May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Disney World is hosting “A World of Voices,” which will offer different live entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences for everyone in your family to get in on the fun!
Characters
Moana is now meeting guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Discovery Island Character Landing. Make sure to say hi to your favorite “Wilderness Explorer” with Russell from the Disney-Pixar animated feature “Up” on the Adventure Flotilla.
Raya is on the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom Park, Mulan is in the China pavilion at EPCOT and last, but certainly not least, The Edna Mode Experience in Pixar Place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning May 14.
Live Entertainment
The Disney Springs Kids Club will feature Polynesian luau performers with story drumming and dance on May 6 and May 27. There will be musical acts performing live at the Orange Node, representing various Asian American Pacific Islander music and dance.
- 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 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
At EPCOT, make sure to see taiko, an ancient form of Japanese drumming, with daily live performances from Matsuriza in the Japan pavilion. There is also the Viva Gaia Street Band at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This month, the band is adding songs from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Moana.”
Find Inspiration at Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression
Vietnamese-American artist Thao Huynh French and Cambodian-American artist Andrew Hem. French use texture and bright colors to create graffiti art at Disney Springs, and some artists are past Disney artists as well!
Savor Delicious Dishes and Drinks
From the Hamachi Tuna Roll at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to the Japanese-Hawaiian Pineapple Nigori Cocktail at EPCOT, there’s ton of Asian-inspired treats to grab at the Resort.
Try the new Korean Fried Chicken Bowl featuring double-fried chicken thighs tossed with Gochujang sauce, sesame seeds, green onions, and namasu (pickled cucumbers) at various quick-service stops around Walt Disney World Resort hotels, including Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
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.
Merchandise
Introducing a new collection from renowned artist Joey Chou, his latest line celebrates Disney Parks through his unique and colorful art.
If you like Moana, there are new button-down shirts, hoodies, and pants, as well as home décor pieces If you’re a fan of Mulan, there’s a whole line including dolls and apparel.
Disney PhotoPass Service
There are new Magic Shots and props with Disney PhotoPass Service and at the Disney PhotoPass Studio in Disney Springs, you can pose in front of a virtual background inspired by Chinese-Canadian Meilin “Mei” Lee from the Disney-Pixar animated feature “Turning Red.” Another background features a scene inspired by “Moana.” At Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can get a photo with Hiro and Baymax from the Walt Disney Animation Studios animated feature “Big Hero 6” in a special Magic Shot.
Resort Fun
Each resort will show different cultural movies throughout the month, including “Big Hero 6,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “Up” and “Mulan.”
If you’re staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you can -start your day with Disney Family Wellness classes every Thursday morning at 9 a.m.
What are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below!
Emily Ann has always loved the theme parks, and is now so happy she gets to create content around them for ThrillGeek! She considers herself a huge theme park foodie, as well as finding unique items across the parks. Would die for HHN.