Keep in mind all of these events are "unofficial," meaning Disney does not officially recognize, have information for, or promote them, and they occur during normal park hours mixed in with non-participating guests. In some cases (especially for the more well-attended events such as Gay Days), Disney will make special accommodations for guests who choose to participate.
Spring Steampunk Meet-Up
Premise: Come dressed in your favorite steampunk gear and get ready to strike a pose!
Next event date: May 20, 2015
Website: facebook.com/events/614250165376485
Bats Day
Premise: Billed as "the largest dark subculture event on the West Coast," Bats Day is an annual event for all dark subcultures and walks of life to wear their Gothic attire and mix and mingle in Disneyland Park. Attendees are encouraged to participate in photo opportunities and meeting locations. Additional events at nearby Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort include a Haunted Mansion-themed costume party, a Haunted Mansion art show, and a Bats Day Black Market with more than 60 vendors.
Next event date: May 31, 2015
Website: batsday.net
Raver Day
Premise: Put on your kandi bracelets and join the EDM community in a fun-filled (but drug-free) day at the parks.
Next event date: June 13, 2015
Website: edmranks.com
Nerdy at Disneyland
Premise: Dress up in your nerdiest Disney outfit and embrace your nerdy side at the parks!
Next event date: August 21, 2015
Website: facebook.com/events/404326336414512
Dapper Day
Premise: Started in 2011, Dapper Day is a twice-yearly event that has quickly become one of the more popular unofficial events at the parks. Back in the 1950s and 60s, Disneyland guests dressed in their Sunday best, and Dapper Day is a wonderful opportunity to come to the park dressed to the nines just like they did. Dapper Day isn't limited to a particular period - from vintage-inspired to contemporary chic, all sophisticated fashions are encouraged!
Next event date: September 18, 2015
Website: dapperday.com
Gay Days Anaheim
Premise: What started as a small one-day gathering in 1998 has since grown into a full weekend event which attracts more than 30,000 guests each year! LGBTQ attendees and supporters wear red shirts to show their pride in participating. Events include a welcome center in the Grand Californian Hotel, special screenings, pool parties and dance parties at nearby gay-friendly venues, in-park meet-ups, group photos, scavenger hunts, private meals and more. In recent years Disney has joined in on the fun, offering special rainbow-colored merchandise, cookies, and layer cakes!
Next event date: October 2-4, 2015
Website: gaydaysanaheim.com
Lolita Day
Premise: This take-over-the-park-in-frills event is a dedicated day for those obsessed with Japanese Harajuku fashion.
Next event date: October 2015 (date TBD)
Website: disneylandlolitaday.wix.com/home
Epilepsy Awareness Day
Premise: This day of excitement at Disneyland was created for people of all ages with epilepsy and their families and friends to raise awareness for epilepsy and squash epilepsy stigmas. Those wishing to participate should register via the event website and make a donation to receive the event gift bag which includes the event T-shirt, tote bag, and other goodies.
Next event date: November 5, 2015
Website: epilepsyawarenessday.org
Rock Around the Park
Premise: This all-ages event invites all rockabillies and psychobillies to liven up the Disneyland landscape with their retro style and flair.
Next event date: November 8, 2015
Website: rockaroundthepark.com
Galliday
Premise: A Whovian's delight, Galliday is a Doctor Who event where thousands invade Disneyland dressed in their cosplays and fan T-shirts. Games, meet-ups, group photos, prizes and ride takeovers rule the day.
Next event date: November 8, 2015
Website: galliday.com
Glow Day
Premise: As the sun sets over Disneyland and California Adventure, light up the night with glow sticks, LED lights, light-up clothing - anything you can find or create!
Next event date: November 20-22, 2015
Website: facebook.com/events/757759417653816
Pin-up Parade in the Park
Premise: Pinup Girl Clothing hosts this biannual event for hundreds to gather at Disneyland in their finest retro and glam clothing to see and be seen!
Next event date: TBD
Website: facebook.com/events/1443815552543157
Which unofficial Disneyland event(s) are you planning to participate in this year? Any advice or fun stories from previous events? Let us know in the comments! :)
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Lolita Day? What a scandalous title. I guess that's why they are unofficial like some others too.
So many of the participants are frequent visitors who know the drill and, frankly, are more interested in socializing than getting in line to bag every possible ride. Gay Days, in particular, seem to run especially smoothly, which makes sense to me since I also believe that those are the days of the year that see the largest number of current and former cast members visiting the park. ;^)
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