Dixieland at Disneyland was an annual jazz festival held in Disneyland from October 1, 1960, to the early 1970s, primarily an entertainment event featuring live Dixieland jazz performances by bands like Louis Armstrong’s All-Stars and the Firehouse Five Plus Two. Held across the park, with key venues like the Mark Twain Riverboat and Frontierland’s riverside, it drew thousands for evening concerts. While focused on music, guests likely enjoyed the park’s regular food and drink offerings, as no event-specific menus are documented. Dining options included Frontierland’s Casa de Fritos, Tomorrowland’s Space Bar, and Fantasyland’s quick-service stands, reflecting Disneyland’s diverse 1960s cuisine.
Below are 10 fun facts about Dixieland at Disneyland (early years, 1960–early 1970s):
- Riverside Jazz Hub: Performances centered on the Rivers of America, with bands playing on rafts and the Mark Twain Riverboat, culminating in a finale where multiple bands jammed together.
- Star-Studded Lineups: The 1960 debut featured Louis Armstrong, the Dukes of Dixieland, and Disney’s Firehouse Five Plus Two, with up to 14 bands by 1963, drawing 15,000–20,000 guests nightly.
- Casa de Fritos Dining: Guests likely grabbed tacos, tamales, or early Doritos (introduced in the early 1960s) at Casa de Fritos in Frontierland, priced at 25¢–$1, near the riverside performances.
- Space Bar Snacks: Tomorrowland’s Space Bar offered automat-served hot dogs, chili, and sodas, ideal for quick bites during evening concerts, with patio seating overlooking the park’s bustle.
- Aunt Jemima’s Meals: Aunt Jemima’s Pancake House (until 1962, then Kitchen) in Frontierland served pancakes and lunch items like fried chicken for 45¢–$1.50, catering to families at the festival.
- Fantasia Ice Cream Treats: Fantasyland stands sold Fantasia Ice Cream, a banana-pistachio-cherry blend, likely a refreshing option for guests enjoying jazz near Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- Evening Event Format: Held after regular park hours (6 p.m.–1 a.m.), the event required a $3–$4.50 ticket, encouraging guests to dine at park eateries before or during performances.
- Mobile Food Access: With performances park-wide, guests could grab snacks like popcorn or churros from roaming carts, priced at 10¢–25¢, while moving between jazz stages.
- Chicken Plantation Option: Until its 1962 closure, Frontierland’s Chicken Plantation Restaurant offered fried chicken dinners ($1.70 adults, $1.00 kids), a sit-down choice for early festival attendees.
- No Dedicated Menu: Unlike modern festivals, Dixieland had no event-specific food or drink offerings, relying on Disneyland’s existing restaurants and stands for diverse dining options.
