The sparkling lights twinkle down from above while the sound of syncopated swing and burning brass fills the summer air. As dancers jump, jitter and lindy across the floor to the strains of some of Southern California’s swinging-est big bands, couples stroll outside to catch a quick evening breeze. Sounds like a great way to spend a summer date night, doesn’t it? Disney recently announced that Saturday, June 15th will mark the first Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party of the season at the brand new Royal Theatre located within Fantasy Faire. The theatre, which was initiated into its dance hall role during the Monstrous Summer All-Nighter event at Disneyland Park on May 24th with a Royal Swing Ball held until the wee hours, will be home to the party for select nights this summer. After a year-long stint in Downtown Disney during the construction of the new Fantasy Faire area, the party moves back to its original home this weekend.
photo from Disney Parks Blog
Disneyland is certainly no stranger to swing dancing. For many, many years, the Carnation Plaza Gardens was home to Saturday night swing parties until it’s last swinging night on April 28, 2012 after which it officially closed to make way for the Fantasy Faire princess meet and greet area. With this new announcement, dancers who made the Carnation Plaza Gardens Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Parties a Saturday tradition will be thrilled to return to Disneyland to dance the night away. Right now it’s unclear what Disney means when they say, “select nights,” but I’m sure that there are many folks hoping their beloved dance parties will be held each Saturday throughout the summer. Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party regulars and other Disneyland guests will be excited to learn that the parties this summer will be held every Saturday night through September 28th with an additional evening on July 4th.
For a some wonderful tales of people’s memories of the Carnation Gardens Plaza, check out this article from the Orange County Register.
And memories, both old and new, are what the Disney Parks are all about.
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