Carnation Plaza Gardens

 Source: Mouse Planet

August 1956 – April 2012

LOCATION

Main Street USA – The Carnation Plaza Gardens stood at the end of Main Street, to the left of the castle. Guests could reach the gardens by taking a path off the central hub, over a small footbridge.

BACKGROUND

As Disneyland settled in as one of California’s most popular tourist destinations, Disney wanted to ensure there were different attractions to draw visitors of all ages. A huge percentage of park visitors were teenagers and 20-somethings, and Disney saw its opportunity to cater specifically to this group with the open space at the end of Main Street. In 1956, the Carnation Plaza Gardens debuted as the park’s music and dance hall, and the Gardens became an instant hit with park visitors of all ages.

EXPERIENCE

The Carnation Plaza Gardens hosted an open-air entertainment hall, with food stands around the perimeter of a rounded stage floor. While the Gardens were most frequently used for dancing, guests could also find periodic shows and live entertainment in this old-fashioned square. The stage at the Gardens hosted all kinds of performances over the years, from swing bands, school concerts, and character follies. But the Gardens were most famous for their swing dancing events, especially those on “Date Nite”, a weekend summer event in the late 1950’s. Date Nite packed the house, as guests danced the night away to the music of famous swing bands. Whether it was a midday concert or a nighttime dance party, the Carnation Plaza Gardens always had something exciting playing in the courtyard.

 Source: Inside The Magic

CLOSURE

Despite being a nostalgic favorite of many park visitors, the Carnation Plaza Gardens became somewhat forgotten over the years. Attendance gradually declined, especially during the day, and the Gardens lost most of their original target audience of teens and young adults. The dance parties in Tomorrowland became much more popular, so the Gardens had a lot of space that was largely underutilized. Disneyland unfortunately doesn’t have the luxury of space like the Magic Kingdom in Florida, so it seemed inevitable that the Gardens would eventually close. The Carnation Plaza Gardens closed for good in 2012, to be replaced by the Disney Princess Fantasy Faire in 2013.

TRIVIA

In 1957, local papers reported that 70% of Disneyland visitors ended up at the Gardens each night for the swing dances (up to 8,000 people!)

The food stands closed permanently in 1999, but the Gardens remained open for another 13 years.

 Source: Taint What You Do