I remember the first time I found out about Dapper Day. It was 2 years ago and I was at the park on a random Sunday. I kept seeing people dressed up and couldn’t stop wondering about it. Since then, I’ve unknowingly found myself at Disneyland on Dapper Day twice and each time have been increasingly impressed by the creativity and just how GOOD everyone looks. If you’re like me, then you’ve been curious about it too. I’ve just been too nervous to try it for myself – but not anymore! I am officially a Dapper Day convert, and because the experience was so wonderful I wanted to share a little bit about it here with all of you!
First, I’ll totally admit that I would never have done Dapper Day on my own if a friend hadn’t asked me to join his squad. This is one of those events where I felt like I needed to do it with someone. I wish I was bolder and more courageous but I’m not. Luckily I met the nicest person in this Disney community who invited me to join his friends for the day! And because of this kind gesture I’ve now experienced it for myself. For those reading this post, who’ve always wanted to try it, I would highly encourage you to participate – with friends or without! Here’s why: EVERYONE IS SOOOO NICE ON DAPPER DAY! Disney is always the happiest place on earth but sometimes it is not always the friendliest (you know what I mean). On Sunday, there was more love being spread around than I’ve ever seen before! I met so many amazing people and had a smile plastered to my face the entire day. So please please go, even if it’s just for that alone!
The group I was with decided to Disneybound as characters from Sleeping Beauty for this year’s first Dapper Day, which was so much fun. You don’t have to Disneybound on Dapper Day if that’s not your cup of tea, though. While researching in preparation for this year’s event what I learned is that Dapper Day is just about dressing up and celebrating a time when that was the social norm at Disneyland. There is no specific period you need to emulate (although some people say ‘50s/’60s) and there are no rules you have to follow when participating. It’s just a time to get fancy and walk around the park with other people doing the same.
One of my favorite things about the day were all of the different photo opportunities available around the park. There are cast members walking around with Dapper Day frames and also Photopass Photographers stationed at different areas around both Disneyland and California Adventure that they normally wouldn’t be at. We spent most of the day taking pictures, which I’m sure is what a lot of people do.
A quick comment on footwear: Ladies usually wear either heels or flats. I wanted to wear heels but was afraid I wouldn’t be able to hang all day if I did that. (I’m not great in heels on a normal day, let alone at Disney with all that walking). A friend of mine suggested I look into Character Shoes, which was the suggestion that saved my life. You can get Character Shoes online or at any dance store. They’re made for you to be able to walk comfortably around. I walked over 6 miles while we were there and by the end my feet hurt pretty badly. (I was there from 9am-9pm). So I will say, if you’re planning to stay at the parks that long bring some band-aids, mole skin, socks, or flip flops in case things get uncomfortable. That said, my feet really didn’t start hurting until around 4pm so I went most of the day feeling quite comfortable in those Character Shoes.
All in all, it was such a beautiful wonderful day that I can now say I’m hooked on Dapper Day and will be back in the Fall. Would love to hear your stories from this year’s Dapper Day! What do you love about it? What have you experienced in past years?
