Disneyland After Dark
On January 18, Disneyland began the new event series called "Disneyland After Dark". In the first installment, they had a "Throwback Nite" honoring the 50's and 60's. Disney has seen how big the Dapper market is and they threw a party just for people like us!
My accessory "buffet" for my friends to hit as we got ready for the party.
Back in the day, Disneyland used to have something called "Date Nites" where they would open the park in the evening on Fridays and Saturdays, for adults only. There would be live bands and chances for people to take in the Park on warm summer nights. If you want to feel the vibe take a listen to this jazzy album that we discovered on Amazon.
Recently, Disney Parks announced that they would be starting a new After Dark series, starting with a 50's and 60's theme night. As of this moment, there isn't any news on what the follow up events will be. But I have heard rumors that there will be themed "nites" like "Star Wars". My prayer to the universe is that they will do an '80's themed affair and bring back my teenage favorite... Videopolis. If you aren't familiar, please take a moment to Google it.
January is my birthday month. Personally, I absolutely detest celebrating my birthday. Ironically, I love celebrating other people's birthdays; just not mine. My friends like to go out and do not seem to be able to take "no" for an answer. The Disneyland Throwback Nite seemed like the perfect solution! Sadly, my very dear friend, who also has a January birthday got horribly sick and could not make it. But the rest of us were able to rally, get spiffed up and make the drive down to Anaheim during peak traffic. Thank you, Lizzie, for giving me the best birthday present EVER by driving my tired keister down there.
The party lanyard and commemorative map/guide
Upon arrival, we were given this killer lanyard along with this retro-inspired Map/Guide. There were a ton of special photo ops, unusual character greetings (hello, Merlin!), loads of live entertainment options and special dining offerings from "back in the day". My favorite was the "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks show that was a recreation of the show that was once seen at the old "Date Nites".
Just hanging out in a Skybucket with my besties
One of many "exhibits" throughout the Park featuring classic Disneyland posters
They had a ton of photo opportunities... the 1961 Bel Air with Disneyland Marquee, the Malt Shoppe set up at Refreshment Corner and the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. But the "exhibits" were just as popular. (If you have been reading our blog/listening to our podcast for long you know that we l are big fans of the Skyway ride, may it rest in peace.) For the most part, these classic attraction posters were placed near where their rides once stood. The Skyway exhibit was not anywhere close to where it was (it was set up just outside of Toontown), BUT it must be stated that Dumbo is currently being refurbished and if they had placed it where it should have been, it would have been hidden for almost all to see. So no judgement, here. I was elated to have this chance.
Riding It's a Small World Holiday, mid-January = BLISS
It was a busy Holiday season and I was quite sad to not get to ride on It's a Small World. I love this ride, but it is best at Christmas. My friend, Lizzie had never been on this ride. She LOVED it.
The best part about this party was the fact that you could walk onto the rides, over and over again. Totally worth the price of admission.
Overall, it was an incredible night with friends. If I didn't have to be at work early the next day I would have lobbied to stay later. Two thumbs up, all the way.