Most fans of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort are familiar with the Dapper Dan musical group that graces Main Street with their perfect harmonies and fun song selections!
You’ll be glad to hear that they’re still around, despite 2020 weirdness. As a matter of fact, they have taken on a Halloween twist for the remaining weeks of October so don’t miss them when visiting the park this month.
As popular as the Dapper Dans are, you may have never heard of Dapper Day in the Disney parks!
How it all started…
Justin Jorgensen is a self-proclaimed “eccentric dresser” who grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. As a child he visited a Dapper Dan store in Winnipeg (shout out to Concierge Marie) and remembers asking his mother, “What does dapper mean?” The rest is history!
In spring of 2011, Justin started a social media campaign, inviting his friends to join him in their sophisticated attire inside Disneyland park in southern California.
The original Dapper Day event included a spontaneous Mark Twain Mixer on the Mark Twain Riverboat and – my favorite – the Dapper Derby, held on the King Arthur Carousel. Close to 100 people participated in the first Dapper Day that spring.
The number of participants grew to 500 by the fall of that same year when Justin announced the second Dapper Day. And the numbers keep growing!
Nearly a decade later, you’ll find THOUSANDS of park goers participating in Dapper Day events on both the east and west coast properties!
Upcoming Dapper Days
If you have an upcoming November 2020 trip to Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll see park goers wearing their Disney finest in…
- Hollywood Studios on November 21st
- Magic Kingdom park on November 22nd
In 2021, Walt Disney World Resort guests can participate on April 24th and 25th.
There are no fall dates for Disneyland Resort in 2020 but April 11, 2021 has been set as the date for Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park. As matter of fact, there will be a Dapper Day Expo held at the Disneyland Hotel on April 10th and 11th where guests can buy apparel and accessories!
While Dapper Day may not be an official Disney event, it’s unifying to see park guests come together with their creative minds to celebrate Disney-inspired fashion!! You’ll see a variety of outfits from vintage dresses to elaborately themed costumes. I have been known to stop people to take pictures, and I think they love it!
No matter how you choose to step out in style — as a participant or spectator — you’ll have a blast, so don’t hesitate to join the fun! And if you ever needed an(other) excuse to visit the parks in November or April…HERE YOU GO!!
For more information about Dapper Day, follow the Instagram page @dapperday