OUR FIRST TIME AT ESSENCE FEST WAS... | ESSENCE FESTIVAL VLOG 2023 + giveaway

Thank you to Ritual for sponsoring todays video! Get 30% OFF your first month! Go to ritual.com/akadventures30
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We hope you enjoyed our Essence Festival vlog! Aaron isn't a big concert person so we didn't attend any nights of the concert. We really enjoyed our time in New Orleans and will be back for Essence Fest 2024!
To enter our giveaway (US Only):
1. Subscribe to our KZbin Channel!
2. Answer the 2 questions mentioned at the end of the video.
This giveaway closes on July 31st and the 2 winners will be announced on August 1st! Good luck!
Follow our 2nd channel for lifestyle content:
/ @aaronandkyra
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OUR INSTAGRAM: / akadventures15
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Camera Equipment: Sony A74
iPhone 13 Pro
Editing Software: Final Cut Pro
Music: Epidemic Sound
KZbin Audio Library
Our Wedding Anniversary: September 6, 2015
00:00 Intro
00:26 Disney Haunted Mansion Brunch
03:38 Today’s sponsor, Ritual
4:39 Haunted Mansion Cast Interview
09:37 Convention Center + registration tip
12:07 Peloton Instructor Alex Toussaint interview
13:28 We got to meet Alex!!
14:14 Our failed attempt to see Oprah and VP Kamala Harris
15:03 We had a time at the Disney Parks Brunch!
21:27 Thoughts on the brunch+ Back at the convention center
22:38 Wellness House
24:06 In His Zone Mens Experience
25:15 Coca Cola Kitchen Cooking Demonstration
28:35 Soko Mrkt
29:22 Beautycon
30:32 Should we start a podcast?
32:00 Uncle Jimmys and Brown Sugar Babe
34:27 Afropunk Blktopia
36:00 Essence Main Stage and Disney Area
36:25 Essence Authors
37:02 Grubbin at the Soko Nola Outdoor Marketplace
38:16 Cafe Du Monde
41:38 Battle of the Beignets- Cafe du Monde or Cafe Beignet?
43:06 Thanks for watching + giveaway (US only)

[@AKAdventures]

Thank you to Ritual for sponsoring this video! Get 30% OFF your first month Go to ritual.com/akadventures30 We hope you enjoy this video and thanks for watching!

[@angelabrown3994]

The Essence Festival was amazing. So good to see people of color doing excellently. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@AKAdventures]

Yes yes YES! It’s so nice to see. Like Monique says, “I love us forreal” 😭❤️

[@TrueLifeCeRilla]

Y'all are doing the dang thang! I always think back on when y'all first started with just simply documenting your cruise vacations for memories. Who would have imagine this level of growth and success. Look at what God can do when you stay faithful, consistent, and obedient to your calling🙌🏾 This was awesome and very informative.

[@AKAdventures]

😭😭 Thank you SO much!!!

[@veaton5119]

I love this longer video. I’m glad to see you guys enjoying yourselves. My daughter always waits to watch with me. You are inspiring for couples out there. I love your descriptions of the different booths and your smiles are very infectious. Can’t wait for the next one. Enjoy yourselves AK Adventures, can’t beat New Orleans cuisine.

[@AKAdventures]

So glad to hear that you enjoyed the longer video! Thank you so much for your kind words and please tell you daughter that we said hi 😊

[@olivia222.]

I never knew Essence Fest was freee!😭 I’m definitely dragging my line sisters next year❤️ #MichaelJamesScott & #CafeDuMonde

[@brittanyjohnson4525]

I have been looking to find tickets. Do you know what website to find them?

[@brittanyedwards6043]

This looked like a great time. I’m obsessed with Drum Major Mickey. We need more of him in the parks!

[@AKAdventures]

Right?!?

[@sherisly5154]

Michael James Scott and Cafe Du Monde. Love y'all!! Such a pleasure to see the highlights of Essence Festival ❤

[@kaylagarner2895]

Giveaway Answers: Michael James Scott & Cafe du Monde Another great video with great tips! Love you guys' adventures. And didn't know Essence Fest was free admission. Thanks for sharing.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Excited for this vlog! I absolutely love Essence Fest and New Orleans!

[@AKAdventures]

Yayyy! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@lalala15LOVE]

I enjoyed watching experience your much!! I’m so excited to experience Essence Fest for the first time (2024) ahhhhh!!🎉🎉 it’s their 30th & I just turned 31 so it’s only right !! Beautiful couple ❤️❤️

[@Tanyamac121]

Greetings to AK Adventures! Answer to 1st question Michael James Scott!! Answer to 2nd question is: Cafe Du Monde!! Love y’all!!! Thanks for the tips about where to stay and get a room facing the courtyard! ❤

[@b.frederick4605]

Hi AK Adventures! Thanks for another great video! The answers: 1. Michael James Scott and 2. Cafe Du Monde.

[@shopper5969]

Happy Friday! Y’all do the most exciting adventures. Love it! Enjoy and be safe! ❤❤

[@shuhurahlee3002]

I enjoyed your take on the Essencefest and have been watching you guys for a few years now!! Here are my answers for the giveaway: 1- Michael James Scott 2- Cafe Du Monde We have been to Cafe Du Monde, and love them also!!❤❤

[@AnnnnnaQ]

Wow, what an awesome vlog! You guys swaying with Mickey was fun to watch! Wow, not the Spades and Dominoes area! The meditation room, afro punk and gaming? Essence Fest has always been on my bucket list, but after watching this vlog, I definitely want to attend in 2024! Thank you for sharing!!🙏🏿

[@deannaardis8771]

Ooohhh WOW!! Hope you guys had GREAT FUN!!! 🙌🏾🥰

[@AKAdventures]

We sure did! Thanks for watching 😊

[@deannaardis8771]

@AKAdventures, okay., I’m going to go for it & try to answer the questions: 1. I’ve already SUBSCRIBED & a part of the Family 2. I have visited NOLA a FEW times & got BOTH Beignets, however, I believe YOU guys chose CAFE DUMONT, & I believe the mans name in the BROADWAY show of ALADDIN, the Genie- was played by JAMES MONROE IGLEHART.. 🤷🏾‍♀️ how’s that? 😊

[@lady0883]

Thank you for bringing us along with you to the Essence Festival. I have never been and I definitely want to go in the near future. To answer the 2 give away questions: 1. Michael James Scott played one heck of a genie in Aladdin on Broadway. 2. You guys liked the beignets at Cafe Du Monde better. I visited NO in 2012 for Mardi Gras and we trekked in the rain to get to Cafe Du Monde just so my friend could get beignets. Those beignets plus hot chocolate 🤌🏽. Much love and many blessings AK Fam and keep these great blogs coming.

[@shebysharice]

I’m so glad y’all enjoyed y’all selves while y’all were down here!! ⚜️✨ I gotta find out how to be in the room for these Disney events they have in my city though. I mean they’re always here..in my face..& I never know until the vlogs hit KZbin.

[@Lizetteworldtravels]

Ooh wow! I’ve been saying I want to go to Essence and only remember when the time comes. Thanks for taking me along 😍😍

[@edwardstrand165]

This looked like soooo much fun. It's been several years since my wife & I attended Essence. LOVE what you guys are doing, please continue. Uncle Eddie

[@micheleburdenbsnrn7564]

I live in Nola⚜ and so glad y'all enjoyed the city and y'all first Essence Fest. Definitely y'all have to visit again. There's so much more to see and do here! And a really good beignet restaurant is Morning Call in midcity!

[@MJT2366]

Such an awesome video!! Yo, Alex from Peloton? Whoops my tail everytime, but love his energy😂😂, thanks always for sharing and taking us along..

[@agentoog]

Love the content as always! Still not over them playing Naughty Girl at the first day brunch for the haunted mansion 1:34 1. Micheal James Scott 2. Cafe dumonde (winner winner)

[@TereseDurr-el2rd]

I’m glad you all had a great time

[@iluvcruising]

Glad you all had a great time at Essence Fest. The Fest has grown over the years. And it’s getting better and better. It definitely is great seeing all the wonderful Black Essence all through out the event. You never know who you might run in to. One question: Did you all get to any of the musical performances? To be up front I actually enjoy the convention center experience just as much as the concerts. I haven’t been since covid so I appreciate you all sharing it with us. Oh and by the way. Cafe Du Monde had the beignets that Kyra liked the best and Aaron liked Cafe Beignet best. And Michael James Scott is Genie in the Broadway Aladdin. @akadventures

[@AKAdventures]

Aaron isnt a concert person and my mom and sister weren't feeling the lineup this year so we didn't go. Next year we're hoping to go with more friends so in the evenings I can go to the concerts with my girlfriends and Aaron can hang with his boys!

[@blckgrlctygrdn]

Michael James Scott is the Genie 🧞‍♂️ Cafe du Monde was where you had your favorite beignets 🍩 Love you both!!! 🤎

[@yolandaturner9334]

I love that this was a longer video. It looks like you guys had a blast!!!

[@AKAdventures]

So glad to hear that!! Thanks for watching ☺

[@swaldon2506]

Amazing... Thank you for sharing your adventure!!!

[@elishamc]

YAY!!! This video was awesome!! 1. Michael James Scott and 2. Cafe Du Monde. I know more vlogs are coming. ❤

[@AKAdventures]

Thank you so much!! 😊 Thanks for entering the giveaway! 🙌🏾

[@itzjusfaye]

Oh it’s official. I will Definitely be at Essence 24’. Thank you for another great informative vlog. I now see Disney in a more positive light.

[@mpmlovinlife]

I know recording, editing and putting the videos on your channels is a lot of work. I must say guys make it look so effortless. I really appreciate all that you guys do because your videos are always entertaining and informative. 👍👍👍

[@AKAdventures]

Really appreciate this comment....it is A LOT of work!! But we wouldn't do it unless we loved creating and sharing 😊 Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤

[@TheJovialDarling]

I definitely want to visit New Orleans soon! Essence Fest is on my list too! Thanks for sharing your experience! ❤ 1. Michael James Scott 2. Café Du Monde

[@keishakeesh]

Great video as always... Looks like y'all had a great time! Essence Fest is on my bucket list! Michael James Scott and Cafe Du Monde

[@tweetybrd18]

1. Michael James Scott 2. Cafe Du Monde ( I prefer this one too!)

[@DarLa0341]

Hey AK adventures. Love seeing y'all doing your thang! From Disney to Paris to Essence Fest! Love to see this! 1. Michael James Scott 2. Cafe Du Monde

[@susiehenderson8247]

Hello beautiful couple. I love all your vlogs. Wow Essencefest how amazing. You just keep surprising us. Thanks for all you do.😊

[@AKAdventures]

Hi Susie!! Thank you so much! 😌

[@cherylgriffiths3915]

Love your channel: 1) Michael James Scott & 2) Cafe Du Monde! I visited this cafe back in the 80's! Lol!!

[@MsNikki0713]

Now catching up on videos. Woop, woop, woop...Barbados chef in the buildinggggggg🎉

[@theneals9371]

Loved how you showed us all the great parts of Essence Fest! Y’all are amazing and our fav! For the giveaway, 1. Cafe Du Monde and 2. Micheal James Scott Keep being a light! ❤

[@painter2755]

Love this! Can't wait to see what else you have to share!

[@AKAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!! 😌

[@r.wilson1468]

Love this video. Kyra, your outfits were all on point. So want to go to Essence Fest next year. Answers: 1. Michael James Scott 2. Cafe Du Monde.

[@johnettaelaine]

Great video!! Answer to Questions for Giveaway: 1. Michael Scott & 2. Cafe du Monte 😊

[@asiaj.]

YES “Dont give up and you will get there at your time” and the time is definitely AK Adventures! So happy to see you guys in more spaces being recognized as the amazing content creator that you both are. Oh and y’all killed all the coordinated fashion this trip.

[@AKAdventures]

Thank you so so much!! 🙏🏾❤

[@nathaliedouglas7547]

I can’t wait to see the 2024 one!! Love you guys ❤❤ from 🇨🇦

[@asliceofapple1213]

Great video!!! Love you guys!! Definitely gotta check out Essence Festival in the future! Answers : Micheal James Scott and Cafe’ du Monde

[@cheriethomas844]

Love watching your VLOGS 1. Michael James Scott is the Genie. 2. Cafe Du Monde. I wish I could have made it there. Next year for sure.

[@rowoods652]

Love this vlog. Essence Festival is great! I was there this year and planning to be there next year 1. Michael James Scott 2. Cafe Du Monde

[@bluereign]

That was a great video, very informative. All the brands should be fighting over who gets to fly you out next year!

[@AKAdventures]

From your lips to God's ears!! 🙏🏾 Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@aldyja]

I've always wanted to go to Essence Fest, hopefully I'll get there in 2024. Thanks for such a great vlog! The answers are 1. Michael James Scott as the Genie and 2. Cafe Du Monte for favorite beignet spot (although your husband mentioned that he likes both Cafe Beignet and Cafe Du Monte, but agreed with you about your favorite). 😉

[@chooseyourthoughts7692]

Also, so cool to have Ritual sponsor 👏👏👏

[@flohoward3965]

Loved the video! Michael James Scott played the genie in the broadway version of Aladdin. As for the beignets, Aaron liked Cafe Beignet and Kyra like Cafe Du Monde.

[@arissa0428]

Did a social media fast, SO HAPPY this is the first video on my home page! KZbin knew!!! 🤎 excited for this watch!

[@philanddeetravels]

Now we love Married at 1st site! We would've been trying to get a pic with all of them. But they were playing all the jams at the haunted mention event. Look at Aaron having a fanboy moment. Nawlins beehbeh!!! 😂😂😂 Michael James Scott is awesome and we also love Cafe dumonde. 😜

[@phyllisadams9152]

I live vicariously through you guys. Although my husband and I get to travel at least once a year. I can't wait to see where you go next. 1. Michael James Scott 2. Cafe de Monde Enjoy life!

[@garrettbrown2892]

First of all - I love y’all and always happy to be part of AK fam! Michael James Scott plays Genie on Aladdin on Broadway (and that boy good!) and y’all liked the beignets from Cafe Du Monde the best (and I HIGHLY agree lol). I was in NoLA this year for my birthday and had a great time, definitely planning to go back for Essence!

[@AKAdventures]

Aw happy belated birthday!! What did you do while you were there?? Next time we go we have to do a swamp tour!

[@0329kweenb]

Y'all are making me want to go to the Essence Festival next year!! Question for Kayla: where did you get your large black fan that you held in the beginning of this video? I LOVE a good hand fan!

[@mandybruner731]

Thank you for the video, always enjoy you two❤. The man is micheal james scott, and cafe du monde!!

[@IAmJenniferAlana]

Michael James Scott played the Genie, and Cafe Du Monde was where you love the beinets.

[@callmedarling500]

So much fun!

[@rdjohnson7]

Enjoyed this one. Haven’t been to Essence Fest in years. I really have to get back next year! Michael James Scott and Cafe Du Munde.

[@helenadumas5854]

Nice video! Lakeith Stanfield is such a mood! Love him and love you guys!❤❤

[@roslynbarnett5416]

Another great vlog guys. You never disappoint. The answer to the questions, 1. Cafe Du Monde and 2. Micheal James Scott

[@savoyfam4282]

Hheeyy AK Family!!! The answers to your giveaway questions are: 1) Michael James Scott 2) Cafe du Monde Also, I just wanted to let you know that you guys are fantastic as individuals, a couple, and content creators. I learned of you guys channel around the “vid” and I literally went back and binged watch all your videos like a sitcom lol My children and husband always as ask if I’m on KZbin watching my content couple lol they even watch with me. Keep doing your thang because you guys are a blessing with a special gift!!!! 💗💗

[@AKAdventures]

Oh my goodness 😭 Thank you so so much for the kind words!! It really means so much to us ❤️

[@LindaFennell-nz7el]

Truly appreciate your content. I felt like I was there!!!❤

[@AKAdventures]

Yayy thats the goal! Thanks so much for watching!

[@carlajackson3261]

Great video. Thank you!!

[@sherriward2552]

Cafe Dumonde was your favorite. The genie in Aladdin on Broadway is Michael James Scott. Y'all got me planning a trip to Essence Fest 2024. Hands down my favorite KZbinrs. Thanks for your content and for doing this giveaway.

[@brianpickens8520]

I'm super late but Michael James Scott and Cafe Du Mont is the answers. I love yall energy. It's really refreshing

[@AKAdventures]

Thank you so much, that really means alot to us!

[@DiVaM06]

Hey AK Family, love all of your content ❤. 1. Michael James Scott 2. Cafe Du Monde 🎉🎉

[@paulstrunk662]

1 .) Michael James Scott, 2.) Cafe du Monde, 3.) Absolutely love and always look forward to your videos… helped us plan our own Paris adventure.

[@perke1cannon]

Bons banana fosters are the bomb!

[@chooseyourthoughts7692]

Looks like a fun time!!❤

[@maseratipoe8938]

Hie guys. I loved watching your video. It was 1. Michael James Scott. 2. Cafe du mounds. You liked those better because they are crispier and do not have a sour aftertaste.

[@Loc.dnLoaded]

I may want to go next year! Thanks for the inside scoop! 🤎🙌🏾

[@AKAdventures]

Hi! Let us know if you have any questions! We didn’t go to the concerts this year but I went in 2018 so I have some knowledge on that ❤️ ~ Kyra

[@JennLexiy]

Hey yall Heeey 👋🏼 Thank you for this experience I've always wanted to attend an Essence Festival and I appreciate yall for virtually allowing me to ❤️ 👉🏽Sooo glad to see Courtney and her hair is 🔥 I'm FB friends with your ma Kyra, so I see her everyday 😁 Aaron, Uncle Jimmy's products needs YOU chile cos you was ON IT 😁 ❣️Lastly, Kyra your brunch fit from JBolin was absolutely PERFECT 🥰 📣 Answers: ~Michael Scott was wearing the heck outta that PINK honey 💖💕💓 ~Cafe Du Monde with the iconic beignets since 1862 😍

[@ninabeena83]

The beignet lean is a very real thing 😂😂 and I swear that waiter has been working at that cafe du monde for 20+ years, or a doppelgänger relative of his lol *not even gonna try to enter the giveaway, I’m just gonna order me a couple new oils😅

[@NuDiet]

I loved your video, it made me want to plan to go next year. I went many years ago, but the heat😂 The answers to the contest is, Michael James Scott and Cafe Dumont

[@epenson76]

great video again AK. 1.Michael James Scott 2. Cafe du Mont

[@expressedforlife3018]

Cafe Beignet was the best!!!

[@cedrickj1528]

Great video! Keep up the great content. I hope you guys consider doing more content in dry land lol. 1. Michael James Scott 2. Cafe Du Monde

[@AKAdventures]

Hey thanks so much! That’s the goal…a good mix of both, not just cruises. Thanks for watching and for entering the giveaway! 🙌🏾

[@JaguarPride3]

I was so excited meeting you guys and I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves!! Come on back now ya hear?!??!

[@AKAdventures]

Ahhh it was so nice to meet you!!!! See you next year? ☺

[@shakiyagotdreams2299]

This is so dope❤🎉

[@Percussiongurl]

Love the vlog. This is a dream to go to Essence

[@olegacydynastyllc3842]

Michael J. Scott & Cafe DuMonde, even though Aaron was originally voting for Cafe Beignet😂

[@sheilaignacio6358]

Michael James Scott and Cafe DuMonde. And a bonus when your back in New Orleans go eat breakfast at Two Chicks Cafe @ 920 Gravier St the food is cook to order it’s FIRE !!

[@michellepj8809]

This vlog was so great!

[@kat64470]

Tiffany Haddish is hilarious and a fellow Hebrew. I am thinking of attending Essence next year. Thanks for taking us along.

[@markstringer4452]

I was expecting a vlog from your 4 day disney cruise. Hope that is coming soon. 😊

[@AKAdventures]

Yes, next vlog!

[@kiggy07]

Loved the vlog! It took me back to Essence Fest.. it wa a whole VIBEEEE.. as far as beignets me & my crew prefer Cafe Beignet over Du Mond.. fluffier, tastier..Du Mond’s were too tough imo.. next time y’all are there check out Lorretta’s in the French Market 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@ennisiahenderson7624]

Thank ya'll for sharing your experience, I truly didn't know what a weekend at Essence was like. Looking forward to trying the body oil. I, like ya'll, prefer Cafe Du Monde. The genie's name is Michale James Scott.

[@tdm3301]

I enjoyed this video a lot. It was great!

[@AKAdventures]

Glad to hear it! thanks for watching!

[@claudiadisu5019]

Hello my favorite couple. So happy to view your vlogs. The answers are: Michael James Scott,and Cafe Dumonde.

[@honeyhush987]

Cafe du monde was the best tasting beignets I’ve been there before and they are the best, I really enjoyed this video you all were having so much fun it seemed like I was there with you I haven’t been to New Orleans in years like in the 80s regularly and then the last was in 2006 , I would like to go again,but I enjoyed you guys so take care see you on your next video thanks for sharing,from Birmingham Alabama ❤❤😊

[@LeAnnaOzoKo0l]

K you look sooo good in ORANGE the melanin pops! A: “like Olivia Pope” K: “NO!” 😂😅 Thanks for highlighting the Men’s zone my cousin really enjoyed that zone and was relieved to see it!

[@tiffanyblount7560]

Michael James Scott and Cafe Du Monde. Love the vlog.

[@OfficialKeithInTexas]

That lens is fire

[@AKAdventures]

Thank you!! Aaron definitely picked a good one 🙌🏾

[@JeazieTV]

I was like Aaron when I went to Essence Fest I’ve never been around that many black people…being from Nebraska and all I loved it!!!!

[@cynthiatravelingqueen9095]

nice video have fun thanks for sharing i love essence festival

[@LifewithSanDee]

Hey AK FAMILY!!!!!!! CAFE DU MONDE and the actor is Michael James Scott. keep pushing out great vlogs!

[@TheKerahaan]

Beautiful video!!!

[@AKAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@kris7200]

Michael James Scott and Cafe Beignet. You said Cafe Dumond was giving sourdough taste lol!