Disney Ambassadors Surprise Cast with ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Mission
Originally published at Disney Parks News
As a young Black boy, I fell in love with Super Heroes and their stories through the comic books my mother would leave for my siblings and me on the coffee table. Now as an adult, Black Panther and Falcon have become two Super Heroes I feel the most connected to out of all other Super Heroes. When I first saw the film Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” in 2018, I was moved to tears seeing a dependable and noble Black male character. Their world, their challenges, and their successes all displayed on the big screen.
In June 2021, I reached a huge focal point in my career journey – transferring from Fantasyland Attractions at Disneyland Resort to opening Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure park as a project lead. That was the moment I knew I was living my own heroic dream. And using my own superpower of supporting my fellow cast members.
Fast forward to November 2022, I get to share my passion with some of my fellow cast members. Nataly and I surprised Walker Williams, Entertainment, and Lorelei Vogels, Attractions, with a “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” celebration mission. Walker and Lorelei started their Monday like any other day…
Follow our journey from the Flavors of
Wakanda to learning the way of the Jabari…
Disneyland Resort Ambassadors Nataly and Mark with cast members Lorelei and Walker
First stop, Super Store featuring Avengers Campus to suit up in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” merchandise. The fun was just getting started. Which meant we needed to fuel up at Flavors of Wakanda marketplace in the Hollywood Backlot at Disney California Adventure park. This is the perfect stop for Peri-Peri Chicken, Maafe, and Butterfly Pea Tea Lemonade. Which are all inspired by African cuisine.
Next stop, a surprise visit from the Black Panther.
We had an encounter with M’Baku. One of the greatest warriors and leaders of the Jabari Tribe. We learned about the culture and traditions of the Jabari Tribe. And I had my drum skills tested!
After we learned the way of the Jabari, we made our way to the Black Panther Celebration Garden. To honor the legacy and lore of the Black Panther and had a moment to reflect on the legendary protectors of the Kingdom of Wakanda.
Away from all the excitement, we took a moment to look back on all that we experienced that day. “It was amazing to see other areas of the resort that I don’t get to see as an Attractions cast member in Tomorrowland,” Lorelei said. Walker shared, “The ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ celebration is breathtaking.”
Every detail of the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” celebration perfectly captures the magic that the films have created for me. And I loved sharing that feeling with my fellow cast members.
WAKANDA FOREVER!
