Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite is back and in 2023, there are more nights of this hard ticketed event being offered than ever! They are already sold out. If you don’t have a ticket, watch the coverage and videos of Daps Magic and other sources to see what a beautiful night is had at Disneyland. In fact, they could call it Bella Notte? During this beautiful night, there are several different live entertainment offerings to enjoy. There is also quite the range of entertainment styles to be found throughout the park. The Daps Magic team made an effort to sample each and every one of them, make sure to know where they are, and when they play so that future attendees of Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite can make plans and get the most out of the event.
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite Live Entertainment Offerings
The Royal Ball with the Aristocats of Yessingham
The Royal ball with the Aristocats of Yessingham (the band also known Phat Cat Swinger) is the biggest entertainment offering of the event. The ball is found along the it’s a small world Mall where a stage is set up where the steps up to the it’s a small world Mickey and friends meet and greet is normally found during the day. Dancing takes place in the street/mall in front of the stage, and there is lots of it.
The evening’s performances are filled with a wide range of Disney music in a little big band style that is romantic and perfect to dance to. The ball is hosted by Prince Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. They are joined by their royal entourage along with some other royal couples. This includes Cinderella and Prince Charming, Ariel and Prince Eric, and also Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Jafar also makes a surprise visit throughout the night, as do Cinderella’s Stepsisters. They all dance with each other and also with guests throughout the night, making for some absolutely magical moments!
There are four times throughout the night for The Royal Ball with the Aristocats of Yessingham. They are at:
- 9:00 PM
- 10:00 PM
- 11:15 PM
- 12:15 AM
Little Scotty’s String Band
Over in Critter Country the sounds of country/bluegrass could be heard with Little Scotty’s String Band. This band is a four-piece down home folk group that plays some rather unconventional folk songs. This includes Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid and Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody. They are an absolute blast to listen to and also are a really nice group of guys! Little Scotty’s String Band can be found at Hungry Bear Restaurant by going up the ramp to where normally one would make an order and then turning right! They are on that deck out in front of the ordering and food receiving area. This group is perhaps the hardest to find but are definitely worth checking out!
Little Scotty’s String Band performs at:
- 9:00 PM
- 10:00 PM
- 11:00 PM
- 12:15 AM
Polynesian Trio
The Polynesian Trio performed throughout the night in Adventureland and offered another way to experience the magic of the romance of the evening. This group performed songs that helped the imagination drift off to a tropical hideaway… appropriately enough they performed right in front of the Tropical Hideway by the exit of The World Famous Jungle Cruise. This group had rich vocal and instrumental harmonies as they played the island melodies. As they performed through the night it was very easy to get lost in the music and imagine sitting on a tropical beach with the waves lapping with a fancy drink with an umbrella in it. They were very easy to find but remember that there the New Orleans Square entrance/exit to Adventureland isn’t open currently.
The Polynesian Trio performs at:
- 9:00 PM
- 10:15 PM
- 11:15 PM
- 12:15 PM
Moonlight Jazz Cruise
Perhaps the most romantic live music offering of all, the Moonlight Jazz Cruise takes guests aboard the Mark Twain with the beautiful voice of Mel Collins. This is about as beautiful as it gets. The classic tunes she sings while cruising the Rivers of America makes for the perfect moment with that special someone. Mel Collins and her jazz group perform many classics and favorites throughout the night on the bow of the Mark Twain.
While there aren’t specific set times, it is fairly easy to figure out when they are performing. Simply go to the Mark Twain and see if there is a Jazz band with Mel Collins on the front of it. Then hop on board and go for a very magical and musical cruise. While it is nice to be on the first level of the Mark Twain to see the ensemble the easiest, any level offers lovely views, music, and a magical experience.
The live entertainment at Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite really is one of the best offerings for this special event. The music that is found through the park is diverse, it is beautiful, and it adds to the magic of the night. Whether it is a Royal Ball, a tropical getaway, a little down-home country folk, or some classic Jazz greats, there are fantastic performances to be experienced.
Which live entertainment performance do you like the best at Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite? Are you going to one of these event this year? What are you most hoping to experience? Share your thoughts, experiences, tips, and opinions in the comments below!
