Main Street, U.S.A., is full of the sort of establishments familiar to both turn-of-the-century American townspeople and Disney Parks aficionados. City Hall, The Emporium and a camera store can be found on every Main Street. Those who frequent the U.S. parks are also accustomed to finding a traditional barber shop, a feature included in only one of the international parks, Disneyland Paris.
Here, Dapper Dan's Hair Cuts is located just off Flower Street at the back corner of the Emporium complex. The name is a tribute to the barbershop quartet which has performed at Disneyland since 1959 and at the Magic Kingdom since it opened in 1971 (a similar group appeared at Disneyland Paris during the park's early years, but has since been retired).
Outside the shop is this period advertisement, which also provides a fun gag. The ad invites you to "Contemplate a New You" and "Trade in That Scruffy Appearance - Be a Dapper Dan!" Step up to the ad, and you'll find it's painted on a mirrored surface, so you can position your face to look like you have your very own "Harmony Moustache." There's even a lower spot so kids can get in on the bit. After all, Dan's offers "Special Services for Little Shavers."
The term "Harmony Moustache" is a remnant of the location's original name, Harmony Barber Shop (still seen in an ad above Ribbons & Bows). The name was changed after a few years to something more easily and clearly translated into the multiple languages spoken by guests visiting the park.
What hasn't changed over the years, though, is the handsome interior of the barber shop. Dapper Dan's wasn't open during my visit, but a peek through the window definitely offered a tantalizing glimpse at details like the antique barber chairs, a framed business license and a fascinating collection of original early-1900s shaving mugs, each a unique work of art.
No comments:
Post a Comment