Disneyland Dapper Day – A guide for families

February 25, 2018 in All Posts, disneyland resort, holidays, other holidays by Lisa Robertson

There are a variety of unofficial themed days and weekends throughout the year at the Disneyland Resort. Put on by clubs, groups and organizations not affiliated with Disney, these special days range from those celebrating villains to Harry Potter to the spirit of aloha–and all of which typically include dressing up in a certain theme. I will admit, there is nothing I love more than a good theme. And while I have attended (and dressed up for) several unofficial fan dress-up days, my very, very favorite is Dapper Day.

What is Dapper Day?

Dapper Day is simply a day to get dressed up and go to Disneyland. Most who attend in Dapper Day style, wear vintage inspired fashions, but really anything goes. The idea is to just get dressed up like folks did back in the 1950s. Many Dapper Day attendees head over to Disney California Adventure in attire befitting for the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s.

Check out this video slideshow of pics from a past Dapper Day:

Dapper Day is hosted by an outside organization and is not affiliated with Disney. The event is held twice per year–typically in the spring and fall. Dapper Day itself is usually on a Sunday, with a special Dapper Day Expo hosted at the Disneyland Hotel Saturday and Sunday. The Expo is a celebration of all things dapper and an amazing place to get clothing, accessories and other items that celebrate the dapper lifestyle.

Family guide to Dapper Day at Disneyland

My mom shopping at the Dapper Day Expo.

When is Dapper Day?

Check www.DapperDay.com for all of the updated dates for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World!

Do you need a special ticket to attend Dapper Day?

Nope! Dapper Day is a regular admission day and not a private party. If you have an annual pass and it is not blocked out that day, you can attend using your pass.

Is Dapper Day weekend more crowded than other weekends?

In a word, yes. If you visit the parks Dapper Day weekend, you can’t throw a churro without hitting someone dressed in their finest. The parks ARE more crowded on Dapper Day weekend because the event attracts thousands of extra guests. I’ll be honest, dressed up for Dapper Day you will get the absolute cutest pics of your kids EVER!

Is Dapper Day a day for kids and families?

Yes! My kids LOVE getting dressed up and seeing other people dressed up! We always have such a blast. Once we started including my parents in on the fun, it became a big family affair.

Tips for taking kids to Dapper Day

Keep ’em comfortable! Skip the dress shoes and make sure they can walk all day without complaining. Because Dapper Day is in the spring and fall, you never know if it is going to be hot or cool, so bring layers, just in case.
I always wear a dress, which is really fun, but always go with sensible shoes (flats). As much as I want to throw on heals, I resist my inner diva and go for comfort. Watch the weather report just before and make sure it won’t be windy. Mommies can’t hold down their skirts and their kids’ hands at the same time!
Bring a change of clothes in case they just can’t stand their fancy duds.
Remember that even though it’s Dapper Day, it isn’t “stain-free day!” Disneyland can be messy, so don’t be disappointed if those pristine clothes come home dirty.
You don’t have to spend a ton on the kids’ clothes! I bought my boys’ ties at a children’s resale store and utilized pants and shirts they already owned. We’ve been able to get some pretty stylish duds at Target!

Are there hotel discounts for Dapper Day?

Deeply discounted rooms are available for Dapper Day weekend at the Resort hotels. You can find out more on the Dapper Day website. Do note, however, that these specially priced rooms do book quickly.

Are there Dapper Day events at other Disney Parks and Reports?

Yes! There are Dapper Day events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris each year. You can get those dates on the Dapper Day website, as well.

Looking for a place to get great Dapper Day fashion?

If you live in So Cal and you are looking for a fun day out, you can a TON of amazing clothing stores specializing in fine vintage clothing and incredible vintage-inspired clothing in one fun trip to Burbank’s historic Magnolia Park. It’s seriously a day of amazing shopping at notable stores like Pin-Up Girl Boutique, Unique Vintage, Audrey K and Playclothes–just to name a few. You can easily get something for everyone to wear while shopping on Magnolia! If you time it just right, you can also head over to Walt Disney’s Barn, located not too far away in Griffith Park! (Click here for more info on Walt’s Barn.)

Check out some of our other Dapper Day posts!

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About Lisa Robertson

Lisa is the publisher and editor of Babes In Disneyland. She loves all things Disney and really loves hearing from fans who have learned from the blog or have questions. She can be contacted via email, the Babes In Disneyland Facebook fan page and Twitter. She can also be followed on Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.