Photos/Video: Disney Parks Came to Play at This Year's ESSENCE Festival

The panel featured appearances from Disneyland and Walt Disney World Ambassadors

Disney Parks and Experiences held a special panel at this year’s ESSENCE Festival, celebrating what's new and coming soon to Disney Destinations (and beyond) around the globe.

What’s Happening:

  • As part of Disney’s presence at this year’s ESSENCE Festival, those in attendance could have attended a special panel, “We Came to Play."
  • This panel, hosted by Disney Parks and Experiences, featured Disneyland ambassador Jada Young and Walt Disney World Ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad as they took a look at what’s new in the world of Disney destinations.
  • Together, we hear more details about the 70th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort, more of the fun coming to Walt Disney World, including new entertainment offerings like Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, and more.
  • We also get to learn more about the new Disney Destiny, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, debuting later this year.
  • Plus, this panel offered up more details and art from the newly announced touring exhibition Tiana’s Joyful Celebration, which you can learn more about here. 
  • The panel concludes with a performance from The Power of Joy, doing a fun dance number to a soon-to-be-classic song from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
  • Check out the full panel in our video below:

  • We’ve been at ESSENCE Festival all weekend, checking out in-depth panels from ABC, ESPN, and more. Be sure to check out our live blog here and a full archive of our coverage over here.

Laughing Place recommends MouseFanTravel.com for all your Disney travel planning
Fill out the form below for a free, no obligation quote from MouseFanTravel.com
Tony Betti
Originally from California where he studied a dying artform (hand-drawn animation), Tony has spent most of his adult life in the theme parks of Orlando. When he’s not writing for LP, he’s usually watching and studying something animated or arguing about “the good ole’ days” at the parks.
View all articles by Tony Betti
Doobie Moseley
Doobie is a co-owner of LaughingPlace.com having founded the website with his wife Rebekah in 1999. He became a "hardcore" Disney fan in 1995. His favorite Disney film is Snow White and his all-time favorite attraction is the PeopleMover. Having lived near both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, he's visited them literally thousands of times. He currently lives in Nothern California with his wife and teenage son, but looks forward to living in Florida again soon. His absolutely favorite activity is going on a Disney cruise (he's done 12 as of February 2023).
View all articles by Doobie Moseley