Disneyland’s Dapper Dans have been entertaining guests on Main Street USA since 1959. The idea of “atmosphere entertainment” can be traced back to Walt Disney himself, and Disneyland’s Director of Entertainment in1959, Chuck Corson. Chuck was the second director serving under Tommy Walker, the original Director of Entertainment since park opening in 1955.
The idea was to create some type of entertainment that would keep guests entertained throughout the day, to make a long story short. Chuck found a group of local singers, leveraged Disney’s music catalog, and created a Disneyland original; the rest is history.
According to the Disneyland’s Resort Guide:
Pinstripes and Puns on Main Street, U.S.A.
Gather ‘round when the Dapper Dans come to town, the finest barbershop quartet in a 2-block radius! Wearing their colorful pinstriped suits, straw hats, and taps, this 4-man group sings a scintillating selection of a capella Americana and Disney tunes
During the holidays, the Dapper Dans take on a whole new level of entertainment and charm. There is something magical about Disneyland itself during the holidays. Disneyland Town Square is in the center of that charm. A horse-drawn trolley approaching via Main Street USA, the lighting of the Christmas tree, or maybe knowing that you’re standing in the shadow of Walt’s apartment just above the Disneyland Fire Station.
We all know the story of the light in the window of the apartment. If the light was on, Walt was in the park and since his passing in 1966, the light is always on. During the holidays, the light is replaced with a small Christmas tree. What better way to start SamsDisneyDiary’s 12 Days of Christmas than with the Disneyland Dapper Dans performing in Town Square directly in front of Walt’s apartment.
Thanks for watching and listening to SamsDisneyDiary. Be sure to check out all 12 days of Christmas with the 12 Days of Christmas playlist.
More Wonderful World of Disney: Tricks of the Trade (1957), Disneyland 4th Anniversary Show, NBC Salutes 25 years of Wonderful World of Disney, Sandy Duncan Visits Disneyland 1976, Christmas at Disney World 1978, Disneyland the Park 1957, The best of Disney 50 years of Magic, Disneyland 25th Anniversary, Disneyland After Dark 1963, Disneyland Showtime 1970, Disneyland 1967
Don’t miss The Disneyland Band and the Dapper Dans, Looking for some Christmas Magic? Check out the Magic Kingdom Trolley Show
