Disneyland is full of so much wonderful music and if you haven't figured this out yet, I love it; I especially love the Dapper Dans. My previous article highlighted the useful Entertainment Guide you can pick up at the front gates, or from one of the very friendly custodial staff that are walking about the park dressed all in white (also recognized by their brooms and dust bins). With this guide in hand, you are now able to dart about the park and find your favorite groups.
The Dapper Dans
I am quite a fan of this group, but I have to say that they are an elusive bunch; it can be very hard to find them. They have been known to perform on the horse-drawn street car, as well as in front of the firehouse or Market House (Starbucks). They also rove inside from shop to shop, which would be a great place to find them on a rainy day. They can be seen at Refreshment Corner with the ragtime piano player. They also perform at the flag ceremony every day so if you don't want to look for them, this is a sure bet.
If you want to look for them, you can hunt for them by strolling up and down Main Street during their show times, and usually you can hear them before you see them. Disneyland has great control of their sound systems so if the Dapper Dans are performing in front of the firehouse you may hear the tunes of Main Street closer to the Town Square area.
The Dapper Dans used to be the same four men for the longest time, but Jim is the only one still performing at Disneyland. He sings baritone or bass and is definitely the senior member. These gents are so talented and the harmonies are always solid and tight, which is not the easiest thing to do when the roster is constantly changing. I am hard-pressed to ever pick out a missing harmony, which is a testament to these talented singers.
The Dapper Dans solicit audience participation for the big finale. Jim is in the blue. Photo by Todd Pickering.
The group sings a lot of barbershop standards like “Java Jive” or “In the Good Ol' Summertime,” as well as Disney songs “When I See an Elephant Fly” from Dumbo or “The Headless Horseman Song” originally sung by Bing Crosby in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. They appear in Halloween outfits in September and October or red and green for the Christmas season; during the holidays they might sing tunes from Nightmare Before Christmas as well as holiday classics.
They will sing “Happy Birthday” to guests, and are always glad to pose for pictures. I have seen quite the fan base for this group and even though some people don't stop to listen, most can't help but smile and say “Isn't that great” as they rush off to Space Mountain. I just don't think it would be Main Street U.S.A. without them and if your pals only want to see one group with you I would highly recommend talking them to see this group. As of now, they are usually off on Monday and Tuesday.
The Disneyland Band
There is nothing more exciting than a marching band coming down the street. Photo by Todd Pickering.
One of the best new additions to the park is the new and improved Disneyland Band. This is an 18 piece ensemble sharply dressed in Blue to match the theme of the 60th Anniversary. Sometimes you will see Mickey, Minnie and the gang marching with them. They usually perform in front of the train station.
The last time I saw them in front of the train station they did a really nice medley from Tangled with a great saxophone solo during “I See the Light.” There was also a terrific drum solo in “Be Prepared” from The Lion King. Some of the dialogue is cheesy, but it is kept to a minimum and the music is king. They play for about 20 minutes each set.
There has been a lot of discussion about the new band, both negative and positive. I think they are wonderful. A lot of the feedback was that they were just like the summertime Disneyland All-American College Band; that may well be true, but the Disneyland Band is here for the whole year.
The Disneyland Band wears sharp uniforms with a great 60th anniversary logo. Photo by Todd Pickering.
The energy and choreography are sharp as they march up and down Main Street. It has been a while since the band has been so mobile, and it brings such excitement to Main Street. It is not only refreshing but just plain responsible to see more people of color and women in the band. One of the conductors is a woman, and she is fantastic. I see recognition in the eyes of all of the diverse people that come to the park, and it is really fantastic. Any time there is an infusion of youth and change it is always hard, but the musicality and amount of sets that these young men and women play are a big addition to the park, continuing Walt's dedication to entertainment.
The Flag Retreat
The Flag Retreat ceremony combines these two great Disneyland groups with patriotism and music. The ceremony is currently performed at 5:15 p.m., and takes place at Town Square at the flag pole. Three security personnel military march out to the pole while the Disneyland Band plays and the Dapper Dans sing. The cast members ask for active duty or veterans of the five branches of the United States military to step forward when their theme song is played. The only song I ever recognize is the “Marines' Hymn,” which begins, “From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli.”
Afterward, the crowd sings along to “The Star Spangled Banner,” led by the Dapper Dans. I personally don't find myself to be the most patriotic of people but this ceremony never ceases to choke me up.
Security cast members perform the Flag Retreat ceremony as the Disneyland Band plays. Photo by Todd Pickering.
These groups are two of the biggies and I haven't even left Main Street yet. You will have to wait until next month for me to get to the rest of the groups. As I close this article I can't help but feel the music of “Hooked on a Feeling” (also known as the ooga chacka song) that was used in the Guardians of the Galaxy film. I have heard the Disneyland Band close with this tune as they march off. Sing along if you know the words:
“I'm hooked on a feeling/I'm high on believing/That you're in love with me/ooga chacka ooga ooga ooga chacka.”
