The Happiest Prom Alternative. [Prom at the Disneyland Resort]

If there are things that made our high school years “magical”, one thing most people would say is prom.

If there’s one thing that makes high school “magical”, it’s definitely prom. Prom is a celebration, a milestone where both individuals and couples can enjoy each other’s company. For most prom-goers today however, the thought of going to a place filled with less-than-magical elements (like a “school-related” function backed by music you don’t like might ruin the experience.

In lieu of that, “prom alternatives” are on the rise.

Since we are in prom season currently, we thought we’d help add to that list of prom alternatives by giving you an idea that we’ve thought about presenting for some time now. After doing a lot of brainstorming and research, we can confidently share that idea with you for your consideration.

It all starts with a question: would you consider going to the Disneyland Resort in place of your real prom?

We aren’t looking to cancel the whole prom experience altogether, but instead replicate the elements that make up prom in a new environment. And what better environment to replicate a “magical” moment in your high school life than to have it at the most magical place on earth?!

Each of our staff writers have taken an element of prom and written on how it can be experienced the full “Disney way” at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park! From what to wear to where to take pictures and even where to eat, we’ll share what we think are the best ways to make your prom alternative (or any #DisneyDate for that matter) a fun, romantic, and memorable one.

We have two stories about having a Disney prom experience coming to you. This first story will be for those who want to totally replace their school prom with a prom at the Disneyland Resort. We do want to mention that this idea already accounts that you and your date have tickets to the theme parks as well. So let’s get started with the first thing that you have to do for prom: get dressed!

Apparel

by Sharon Sumrit

Dress to impress, ladies and gents! But be mindful of the extent you are willing to go in regards to comfort! In other words, consider the style and length of the dress and the suit, as well as what shoes you choose to wear as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

Still sounding like a plan? Well, keep in mind that you and your prince charming will also probably be:

1. Stared at (thanks to your formal wear)

2. Mistaken for a character

If that all still sounds magical, then here are some apparel ideas for both guys and girls to pull off that amazing look for your night around the Disneyland Resort!

Ladies

Need a little inspiration on what to wear? Never fear! “Disney Forever Enchanted” Spring 2014 Collection is here! The collection takes inspiration from some of your favorite Disney princesses as you’ll see below.

Belle

Take on a modern Belle with this short puffy tulle dress from the “Heart of Love” category. This dress screams fun with the bedazzled top and tutu styled bottom. Pair it up with some cute and comfortable heels and you’re good to go!

For more styles and ideas, check out the rest of the Disney Forever Enchanted Spring 2014 Collection here: http://www.xciteprom.com/forever-enchanted/disney-forever-enchanted-prom-dress-collections.php?p=0&c=fe

Ariel

Leave your Prince Eric speechless with this jaw-dropping mermaid gown! This Princess Ariel inspired dress is part of the “Heart of Love” category and also comes in ice pink and mint green colors.

Princess Aurora

Can’t make up your mind about whether you want to go short or long? With this dress, you get the best of both worlds! Be pretty in pink with this Princess Aurora inspired dress from the “Heart of Magic” category. The tulle and lace gives you a classic look but the style of the dress gives it a modern twist.

Maleficent

Perhaps the overly princess look isn’t really your style. Embrace your dark side and mesmerize your date with this edgy yet elegant look from the “Heart of Darkness” category. This bedazzled strapless sweetheart style tulle gown is sure to hug your curves and body in all the right places.

Cinderella

With this Cinderella inspired look from the “Heart of Magic category you’ll be sure to feel like a princess! The puffy tulle gown also gives this magical look a modern spin. Just be careful not to lose your shoes! *wink

Gents

Attention Prince Charmings! You have more choices than you think to spruce up your suit or tux. Creativity and a little bit of Disney magic is all it takes.

Cuff Links

For something a little more subtle, but Disney inspired nonetheless, you can purchase cuff links like these Limited Edition Darth Vader cuff links. Other cuff links from the Star Wars Edition include Yoda, Chewbacca and the Clone Troopers, just to name a few. These cufflinks can be found on the Disney Consumer Products website.

Ties

Consider the possibilities! There are numerous skinny ties, fat ties, and bow ties to choose from. For something a little bit more creative  you can even find ideas such as these on Pinterest.

Prince Charming

Last but not least, you can go all out and create an attire that replicates a Disney character rather than just to accessorize! Like this Prince Charming inspired look, you can undoubtedly sweep your date off her feet. Just be sure to get her home by midnight or else you might outshine her.

Other ideas and products that you could also consider include suspenders, vests, hats, and many more!

Pictures

by Lance Cruzado

As Disney-goers, we have it implanted in our minds that the enchanted streets of Disneyland and DCA are magnificent sights to see with dynamic architecture, convivial themes, and beautiful lights that seem to enhance our Disney dreams even more. But if one were to go there after prom to take pictures, where would be THE BEST places be to capture all that in one snap?

What would a Disneyland picture be without the a famous Disney castle in the background?! Sleeping Beauty Castle is always a crowd favorite, so you might have a hard time finding that perfect shot. But if one we’re look to the left of the castle, there is a railing next to a small walk way that has a great view of the castle without jeopardizing the beauty of it (not that one could).

Looking for a more fun, personality shot? Well, come on down to Mickey’s ToonTown! As you enter this section in the very back of Disneyland Park, you may find the fun ‘props’ that are on the right side of the town, including the famous Barbell and the Escapable Jail Cell that make for a fun couple shot.

Paradise Park is the place where you watch “World of Color” from if you have a FastPass to view it. If a couple were to scan the area, that couple would find an arch, and if the couple enters that arch, that couple would find a magnificent view of Mickey’s Fun Wheel right behind that one couple making a cute shot with the Mouse watching over the both of you.

You also can’t go wrong with a visit to Cars Land and Buena Vista Street for more picture spots. Whether that be at the entrance to Route 66 at night when all is “shimmering splendid” to the classy-ness of a turn-of-the-century street, both will make everything shine even more so when you snap that shot. Perhaps even your date.

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Picture moments are very important to any prom and usually it would be a major inconvenience if a couple were to bring either a nice camera (like a DSLR) or a professional photographer to the Disneyland Resort. Fortunately for you, you’d be happy to know that we had all our shots taken either by ourselves or with the help of a friendly cast member using the perfect camera for situations like these: the one on your cell phone!

Namely the new HTC One M8.

Both convenience and quality describes the new HTC M8, where features like ultra pixels (twice the average size) to capture more than 300% more light in a solidly built thin profile will make taking these beautiful pictures an ease. The pictures you see above (along with the help of awesome apps like VSCO Cam) are the results and it captured every memory beautifully throughout our prom alternative visit.

Entertainment

by Zeila Edrial

Dazzle your date and create a fun night with various entertainment shows and attractions at both theme parks.

Attractions

Disneyland Park’s Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland or Disney California Adventure’s (DCA) Toy Story Midway Mania! at Paradise Pier allows you and your date to have a little bit of friendly competition.

DCA’s Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land and Disneyland’s Space Mountain in Tomorrowland also takes in-ride photos. Head over to these attractions if you and your date want an adrenaline rush.

If you want a slow ride where the two of you can sit back and relax (or maybe even snuggle together), Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square and “it’s a small world” in Fantasyland are available. Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square is also an option, but beware and hold on to your mate! You never know what might lurk and get you closer together.

The Mickey’s Fun Wheel in DCA’s Paradise Pier is perfect if you and your date what to overlook the theme park. You can choose to climb into stationary or swinging gondolas.

Entertainment

If you two are a fan of the Aladdin movie, check out Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular in DCA. It is located in Hollywood Land and re-enacts various songs and scenes from the movie.

When the sun goes down, be sure to stop by Mad T Party in Hollywood Land. It offers an alternative to your prom’s dance floor. Bright lights flash through the area as a live DJ or band performs on stage, allowing you and your date to dance the night away. If you’re looking for more of the traditional dance scene, be sure to check if the Royal Swing Big Band is playing at the Royal Theater in Fantasy Faire in Disneyland Park.

Fantasmic! in Disneyland Park and World of Color in DCA are sure to dazzle your date with their water shows.

A visit to Disneyland would not be complete without watching fireworks together underneath the night sky. For the best view, try to secure places in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle or in front of “it’s a small world.”

Food

by Mike Ayala

Every prom night needs delicious food and Disneyland Resort doesn’t disappoint. If you want to impress you date with nothing but the best, Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square is the place to go. Sure, there is the famous Blue Bayou, but it’s a bit cliched and expensive if you’re on a budget. Cafe Orleans is a restaurant with table service so you and your date will get that romantic feel in a great atmosphere and views!

If you want to go a little cheaper, then the Plaza Inn is your best choice. They have the best fried chicken in all the Disney-land. Their pot roast is also an excellent choice and they even have a great strawberry shortcake to end your meal while you enjoy the perfect view for the fireworks.

Moving on to DCA, our top dining choice is actually outside of the park. We’d recommend going to Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel because we think you get the most food for your buck here with a dinner buffet that is well-known among regular visitors. If you’re going more refined, we’d choose Carthay Circle Restaurant just off Buena Vista Street inside DCA. If you want to stay in the park still but are on a budget, park it at Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land. The 50’s vibe makes for an entertaining ambiance and the food is comforting to say the least. Pork loin with Coca-C0la BBQ sauce anyone?

If you and your date still have room for dessert, then take your date by the arm and head to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop near Paradise Pier and get the Golden Gate banana Split or Sea Cliff sundae that can easily be shared between you and your date.

Our special thanks to our friends at HTC, Disney Consumer Products, and Eduardo Lara for contributing a lot of their resources to this report!

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Did our Disneyland Resort prom inspire you enough to try it for yourself instead of going to your prom? What are some of your ideas that would make the ultimate Disney prom experience your own? Tell us in the comments below!