Progress continues to be made on both coasts on the future Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. In 2024, the attraction will be opening at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland in Disneyland Resort. At Walt Disney World, the former Splash Mountain closed earlier and progress is ahead of Disneyland’s version of the attraction. As work continues, Disney has shared that the water tower for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be arriving in the Magic Kingdom for the attraction sometime this summer. This water tower has been seen in concept art and also a model that was shown last year at the D23 Expo.
When put in place, Tiana’s Foods water tower will be topped with Princess Tiana’s signature tiara.
The arrival of the water tower will just be one element of Celebrate Soulfully this summer at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney shared some other details about the summer as well that can be seen here:
Live Music at EPCOT and Disney Springs
There are plenty of locations around Walt Disney World Resort for guests to listen to live soulful music this summer. The Garden Rocks Concert Series during EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will feature performances from Living Colour (6/30-7/1) and Evolution: Motown (7/4-7/5). Later in the summer, artists such as Southern Avenue (8/4-8/5), Ruben Studdard (8/11-8/12), Ayron Jones (8/25 – 8/26) and Baha Men (9/1 – 9/2) are performing live at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE. Additionally, guests can enjoy the sounds of soulful music from Black musicians like Don Black, Wassalou, Free Cadence and Franchise Players at various stages around Disney Springs.
Go Under the Sea with Ariel from the live-action story
Ariel from the all-new live-action story ‘The Little Mermaid’ is greeting guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Ariel’s meet and greet location at Walt Disney Presents features artwork inspired by the movie that guides guests on a journey from sea to land, ending at the picturesque setting of Prince Eric’s shoreside castle. The location also features replicas of some of Ariel’s favorite “thingamabobs.”
Cooking With Soul
“Cooking With Soul” continues with its collection of soulful culinary dishes found throughout Walt Disney World Resort such as Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni & Cheese. The item was so popular during Black History Month at Contempo Café that it will be returning to the buffet at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort later this month. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the Jollof Rice with Plant-based Sausage is one of the more popular items at Tusker House, as well as the Collard Greens. New this year are yummy under-the-sea offerings based on the live-action remake of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid,’ including Bubbles at Sea, a delicious beverage featuring Gold Peak sweet green tea, lemon juice, pineapple and guava topped with boba pearls and a splash of shimmer that is available at multiple locations. And, for an even more special treat, The Little Mermaid Sea Salt, Caramel and Chocolate Pop with ocean fondant can be found at The Ganachery at Disney Springs.
Cultural Art
Walt Disney World Resort continues to celebrate Women’s History Month with artist Nneka Jones recently unveiling her latest artistic creation at the Disney Springs Art Walk. (Preston Mack, photographer)
The works of four Black artists are on display at the Disney Springs Art Walk. This summer, three new artists will showcase their artistic expression on walls across property at Disney Springs, EPCOT Amani Village and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Cape Town-based Street artist Nardstar* will be live painting her artwork, which will celebrate natural hair, at the Disney Springs Art Walk June 15 through 20. Kenyan artist Wise Two begins painting in EPCOT on July 5 and new art at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will be available in August.
Highlighting Black-Owned Businesses
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers a selection of handmade goods from African artisans. Local Green Orlando Food Truck at Disney Springs is a Black-owned eatery that offers fresh, flavorful cuisine served on the fly. And there’s a handful of food and beverage items available at various establishments throughout Walt Disney World made with Uncle Nearest Premium Whisky – the most successful Black-owned distillery in the world.
Watch Talented Athletes
Guests can watch future NBA and WNBA players competing in the AAU Girls and Boys Summer Basketball tournament, July 3-16, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Likewise, the nation’s top high school talent will be on display at the sports complex during the NBPA Top 100 Camp, June 26-July 2. Soccer fans won’t want to miss the LaLiga Promises international tournament, June 23-25, widely considered one of the most important events in the world for 12-and-under players, and the USYS National Championship, crowning the best youth club teams in America, July 18-23. For more information on the events and tickets, guests can visit www.espnwwos.com/events.
Experience #AlltheDisneyThrills
Guests visiting EPCOT better get ready to crank up the mixtape and blast off on an awesome intergalactic chase through time and space in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! They can set out on a whitewater adventure through a lush jungle in the heart of Asia on Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, put their own concept car to the test on Test Track Presented by Chevrolet, thrill to the speed and excitement of the now-open TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise or be dazzled by incredible fireworks as Happily Ever After Presented by Pandora lights up the night sky, both at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests looking to thrill their taste buds won’t want to miss the newly opened Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which serves up barbecue-inspired fare family style – a perfect to start to the summer barbecue season.
What do you think of the addition of Tiana’s Foods water tower to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? What about the other Celebrate Soulfully offers throughout Walt Disney World Resort this summer? What are you most excited about? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
Mr. Daps is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Daps Magic! Find Mr. Daps regularly at Disneyland with his trilby and bow tie taking pictures and simply enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth. He is the weekly host of GEEKS CORNER and your reporter for all that Disney And Positive Stuff. Find videos of all of that one the Daps Magic YouTube channel. Mr. Daps is also a Brand Ambassador with Her Universe! Find Mr. Daps on Twitter,Instagram, and Threads! If you see Mr. Daps in the parks, be sure and say hi!
