Did You Know There Used to Be an Official Date Night at Disneyland? And It's Coming Back!

If you're a Disneyland fanatic, your dream date would probably take place at the park, but crowds and kids can make things less than romantic. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a way for the park to be more conducive to couples? Well, it used to be! Back in the 1950s and 1960s, there was something called Date Nite at Disneyland, and now we don't need a time machine to experience it — Disneyland is kicking off a new Disneyland After Dark series with a throwback to this former park event on Jan. 18.

Fliers for the adults-only evenings advertised dancing, romantic rides, and strolling singers during these date nights that took place Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. until midnight. Here's an ad that was scanned from a copy of the 1957 Los Angeles Times:

Specifically, there was "moonlite dancing aboard the Mark Twain riverboat," "indoor dancing at the Golden Horseshoe," and "Phil Gray and his Tomorrowland orchestra at the Space Bar." In addition to snuggling up during the rides and enjoying live music and dancing, there were door prizes, special events, and, of course, fireworks. The craziest part? The tickets cost $6.50 for admission for two people. Today, Disneyland tickets start at $97 for one day per person. That's a steal. Plus, everyone dressed up — forget tennis shoes and fanny packs, we're talking heels and swing dresses.

We may not be able to experience the real deal, but you can listen to Date Nite at Disneyland With the Elliott Brothers Date Niters Orchestra, an album Disney released in 1956, and throw your own retro Disney-themed date night.