Date Nite at Disneyland Tips
Wondering how to spend a romantic date night at Disneyland? This post gives you tips and recommendations for an evening in the park with your significant other: where to dine, what to do, and ways to enjoy an “adult” evening in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure while still retaining that sense of childhood whimsy that makes the parks special.
Like so many fans, we are nostalgic for Disneyland’s past. While our nostalgia for Walt Disney World encompasses extinct attractions that we experienced as kids, we have no such history with Disneyland. Rather, that nostalgia at Disneyland is for the park’s own history. Its connection to Walt Disney, Americana, and the park’s rich legacy that has made it a cultural touchstone and entertainment icon.
In looking through my old books of Disneyland concept art, I find myself overcome with a sense of nostalgia, and yearn for what the park used to be. One of these things was “Date Nite at Disneyland.” (Hence the title of this post.) Just looking through those marketing materials and photos will have you pining for a bygone era, and (if you’re like us) will make you want to plan a special, adult evening at Disneyland. (I suspect this sense of nostalgia was one of the original motivations behind Dapper Day.)
Fortunately, you don’t have to attend Dapper Day to have your own adult evening at Disneyland. Whether you’re honeymooning at Disneyland or just want an evening away from the kids, here are some of the ways that you can have your own Date Nite at Disneyland…
Dress the Part – Rather than going for a pin-up or period costume like you’ll find common at Dapper Days, we prefer timeless and traditional styles. Like what you’d actually see in 1950s photos, rather than idealized or caricatured interpretations of the era.
We also skew more towards practical attire that is feasible in a theme park (and weather-appropriate). Usually this means a sport coat and slacks (even a coat coupled with dark jeans or khakis will work) and dresses. Pairing your outfit with traditional Mickey Mouse ears is a great, playful contrast, and provides a whimsical vibe.
A Nice Meal… – Our go-to for this has become Napa Rose, where we’ve done the standard dining room, the lounge, and the Chef’s Counter. We like this for special occasions like birthdays, and have also enjoyed Thanksgiving Dinner at Napa Rose. The appeal for us is that this is outside of the parks, so the atmosphere is typically a bit more befitting of a fine dining restaurant; if we are going to drop a lot of money on a meal for a “date night,” we prefer this type of atmosphere over something more casual.
If you would prefer something more casual, we think Cafe Orleans is another great option. We did this last year for Thanksgiving, and it was definitely more laid back than Napa Rose (and significantly cheaper). You also get the in-park ambiance, which is great. For the best of both worlds, Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure and Blue Bayou in Disneyland are good picks.
Kiddie Attractions – If you’re looking for a whimsical contrast to the evening, look no further than the attractions typically viewed as being “for kids.” The beauty of Disneyland is that just about everything works on multiple levels.
A ride through hell on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, relaxing boat ride through the Storybook Land Canal Boats, or being seated in a cage on the Casey Jr. Circus Train all can be really fun experiences that remind you that you’re a kid at heart. Other great options, particularly if you want nice photos that mix the whimsy of the evening with the dressed-up nature of your date night, include the Carousel in Disneyland and Silly Symphony Swings in Disney California Adventure.
Photo Shoot – On the topic of photos, we recommend taking some fun photos in the late afternoon/early evening, before it gets too dark. Locations that highlight the contrast between your sophisticated wardrobe and the whimsy of Disneyland are ideal, we think. This makes Fantasyland a good spot (the Sword in the Stone photo op, Mad T Party, and the prop Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride car), but it is often incredibly crowded at this hour. For less crowds, but equally fun photos, head back to Toontown, where there are a ton of photo ops.
Adult Attractions – The kiddie attractions are a great way to let go and embrace your inner child as you do something distinctly adult, but they aren’t the only fun to be had. Embrace the adult nature of the evening by going on some of Disneyland’s more thrilling attractions. Relive your youth in a different way as you hold your partner tight on Space Mountain or Indiana Jones Adventure, harkening back to those ‘magical moments’ you might have experienced during Grad Nights, or a scary movie. Just no funny business–there are cameras everything. 😉
End the Night with a Bang – Get your mind out of the gutter; we mean by watching the fireworks.
Night Cap at Disneyland Hotel – Trader Sam’s and the Lounge at Steakhouse 55 both offer a great way to unwind after an evening in the parks, while maintaining the themed atmosphere of Disneyland and continuing to enjoy the adult side of an evening in Disneyland. We’d recommend Trader Sam’s for something more lighthearted, and Steakhouse 55 for something more sophisticated.
Or, you can head over to Grand Californian Hotel, which offers the Napa Rose Lounge or Hearthstone Lounge. We also enjoy just sitting in the lobby here, chatting while the sounds of the pianist provide gentle background music. This is a particularly attractive option during the Christmas season, when the tree is up. It’s almost like you’ve been transported to Northern California where you’re snowed in for the holidays at a rustic lodge. (That sounds like the perfect plot for a Bing Crosby film.)
That does it for our Date Night at Disneyland tips! After enjoying a nightcap at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels, you can head back to your hotel room or home, and end the night with a…restful sleep!
If you’re preparing for a Disneyland trip, check out our other planning posts, including how to save money on Disneyland tickets, our Disney packing tips, whether you should stay off-site or on-site in a Disney hotel, where to dine, and a number of other things, check out our comprehensive Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide!
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Your Thoughts
Do you have any tips for a Date Nite at Disneyland? Any favorite spots to eat, attractions to do, or other ways you enjoy partaking in the adult side of Disneyland? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Share any questions, tips, or additional thoughts you have in the comments!
May I add Swing Dancing on Saturday nights to the big band sounds in the old Carnation Gardens area. My wife and I saw this back in 2007 and went back home and started taking dance lessons. We’ve been back numerous times and always work it in as a highlight to our trips. I once surprised her with a new wedding band for our 25th wedding anniversary and had a little help from the band, other dancers, and a Disneyland staff member to make it a night to remember. If you haven’t done it I would highly suggest it. It’s available to the beginner or the veteran dancer. So much fun!
Mike Day
Love this post! The last time my husband and I went to Disneyland, we went in February. The plan was to avoid Valentine’s Day and President’s Day, but my sneaky husband made reservations at Carthay Circle Restaurant on Valentine’s Day. We went the morning of, had fun with friends and family, rode a few rides, then headed back early to our hotel to freshen up and went back out just the two of us. I had been dying to eat at Carthay’s since I heard rumors of it being built!
We had drinks in the lounge, and I couldn’t help but take pictures of everything, we both dressed up a little. Then we were seated in the main dining room underneath the beautiful chandelier and Snow White mural. Our wedding was vintage themed, I love everything vintage and classy, so I had fun admiring all the photos and the details of the bathrooms and details of the decor inside. Our meal was wonderful, and took a long time, by the time we were done it was dark outside and we went back into to Disneyland for some rides, like Indi and some Fantasyland dark rides, and ended with my favorite, Storybook Land Canals at night!
That trip was probably my favorite out of all the trips I have taken since childhood. My husband and I slowed down, didn’t rush from ride to ride, but tried all the foodie places we had been wanting, like Cafe Orleans, Carthay Circle, an evening at Trader Sam’s with friends. It was the perfect “adult” trip. Now we are expecting our first child, so I know our next Disney trip will be much different, showing our son all the wonderful things that made us believe in the Disney magic. I am really thankful we did all those things before having kids though!
That sounds like a really incredible experience–props to your husband for making it happen. Date night at Carthay is great!
And you know, just because you have kids doesn’t mean those types of experiences have to end. Just bring a grandparent along for the trip or hire a babysitter for the evening!
What a great article! My wife and I will have to try some of these tips on our next Disneyland trip. Disneyland will always be a romantic place for us because that’s where I popped the question to her five years ago one morning at Snow White Grotto. (Shockingly, she said “yes.”)
One question/comment that I have is what are other people’s reactions when you walk through the parks all dressed up? Do they ask any questions or make any interesting comments? Neither my wife nor I have ever dressed up to go to any of the Disney theme parks so I’m curious about what sort of reaction others have when you’re dressed up fancy. (Note that at Tokyo Disneyland we saw several young Japanese couples at the parks on dates and all dressed up in suits, ties and evening gowns.)
Also, I couldn’t help but notice the shoes that Sarah is wearing in that last picture inside Fantasyland. at night How on earth can she walk all day at Disneyland in those? My wife would never last that long in high heels and she would be gritting her teeth in that photo, not smiling ear to ear like Sarah! Your wife is much tougher than mine! 😀
No one really says anything. I don’t think it’s altogether uncommon to see people dressed nicely in Disneyland. With Club 33, Disneybounding, and a general ‘dapper’ mentality (even on non-Dapper Days), it isn’t altogether uncommon. (I think it’s a different story in Florida.)
As for the shoes…she wore those for a couple of hours, not all day. When we do date nights like this, they are literal nights, and we aren’t rushing around. 🙂
Thanks for this! Makes for a few, “We did that!” and a few, “We will have to try that!” Would not have thought about Steakhouse 55… So thanks again – and looking forward to overnight date night at the DLR come XmasTime.
Awesome, have fun!
Oh, and for more tips on the Steakhouse 55 Lounge, check out our review of it: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/steakhouse-55-lounge-review/
Wow, that Date Night link has set my mind adrift….Would someone please get that time machine running?
No kidding, right? For all of the cool tech advancements and improvements in Disneyland, there is a lot to be said for the ‘simpler times’ of that bygone era…
Thanks for the post!
My wife and I have spent several evenings together in the parks doing just the things on your list. One it is not atypical for us to close down the park competing at astro blasters after the fireworks before heading to Trader Sam’s….
Sarah won’t even compete with me at Astro Blasters anymore because I am “too serious” about it.
My response…how can you be *too* serious about something of paramount importance, like defending our planet from Zurg?! 😉
The picture on the swings is captivating. I think one of those “date night moments” is sitting on a bench with the glow the tree lights waiting for a late-night parade. A half hour wait goes quickly with soft background music, twinkle lights, and someone special at your side.
I can imagine I’m there right now. Really can’t wait for the cool evenings of Christmas time, and waiting for the parade!
I’m really excited to see a Disneyland post! I love your blog and I know that Disneyland “lost some luster” for you. I appreciate that you “keep it real” and while I love hearing about other parks too, I heart Disneyland! 🙂 keep up the great work!
We’ve changed our visiting patterns a bit, and that has made all of the difference in the world. Still as special as it ever was!