Welcome to Vol. 4 of Ask The Duchess, a monthly Q&A post covering a variety of resort-related topics. Ask The Duchess answers questions submitted by readers. If you have a question you’d like answered, send me a message here!

1. Where are the best areas in the park for really little kids? (Submitted by Edith)

Both Disneyland and California Adventure have attractions for all age groups in most of the different lands, but there are some areas geared more specifically for the smallest visitors. In Disneyland, Fantasyland and Mickey’s Toontown have the largest number of kid-friendly rides. In California Adventure, check out A Bug’s Land and Paradise Park.

2. Can I bring my selfie stick into the parks? (Submitted by Anonymous)

NO! For a brief period you were allowed to, but now the resort thankfully has banned them. People kept bringing them onto rides, which was really dangerous, and I for one am glad they’re not allowed anymore.

3. What is the esplanade? (Submitted by Kirsten)

The esplanade is the huge open courtyard between the park gates to Disneyland and California Adventure. From the esplanade, you can reach Harbor Blvd to the east, Downtown Disney to the west, Disneyland to the north, and California Adventure to the south.

4. Is it true that I can stay in line after the park closes? (Submitted by Anonymous)

Yes! If you are already in line at closing time, you can stay in that line and get on the ride. However, if you’re not in line when the park closes, cast members will not let you get in line, and you’ll basically have to shuffle out of the park as everything closes.

5. What are your favorite rides? (Submitted by Jennifer)

Such a tough question! I’ll pick three from each. In Disneyland, it would have to be: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain. In California Adventure, I’d say: Radiator Springs Racers, the Silly Symphony Swings, and California Screamin’. Those obviously aren’t the only rides I love, but those would have to be my favorites.

2 Comments on Ask The Duchess – Vol. 4

  1. My wife received a family blue disney card. How can we find out more info for its use during the covid crisess? And how the reservation system works? She’s since has retired and has not access to the hub.

    • Hi Charles! I don’t work for Disney so I would call them directly to confirm. But my understanding with blue family passes is that the cast member must use their own admission pass at the park to allow guest passes in. I don’t know how that would work if your wife is retired, in all honesty.

      With regular tickets, the reservation system comes into play at the time of purchasing your ticket. If your day is not available in the reservation system, you can’t purchase the ticket. Magic Key holders have to reserve days in the park online as well.

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