Main Street USA has an impossible task: this land has to instantaneously transport you into another world, leaving normal life behind. So how does this busy little street pull off such a feat? The little details. Every square inch of Main Street USA carefully works together to create an illusion. Visitors to the street immediately […] Read more…
1992 – present LOCATION Disneyland Hotel – Goofy’s Kitchen faces out to the open pool area, overlooking the center courtyard. If you start from the Fantasy Tower, follow the path to the right side of the pools; you’ll see Goofy’s Kitchen on your right. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service Seating – yes Reservations […] Read more…
Legend has it Walt Disney used to stroll around Disneyland in the mornings before park opening (a.k.a his morning constitutional). Those of us fortunate enough to visit Disneyland during a quiet morning know how peaceful and beautiful the park is in the early hours of the day. On the morning before Disneyland opened to the […] Read more…
Have you ever noticed that inside Disneyland, you can’t see the surrounding world? Despite the city of Anaheim bumping right up against the park borders, you’re completely immersed with no clue as to what’s going on around you. That’s no coincidence, but the work of a magical border known as “the berm”. The berm took […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 30, 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. If I am at Radiator Springs Racers, what is the best way to get to Soarin’ Around the World? (submitted by Ashleigh) The most […] Read more…
Happy first day of May! This year is just flying by so fast, and with so many changes – big and small – happening at the Disneyland Resort, it’s hard to keep up. Let’s dive right in and take a look at all the new happenings at the happiest place on earth. PIXAR FEST BEGINS […] Read more…
Source: Mice Chat May 1983 – 2004 LOCATION Fantasyland – Both iterations of Geppetto’s shop were strategically located next to the exit to Pinocchio. If you walked through Fantasyland from the castle, you’d see the shop on your left, across from Casey Jr. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Toys, marionettes, dolls Unique Features – Periodic princess […] Read more…
During the day, Tomorrowland’s color scheme is a bit more subdued than its neighboring lands. But after sunset, the land comes alive in full neon color. The dramatic architecture and lagoon glow from sundown until park close. At night, Tomorrowland’s energy explodes, drawing in visitors from all over the park. Here are just a few […] Read more…
Source: Disney Parks Blog July 1966 – August 1972 LOCATION New Orleans Square – The Creole Cafe overlooked the Rivers of America, on the main pathway of New Orleans Square. To find the restaurant, visitors needed only walk the route from Frontierland to the Haunted Mansion; the cafe sat on the left of the path. […] Read more…
Out of all the lands in Disneyland, Fantasyland might just have the most charm and detail. Every pillar, lamp, and windowsill plays a role, building the magical fairytale village that houses so many of Disney’s iconic characters. One of those characters, Princess Aurora, anchors the land with her magnificent castle. But she also has a […] Read more…
A few weeks ago, my mom spotted an unusual magazine in the grocery store checkout line. She brought it home, and told me I had to read it. It was a special edition of LIFE Magazine: LIFE Inside the Disney Parks! PREMISE LIFE Inside the Disney Parks explores the origins of the happiest place(s) on earth. […] Read more…
If you’ve ever been on Main Street USA, you’ve undoubtedly seen the Disneyland Fire Department. Mickey Mouse himself often meets guests outside the station, and the fire house band performs periodically in the square as well. But did you know you can actually step inside the fire department? Parked inside, you’ll see Walt’s favorite vehicle: […] Read more…
November 2016 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – PANDORA occupies a retail space right at the front of Downtown Disney, across from Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. If you’re coming from the parks, you’ll see PANDORA on your left, just before Jamba Juice. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Jewelry and accessories Price Range – Most charms between […] Read more…
Buena Vista Street is California Adventure’s grand entryway. This land celebrates life in California as Walt first experienced it, upon moving west in the 1920s. The balconies, staircases, and open windows along the street make it feel genuinely homey, as though guests are merely busy residents going about their days. Here are a few of […] Read more…