064, a 28-year extension from its original agreement, which would have expired in 2034.

In recent months, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro has talked about the possibility of adding attractions and other elements at Disneyland inspired by Disney’s Frozen, Marvel’s Black Panther, and Pixar’s Coco, though no definitive announcements have been made.

Move Over Orlando, Disney Ready to Set Multi-Million-Dollar Project in Motion - Inside the Magic

The Anaheim Planning Commission will hold its first hearings for Disneyland Forward in March, and the proposal will be voted upon in May.

Food and Beverages Coming for Celebrate Soulfully 2024 to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort

The Disney Parks Blog has released the full lineup of food and beverages guests can expect to enjoy during the Celebrate Soulfully 2024 festivities during Black History Month at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

These items begin arriving at both resorts starting February 1, 2024.

Celebrate Soulfully 2024 at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available Feb. 1 through March 31; mobile order available)

  • Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Banana cheesecake with vanilla pudding and vanilla wafer crust
    • Assistant Sous Chef Janell Wright drew inspiration from her Jamaican roots and time living in the U.S., where she developed a fondness for banana pudding. Janell took these classic dessert flavors and infused them into a special cheesecake topped with a Mickey garnish, a special nod to Janell’s dream of working for Disney coming true.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

  • Berry Beignet: Mixed berry compote, house-made Uncle Nearest Whiskey caramel sauce, and powdered sugar served with a pipette of Uncle Nearest Whiskey

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

The Artist’s Palette (Mobile order available)

  • Soulful Sunday Pork Cutlet: Smoked pork chop, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and house-made sweet cornbread (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
  • Traditional Pound Cake: Homemade vanilla pound cake (Available Feb. 1 through March 31)
    • This dish is inspired by Proprietor Deborah Davis Pollard’s family recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation.
The Country Fried Pork Steak with Herbed Gravy (left) and Mini Red Velvet Cake (right) for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Quick-Service Restaurants (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

  • Country Fried Pork Steak with Herbed Gravy: Fried pork loin with herb cream sauce, fried cabbage sautéed with smoked sausage, and roasted marble potato salad (New); Available at the following locations:  
    • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
    • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
    • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
    • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
    • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
      • Sous Chefs Anthony Watson and Angie Thomas drew inspiration from generations-old family recipes for this collaboration. The result is a celebration of marinated, smothered, and seasoned meat dishes paired with flavorful sides.
  • Mini Red Velvet Cake: Red velvet cake with cream cheese buttercream (New); Available at the following locations:  
    • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
    • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
    • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
The Southern Citrus Twist for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Pool Bars, Lounges, and Table-Service Restaurants (Available Feb. 3 through 29)

  • Southern Citrus Twist: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters (New)
    • Inspired by the partnership between Leaders Dougie Williams and Hunter Bernreuter, this cocktail features Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey and celebrates heritage, partnerships, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color products.
The Bananas Foster Shake (top left), Crab-topped Catch of the Day (top right), Chicken and Andouille Gumbo (bottom left), and Tiana's Famous Beignets (bottom right) for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Magic Kingdom Park

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies (Available Feb. 1 through March 1; mobile order available)

  • Bananas Foster Shake: Banana milkshake layered with caramelized banana sauce and topped with whipped cream (New)

Cinderella’s Royal Table (Currently available)

  • Crab-topped Catch of the Day: Roasted pumpkin-smoked gouda grits, braised greens, and brown butter-Meyer lemon emulsion

The Crystal Palace (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)

  • Chicken and Andouille Gumbo: Chicken, andouille sausage, and okra in a traditional gumbo base (New)

Golden Oak Outpost (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)

  • Tiana’s Famous Beignets: Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with strawberry dipping sauce
Tiana's Petit Cake (top left), Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich (top right), Sweet Potato Pie (bottom left), and Peach Cobbler (bottom right) for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Main Street Bakery (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)

  • Tiana’s Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece (New)

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Available Feb. 1 through March 1; mobile order available)

  • Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich: Fried green tomato sandwich with lettuce, bacon, and bacon-pimento spread served with house-made chips (New)
  • Sweet Potato Pie topped with toasted marshmallow cream and candied pecans

Pinocchio Village Haus (Available Feb. 1 through March 1; mobile order available)

  • Peach Cobbler: Cinnamon panna cotta, peach cobbler, brown sugar streusel, and whipped cream with a Tiana chocolate piece (New)
    • Princess Tiana’s passion for cooking is a generational legacy ignited by her father. Assistant Pastry Chef Tianna Roberson has been making this signature recipe since age ten. Inspired by her grandmother’s recipe, this cherished dish defined her childhood. Passed down through generations, it stands as a beloved family tradition.

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)

  • Butter Pecan Praline Sundae: Butter pecan ice cream topped with praline sauce, spiced pecans, and whipped cream (New)

The Plaza Restaurant (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)

  • Chicken and Andouille Gumbo: Chicken, andouille sausage, okra, and rice in a traditional gumbo base (New)
  • Tiana’s Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece (New)
The Peach Cobbler Mini Cake (left), Creole Smoked Sausage Sandwich (center), and The Ginger Whiskey (right) for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Dino-Bite Snacks (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

  • Peach Cobbler Mini Cake: Vanilla cake, cinnamon-caramel-peach filling, and oat streusel topping served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (New)
    • Inspired by a recipe featured in What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking, the first cookbook by an African American author. Abby Fisher started a business in Alabama where she made and sold pickles and preserves. She eventually dictated her own recipes that would later become What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking, published in 1881.

Flame Tree Barbecue (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

  • Creole Smoked Sausage Sandwich: Creole smoked sausage on a roll with piccadilly relish and stewed black-eyed peas
    • Creole smoked sausage is best credited as the result of pairing the distinct cooking flavors of French and African descendants living in Louisiana during the 18th century. Accompanying our Creole smoked sausage sandwich are black-eyed peas, which are known to be a symbol of prosperity and hope.

Pizzafari (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

  • Celebrate Soulfully Cupcake: Vanilla cake with bananas foster jam filling, vanilla buttercream, Joe Gardner half note white chocolate décor, and multicolored crispy pearls
    • In Disney and Pixar’s Soul, Joe Gardner dreams of becoming a great jazz musician. Joe adorns this cupcake as an homage to jazz’s cultural impact. With historical roots, jazz transformed the music industry and brought success to musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Restaurantosaurus (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

  • Celebrate Soulfully Cupcake: Vanilla cake with bananas foster jam filling, vanilla buttercream, Joe Gardner half note white chocolate décor, and multicolored crispy pearls

Tiffins Restaurant

  • Shrimp and Grits: South African Mealie Pap with roasted corn and goat cheese, peri-peri shrimp, and green tomato-apple chutney (Currently available)
  • The Ginger Whiskey: A cocktail featuring Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey with notes of ginger and brown sugar (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
    • Uncle Nearest Whiskey is both a Black and women-owned and operated business. Begun in 2017, Uncle Nearest Whiskey has become one of the leading whiskey brands in its industry. The brand’s namesake Is Nathan “Nearest” Green, who is believed to have created the Lincoln County Process, a hallmark of Tennessee whiskey, in which whiskey is filtered through sugar-maple charcoal and then aged in charred oak barrels. Green is credited with teaching this technique to Jack Daniel, who hired Green as the first main distiller for the company and on record in the United States.
The Pineapple Mint Julep for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Dawa Bar, Restaurantosaurus Lounge, and Thirsty River Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

  • Pineapple Mint Julep
The Poulet Marine Au Four for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

ABC Commissary (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

  • Gumbo: Chicken, andouille sausage, okra, and seasonings simmered in chicken stock served over rice

Hollywood & Vine (Currently available)

  • Poulet Mariné Au Four (Baked Marinated Chicken): Baked chicken marinated in assorted spices served with red peppers, green peppers, and onions
The Mardi Gras Milk Shake (left) and Sweet Potato Lunch Box Tart (right) for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Hollywood Scoops (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

  • Mardi Gras Milk Shake: Cinnamon-vanilla milkshake topped with a Mardi Gras king cake doughnut

Woody’s Lunch Box (Available Feb. 1 through 29; mobile order available)

  • Sweet Potato Lunch Box Tart with cinnamon-brown sugar icing, toasted marshmallows, and pecans
The Hummingbird Cake for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

EPCOT

The Artist’s Table at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (Currently available through Feb. 19)

  • Hummingbird Cake: Banana and pecan cake dipped in cream cheese icing with caramel sauce and warm pineapple compote

Coral Reef Restaurant (Currently available through March 31)

  • Shrimp and Grits: Cajun-grilled shrimp, seared grit cake, andouille hash, and Cajun emulsion
The Half Note Float (left) and Banana Pudding (right) for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Fife and Drum (Currently available)

  • Half Note Float: Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry, Minute Maid Lemonade, and Fanta Blue Raspberry Slushy with vanilla ice cream and half note white chocolate

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Available Feb. 1 through March 31; mobile order available)

  • Banana Pudding

Disney Springs

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

  • Charles Woodson Wines’ 2019 Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cookie Butter Ganache Square (left) and Soulfully Pralines (right) for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

The Ganachery (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

  • Cookie Butter Ganache Square: Cookie butter ganache enrobed in dark 65% chocolate (New)
    • This bite was inspired by Chocolatier Cast Member Destiny Hinds, who loves sharing her cookie butter confections with friends.
  • Soulfully Pralines: Pecan pralines covered in dark 65% chocolate
    • Chocolatier Cast Member Sheila Moten drew creative inspiration from Disney and Pixar’s Soul for the Soulfully Pralines.
The Griot and Pikliz for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

  • Griot and Pikliz: Epis-marinated fried pork shoulder, fried green plantain, and pikliz (New)
    • Culinary Cast Member Daphnee Vilme Dorcelian draws inspiration from griot, a Haitian fried pork dish that’s a cherished favorite at family gatherings. Marinated in a blend called “epis” with Scotch bonnet, bell peppers, and spices, it is served with fried plantains and “pikliz,” a pickled cabbage slaw. This flavorful and slightly spicy dish is a weekend tradition, bringing a taste of home to the United States and earning praise from Daphnee’s kids as one of their favorites.

The Polite Pig (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

  • Pork Belly Diri Kolepwanwa: Sweet and spicy pork belly, diri kolepwanwa (rice and black beans), and onion jalepeño slaw

Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

  • House of Brown 2021 California Red Blend

Vivoli il Gelato (Currently available through March 30)

  • Black Girl Magic Float: Float with vanilla gelato and Black Girl Magic wine from the McBride Sisters Wine Company

Celebrate Soulfully 2024 at Disneyland Resort

The Fried Chicken Bowl (left) and Sweet Potato Pie Casserole (right) for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Disneyland Park

Troubadour Tavern (Available Feb. 16-18 and 23-25; mobile order available)

  • Fried Chicken Bowl: Spicy honey-glazed fried chicken served with four cheese mac ‘n cheese, smoked turkey collard greens, and sweet potato cornbread
  • Sweet Potato Pie Casserole: Sweet potato-pecan pie (New)

River Belle Terrace (Available Feb. 1 through April 1)

  • Brunch Platter: Pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuit and gravy, and house slaw
  • Dinner Platter: BBQ brisket, fried chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and biscuit and gravy

Cafe Orleans (Available Feb. 1 through April 1)

  • Prix-Fixe Meal with choice of appetizer, deviled eggs, and pickled vegetables, gumbo, or Caesar salad with cornmeal fried fish and turtle cheesecake
The House-filled Beignet (top left), 7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage (top right), 7 Greens Gumbo (bottom left), and Beef Po'boy Sandwich (bottom right) for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Tiana’s Palace

  • House-filled Beignet featuring lemon ice box pie filling topped with lemon glaze
  • 7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage: White beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice
  • 7 Greens Gumbo: White beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice (Plant-based)
  • Beef Po’boy Sandwich: Slow-cooked beef in gravy dressed with shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayonnaise on a toasted New Orleans French bread and served with red beans and rice and house-made pickles

Disney California Adventure Park

Lamplight Lounge and Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining (Currently available)

  • Brown Estate Chaos Theory Red Wine Blend (New)
The Sweet Potato Fries Poutine (left) and Barrel Aged Smoked (right) for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Disneyland Hotel

Lobby Lounge (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

  • Shrimp and Grits (New)
  • Sweet Potato Fries Poutine: Sweet potato fries, gravy, and cheese curds (New)
  • Barrel Aged Smoked: Uncle Nearest 1884 Bourbon, turbinado sugar, Angostura Bitters, Peychaud’s Bitters, and a luxury ice cube (New)
  • McBride Sisters Sparkling Rosé (New)
  • Crowns & Hops Pilsner (New)

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

GCH Craftsman Bar, Hearthstone Lounge, and Storytellers Cafe (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)

  • Golden Soul: Uncle Nearest 1884, ginger liqueur, creme de cassis, lime juice, and raspberries
  • Crowns & Hops 8 Trill Pills
The Cinnamon & Honey Fried Chicken Ice Cream for Celebrate Soulfully 2024.

Downtown Disney District

Salt & Straw (Available Feb. 1 through 29)

  • Cinnamon & Honey Fried Chicken Ice Cream: In partnership and support of Black-owned business, Ezell’s Famous Chicken out of Washington State, this savory and spicy ice cream is made with fresh croissants, torn into bits, that are then deep-fried with chicken fat until crispy and then churned into salted vanilla ice cream. A touch of cinnamon, a splash of honey, and a shake of secret spices give you a sweet Cajun heat with pleasant pops and crackles