Carnation Plaza Gardens | DISNEY THIS DAY

Carnation Plaza Gardens | DISNEY THIS DAY | August 18, 1956

August 18, 2026

On this day in 1956, Carnation Plaza Gardens opened at Disneyland. The iconic red-and-white pointed canopy roof at the end of Main Street was home to a quick service dining location, open air dance floor, community performances, and character meetings. The hugely popular “Date Nite at Disneyland” events began the following year, featuring swing music from the Elliott Brothers “Date Niters” Band as well as the hottest big bands of the era. Plaza Gardens closed in 2012 to become Fantasy Faire, but the historic dance floor was preserved. [70 years ago in 2026]

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