Dapper Day Help Please?

[NoIdea]

Could someone please explain to me what the Dapper Days involve? We'll be there from Aus from the 2/27 till 3/6. Are we required to dress up? It doesn't appeal to us to be perfectly honest. Will they still offer the VIP tours on the Dapper Days? Will they still have WOC and the fireworks on the weekend? Thanks in advance

 

[Geemo]

Could someone please explain to me what the Dapper Days involve? We'll be there from Aus from the 2/27 till 3/6. Are we required to dress up? It doesn't appeal to us to be perfectly honest. Will they still offer the VIP tours on the Dapper Days? Will they still have WOC and the fireworks on the weekend? Thanks in advance

It's people dressing in 50's attire. It's an unofficial event at Disneyland.

No one is required to dress up, it's totally optional.

I'm sure VIP tours will go on as usual.

During the dates you note, fireworks and fantasmic is usually only on weekend. WOC has been both weekend and weekdays.

You might want to check out the Dapper Days web site. Even if dressing up isn't your thing, you might find some of what they have to offer interesting.

http://dapperday.com/spring-2015-disneyland-ca

They have special offers for hotel and tickets. If I could, I'd go to just see those dressing up and to enjoy the parks at a reduced rate.

Geemo

 

[NoIdea]

Thankyou Geemo
I did read that the fireworks etc will only be on weekends, we are fine with that.
Though I am hoping they'll do them on the Sunday night too, as I'd imagine we would all be rather tired on the Friday and Saturday

 

[whoever]

Just to clarify, its not specifically 1950s attire. Its all things dapper. We went for 1930s this Feb, and are going late 50s-early 60s next month. (pics in sig)

It will be HORRIBLY busy on the actual Dapper Day, which is the Friday of the weekend this year.

You are not required to participate even if you are using the DD discounts for hotel/tickets.

Its a FUN time.

 

[DizMe]

It's going to be extremely busy during Dapper Day weekend! Just be prepared for huge crowds on Sunday. It's fun to see everyone dress up, though!

It isn't just 50s. You can dress dapper from any period, including today or the future. It's about dressing up the way they used to ("Sunday best") when the park was built, which is why the 50s are such a popular time frame. However, the unofficial guide most people use is to choose a time period during Walt's life and/or career, so you'll see 20s, 30s, 40s, etc represented. You'll see turn of the century, and you'll see a mixture. Most people do prefer a vintage look but it doesn't have to be and you don't have to dress up at all if you don't want to. The events that Dapper Day includes will be things like meet-ups for photos in the hub and in front of Carthay, riding the Mark Twain, and there is a big party at Jazz Kitchen later at night.

Dapper Day is not a Disney sponsored event so it doesn't close down any attractions, but it is very popular and is becoming more so. This spring is a BIG Dapper Day event, as they're combining it with a celebration of Disney's 60th anniversary.

You can always take advantage of the half-price rooms at the resort hotels since your visit coincides with the dates. You don't have to participate in anything; just make your reservation through the dapper day website.

ETA: Ha! whoever beat me to it

 

[pepe3penelope]

We went last year on a Saturday and it was sooooo busy. We didn't dress up but thought it was neat when we saw people who did.

 

[Amommy21]

Be prepared that over the Dapper Day event there are times that areas they choose for a meet up will be swarmed with people. Maybe fantasyland around the carousel or something like that. And basically if you were hoping to catch a few rides in that area it will be impossible.

This past year on Dapper Day we had major problems at the hotel trying to get lunch. We were staying at the Grand and had gone to the pool to swim and rest before we went to get dressed up for our Napa Rose reservations. So we knew we had dinner coming. We just wanted a small lunch. White water snacks DH waited like 40 minutes in line and was told it would be another 40 min for anything he ordered. So we went back to the room to try to get room service while we were cleaning up. Room service wouldn't even pick up the phone they were so slammed. We gave up because by that time we were dressed up. So we entered DCA and it was swarmed with people. This was probably the reason White Water Snacks was slammed, everyone came over from the park trying to get refreshment. Carthay Circle was no longer letting people into the lounge. It was crazy. We took pictures and enjoyed the crowd. Then headed over to our Napa Rose reservations.

If you weren't prepared for the event I could see how it could be difficult to deal with if you are just touring the parks as a usual day. I recommend checking their website and knowing what events they have planned and where so you can choose to go and people watch or avoid those areas of the park. It is super fun and will make you wish you dressed up, even an accessory or something fun as a nod to the event. But we have noticed the last two years have been like snowball effect and there are so many more people participating.

 

[whoever]

. Room service wouldn't even pick up the phone they were so slammed. .

I couldn't even get Bell services to pickup. It was CRAZY

 

[DizMe]

So if we're going for spring Dapper Day, would you suggest a different hotel? I have reservations at GCH, but if it's that busy I'm wondering if DLH might be better?

 

[whoever]

So if we're going for spring Dapper Day, would you suggest a different hotel? I have reservations at GCH, but if it's that busy I'm wondering if DLH might be better?

Every hotel will be sold out. I'd stay at the Grand.

 

[DizMe]

Every hotel will be sold out. I'd stay at the Grand.

I know they'll be sold out, but because all of the events are at GCH, I figure that makes them busier and attracts more people from elsewhere, increasing the congestion. Maybe they'll have more staff to handle it this year.

 

[julesann]

So if we're going for spring Dapper Day, would you suggest a different hotel? I have reservations at GCH, but if it's that busy I'm wondering if DLH might be better?

We stayed at the GCH for February Dapper Day. We really didn't notice the impact in a significant way except for utter craziness (long lines, overwhelmed bartenders) at the Hearthstone Lounge in the afternoon on Sunday. We left and went to DTD and found a great spot. Later in the evening, it seemed like it was back to normal. We also checked in early around 12:00 on Saturday (stored our luggage) and didn't have a line, although lines increased significantly later in the day when we came back when our room was ready (though it didn't matter as we'd already checked in). I'd stay there again (I am for this September), although I did find we mostly people watched on the actual DD afternoon and didn't aim for many rides as it was crowded, but quite delightful if you are in the right mindset.

 

[DizMe]

We stayed at the GCH for February Dapper Day. We really didn't notice the impact in a significant way except for utter craziness (long lines, overwhelmed bartenders) at the Hearthstone Lounge in the afternoon on Sunday. We left and went to DTD and found a great spot. Later in the evening, it seemed like it was back to normal. We also checked in early around 12:00 on Saturday (stored our luggage) and didn't have a line, although lines increased significantly later in the day when we came back when our room was ready (though it didn't matter as we'd already checked in). I'd stay there again (I am for this September), although I did find we mostly people watched on the actual DD afternoon and didn't aim for many rides as it was crowded, but quite delightful if you are in the right mindset.

Thanks, julesann! We were there last Sept and had no problems staying at GCH. In fact, it was very convenient since we went to the Dapper Day salon and the meet-up on the terrace during WOC. We had reservations for Feb but I had to have surgery instead. We're going to be there (GCH) in Sept again for DD. We just made our spring reservations but I had heard that Feb. was the big crush so I began to think maybe I ought to change over to DLH. I think I'll just keep it as is, though, since we're checking in on Fri and out on Mon. I want to be close for the presentations etc. Thanks so much for your insight!

 

[julesann]

So Welcome DizMe. Glad to help out a fellow Disboarder and Chicoan .

 

[DizMe]

So Welcome DizMe. Glad to help out a fellow Disboarder and Chicoan .

Oh, wow! I'm sending you a PM!

 

[Disneyluvr2]

So Welcome DizMe. Glad to help out a fellow Disboarder and Chicoan .

How cool! Another Chicoan! DizMe and I met here on the boards and have been great friends ever since! It's nice to see someone from your own backyard here on the boards!

 

[Amommy21]

Book The Grand if it's what you want. Just beware that the event seems to morph into something bigger each time.

DisME I remembered you missed Feb. We planned to go back for spring break and I ended up having emergency surgery. DS went without us and some friends. So this Sept trip is DH's way of making up for the fact that I spent our spring break trip in the hospital.

I hope you all have a lovely time, participating in DD or not. Just be aware.

I cannot even tell you how frustrating it was to not have basic services at the hotel available to us as a guest. Especially at THE Grand, where we have always felt so spoiled. The only thing that rivals that experience was the time we flew 6 hours to WDW ON my DH's 40th birthday. We checked in at the beach club thinking we would be able to just walk in and have dinner when we were ready. After taking care of ticketing issues (updating our AP's to Premier's) it was 8pm, we were STARVING as we had been up since early that morning for our flight and all we wanted to do was eat, having some extra special birthday dessert at The Beach Club and go to bed so we could refresh for our first real day in the parks. WELL, apparently you cannot eat in WDW unless you make reservations. We kinda knew this and had some scattered throughout out trip. But really didn't imagine eating at a walk up place at the resort we were staying at would be so impossible. To top it off the other two restaurants were over and hour wait. I just lots it (low blood sugar mommy came out). Lesson learned, in WDW make ressies for every meal!

 

[DizMe]

Book The Grand if it's what you want. Just beware that the event seems to morph into something bigger each time.

DisME I remembered you missed Feb. We planned to go back for spring break and I ended up having emergency surgery. DS went without us and some friends. So this Sept trip is DH's way of making up for the fact that I spent our spring break trip in the hospital.

I hope you all have a lovely time, participating in DD or not. Just be aware.

I cannot even tell you how frustrating it was to not have basic services at the hotel available to us as a guest. Especially at THE Grand, where we have always felt so spoiled. The only thing that rivals that experience was the time we flew 6 hours to WDW ON my DH's 40th birthday. We checked in at the beach club thinking we would be able to just walk in and have dinner when we were ready. After taking care of ticketing issues (updating our AP's to Premier's) it was 8pm, we were STARVING as we had been up since early that morning for our flight and all we wanted to do was eat, having some extra special birthday dessert at The Beach Club and go to bed so we could refresh for our first real day in the parks. WELL, apparently you cannot eat in WDW unless you make reservations. We kinda knew this and had some scattered throughout out trip. But really didn't imagine eating at a walk up place at the resort we were staying at would be so impossible. To top it off the other two restaurants were over and hour wait. I just lots it (low blood sugar mommy came out). Lesson learned, in WDW make ressies for every meal!

Oh, I remember that! Funny we both ended up missing out due to surgery. Well, at least we can make it to this DD (knock on wood!). This time it was my buddy, disneyluvr2, who had the surgery! She's recovering nicely, though, and says she is going to go to DD if we have to carry her there in an urn .

Man, I would've lost it at WDW, too. I don't know much about it and I can see myself making that mistake. Who would think you couldn't get something to eat at your hotel without waiting hours?

 

[Disneyluvr2]

Oh, I remember that! Funny we both ended up missing out due to surgery. Well, at least we can make it to this DD (knock on wood!). This time it was my buddy, disneyluvr2, who had the surgery! She's recovering nicely, though, and says she is going to go to DD if we have to carry her there in an urn .

Ah hahahaha!! That's right DizMe!! And don't forget to put my Dapper Day facinator on top of that urn! LOL!! I should be in pretty good shape by Dapper Day. I'll miss going on the rides this trip, but I'll be the official photographer instead.

 

[DizMe]

Ah hahahaha!! That's right DizMe!! And don't forget to put my Dapper Day facinator on top of that urn! LOL!! I should be in pretty good shape by Dapper Day. I'll miss going on the rides this trip, but I'll be the official photographer instead.

It's Dapper Day! Who needs rides!! We'll just stroll around looking lovely

My favorite shots of disneyluvr2 from last Sept DD: