Dapper Day at Disneyland
Dapper Day is an unofficial Disney event celebrating the joy of parading around in your “Sunday best.” It started in 2011, and has grown into a huge event that happens twice a year — they estimated that 20,000-30,000 people took part yesterday! There are no hard and fast rules for Dapper Day, just show up at Disneyland, have fun, and make sure you’re dressed to impress.
Despite having had a Disneyland annual pass for the past 9 years, I’ve never participated in Dapper Day before. I’m so glad we went this year! Mark and I donned our snazziest get ups and had a fabulous time walking through the parks and – best of all – people watching! There were so many amazingly creative ensembles.
The outfit
As is typical of my decision making process, I didn’t mentally commit to doing Dapper Day until the last minute. So, I was a little short on time to figure out an outfit. Amazon Prime to the rescue!
This dress fit the bill, and was only $30! I finished off the look with a black petticoat, white lace gloves, floppy hat, and a pair of saddle shoes. Funny story: the shoes are actually more than 10 years old and they’re not even real “shoes,” — they’re jazz shoes from when I used to dance competitively in grade school. One of those “why do I still have these?” items that came in handy for once.
Christmas in November
On top of the Dapper Day festivities, Disneyland has been in full blown Christmas mode since the day after Halloween. The season doesn’t officially start until November 10th, but Main Street and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle are all dressed up and more holiday details keep sneaking in on the daily.
It’s truly the best time of the year, and I am so glad that the 60th Celebration isn’t getting in the way this time around.
(How dapper are these ducks!?)
Final check-out
As a less gleeful aside, Tower of Terror has been replaced by this graham cracker monstrosity. They’re replacing the beloved, classic Twilight Zone ride with “Mission: BREAKOUT,” a Guardians of the Galaxy themed eyesore.
Yup, you read that right. They’re replacing one of the most popular, well made, and perfectly themed rides at DCA with a tacky Marvel attraction. If I sound bitter, it’s cause I am. I’m trying to reserve judgment for when the final product is unveiled next year, but based off the concept art? Yikes. Not a good look, Disney.
Tower of Terror sadness not withstanding, my first Dapper Day was a success! It was an exceptionally crowded day (Cove Bar wait time was 1 hr 45 mins, omg) but well worth it for all the people-watching, skirt twirling, and general snazziness. We had cocktails at Carthay, and finished off the evening with the tasting menu at Napa Rose. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.
Can’t wait for the next Dapper Day!
xo.
(P.S. Happy Election Day! GO VOTE.)
