Walt Disney World will be celebrating “A World of Voices” this Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with live entertainment, special food items, and more offerings.
Character Appearances
A Moana meet and greet began at Disney’s Animal Kingdom last month. Guests can find her at Discovery Island Character Landing.
The Edna Mode Experience will open in Pixar Place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 14.
Guests can also see Russell from “Up” on the Adventure Flotilla in Animal Kingdom, Raya in the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom, and Mulan in the China Pavilion at EPCOT.
Dance and Sing With Live Entertainment
The Disney Springs Kids Club will include Polynesian luau performers with story drumming and dance on May 6 and May 27.
Performers representing various Asian American Pacific Islander music and dance will appear at the Orange Node:
- DJ Pram featuring two Bollywood-style dancers: May 4, May 11, May 18 and May 25
- Lahjit, a Salt Lake City, Utah band that plays music from various genres: May 7 and May 8
- The Collective, a high-energy vocal group that celebrates boy bands and K-pop (short for Korean pop music) sensations from throughout history: May 14, May 15, May 28 and May 29
- NETANE Polynesian Productions, whose performances feature authentic Polynesian dances from the Pacific islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and more: May 21 and May 22
The Viva Gaia Street Band at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will add “Moana” songs to their performances this month.
Guests can also see Matsuriza perform taiko, an ancient form of Japanese drumming, live throughout the day in the Japan Pavilion of EPCOT.
Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression
Vietnamese-American artist Thao Huynh French and Cambodian-American artist Andrew Hem have added artwork to the Disney Springs Art Walk. Here’s what Disney says about the two artists:
French uses texture and bright colors to create captivating graffiti art. She hopes her work inspires other Asian-American women to follow their own dreams. Hem is excited to make his mark at Disney Springs after originally starting his career as a character artist for Disney. He hopes guests who visit the Art Walk take a moment to explore the little details hidden throughout his work and experience the joy of childhood.
Food and Beverage
There are various treats inspired by Asian American Pacific Islander cultures available throughout Walt Disney World Resort, from the Hamachi Tuna Roll at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to the Japanese-Hawaiian Pineapple Nigori Cocktail.
Grand Floridian Executive Chef Kevin Chong pulled inspiration from his Korean roots to create the new Korean Fried Chicken Bowl with Cucumber Namasu. This homestyle Korean comfort food dish features double-fried chicken thighs tossed with Gochujang sauce, sesame seeds, green onions, and namasu (pickled cucumbers). This is available from various quick-service locations at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, including Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
The Pad Thai Fizz is a cocktail inspired by the tangy flavors of traditional Pad Thai. It features Asian-American-owned Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey. It’s available at various Walt Disney World Resort hotel pool bars and restaurants.
Amorette’s at Disney Springs is serving up a Philippines-inspired treat: Ube Pianono, an ube roulade cake filled with cinnamon banana mousse and ube buttercream.
A full food guide will be available later.
Merchandise
Joey Chou recently released a new line of merchandise at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
A new line of Moana merchandise inspired by Polynesian culture is also available. And there is plenty of Mulan-inspired merchandise throughout the resort.
PhotoPass Magic Shots
At the Disney PhotoPass Studio in Disney Springs, guests can pose in front of a virtual background inspired by “Turning Red.” There is also a “Moana”-inspired background and prop.
Guests can also pose with Baymax thanks to Magic Shots at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Movies Under the Stars and Fitness Fun
Walt Disney World Resort hotels will be showing films like “Big Hero 6,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “Up,” and “Mulan” during Movies Under the Stars.
At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, there are Disney Family Wellness classes every Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. Guests can learn some dance moves inspired by Moana during these classes.
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