Like many of you sensational 50’s pin up gals with a crush on disney, a Dapper Day adventure has been high on my to-do list for … well … since it started. Sadly I’m never anywhere near America when they happen, but I was lucky enough to visit the Disneyland Paris event this year and I’m excited to share that it was as fun and as gloriously O.T.T as I anticipated!
For those new to the concept, Dapper Day is a fan organised event that happens twice a year in the Floridian, Californian and Parisian Disney theme parks. It’s not supported by the company itself (which seems like an ill thought-out decision), as the concept is to relive the magic of when the park initially opened. Back in the 50’s and 60’s people came in their hoards wearing their Sunday Best for their visits. Yes it was hot, and yes they got sweaty, but as this was such a big treat for the family there was no way in heck they would be rocking up wearing jeans, t shirts or anything remotely comfortable. On a side note, Disneyland even had a dedicated Date Nite for couples back then, where rides would stay open late and live bands would play right into the wee small hours of the morning. This, FYI, is pretty much my ideal dream date ever.
For modern day Dapper Day Paris, guys and dolls from all around Europe traveled to Disneyland for the big weekend. Everyone makes a huge effort to embrace all kinds of vintage fashion and look absolutely awe inspiring throughout their time there. Durning the weekend there is organised meet ups and photo shoots, and plenty of opportunities to collectively ride those old classics together like the Haunted House, the Riverboat, the carousel and (I unfortunately missed ye-ole-timey visit to) the Hollywood Tower for my all time favourite ride: the Tower of Terror.
What I loved about the event is how blindingly accepting and overwhelmingly supportive people were of one another. There is no pretentiousness anywhere. It didn’t matter where you were from, what size you were, what sexuality or gender, age, era, how much or little money you spent to dress up… everyone was just completely stoked to find fellow vintage-loving-disney-fanatics. I have to say, it was straight up beautiful. It’s a lovely way to make new friends and get inspired to live life how you choose to do so best. People who do vintage and cosplay are often shy, but there is no greater ice breaker than being in such an inspiring place that’s full of thrills and whimsy to be able to chat about.
Although it’s only a small fraction of the size of it’s American siblings, Disneyland Paris’s Dapper Day is growing with every event and is defo worth venturing out to. Okay, we don’t have those incredible vintage inspired disneybound dresses and the weather is a bit grim, but you get to meet people from Spain, Germany, UK, France, the Netherlands and beyond which is absolutely incredible. It’s fun seeing kids face’s light up when you’re all together because they’ve never seen anything quite like it (mind, neither had I!), and if you’re living in the UK, you can get there dirt cheap if you play your cards right!
I’m hoping to get out to Dapper Day again sometime soon, but for those of you who’ve got the itch, the next one is happening on the 9th of September! For more information, visit Dapper Day’s website and Dapper Day / Disneybound France Facebook Page … hope to see you there!
I’ll be sharing more pictures from my Disneyland Paris adventure shortly – this year celebrates it’s 25th year which is a monumental birthday that’s definitely worth celebrating! xox
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