February 2001 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – Gone Hollywood occupies much of the block on Hollywood Land’s main street. If you’re coming into the land from Buena Vista Street, you’ll see Gone Hollywood on your left, across the walkway from the Disney Junior theater. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – mostly Mickey & Minnie, Marvel, and […] Read more…
In the 1950s, space travel was still an adventure for the future. Visitors to Tomorrowland had the chance to take a rocket to the moon before NASA’s astronauts, and excitement about the “final frontier” was at an all-time high. Disney humanized the excitement around space travel with Space Man and Space Girl, a couple visiting […] Read more…
When I set out to capture photos of the little details in Pacific Wharf, I wondered if I’d be able to fill an album. This land doesn’t have much real estate compared to other lands in California Adventure, and most of it’s area is seating for all the dining options. But as I wandered Pacific […] Read more…
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to spend a few days exploring New Orleans. Yep, the real New Orleans, not the Disneyland square I rave about so often on this blog. If you’ve ever been, you know the city has so many distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality and highlights. But of […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Napolini is the quick service part of Naples, Downtown Disney’s Italian restaurant and bar. Visitors coming from the parks side of the district will find Napolini on the right side of the street, just after the entrance to Naples. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service Seating […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 38, 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. Is there alcohol in California Adventure? (submitted by Ashleigh) Yes! Both California Adventure and Downtown Disney serve alcoholic beverages to guests over 21. 2. I’m […] Read more…
We finally made it into 2019! Disneyland’s holiday season wraps up in just a few days, and soon the resort will shift its focus to this year’s most anticipated event: the launch of Star Wars Land. 2018 ended fairly quietly at the resort, but the crowds definitely picked up and made for an out-of-control week […] Read more…
February 2018 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Disney Home faces Downtown Disney’s large circular courtyard, overlooking the Uva Bar. If you’re coming from the hotel side, you’ll see the shop on your right; it’s the corner behind Wonderground Gallery. And if you’re coming from the parks side, you’ll see the shop on your left, […] Read more…
In just two days, this long and crazy year finally comes to an end. And if you’re headed to Disneyland to welcome 2019, the resort has tons of special festivities in store! Here’s everything you need to know about the New Year’s Eve parties across both parks. LEVEL SET I mentioned this last year, but […] Read more…
Merry Christmas! (Or Happy Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Diwali/whatever you celebrate!) Today I’ll be eating pancakes by the tree with my family, and I hope you’re doing something equally fun and festive. Disneyland’s holiday season lasts until January 6, so if you haven’t yet had time to roam the park and see the decor, you still have a few […] Read more…
Note: this post covers Disneyland’s refurbishment “season”, from January-March. For current scheduled closures, please visit here. Disneyland has less and less of a “slow” season each year, but traditionally, this falls in the late winter. The park takes advantage of this lighter time by undergoing routine maintenance and refurbishments of many attractions. Therefore, January-March each year […] Read more…
April 2017 – October 2021 LOCATION Fantasyland – The Castle Holiday Shoppe faced Sleeping Beauty Castle in the center courtyard of Fantasyland. If you were coming into the land from Main Street, you’d see it on your right, just after you walked through the archway. If you were arriving in Fantasyland from Frontierland or Tomorrowland’s […] Read more…
Source: Pinterest July 1955 – Summer 1959 LOCATION Main Street USA – Gibson Greeting Cards lucked into one of the best locations on Main Street. The shop faced the inner courtyard created by the center street crossing, halfway down the eastern side. Today, Disney Clothiers Ltd. occupies this space. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Greeting cards, […] Read more…
Main Street USA may represent the American past, but in one shop, you can find out a little about your future. Let’s head over to the Penny Arcade. Right in the entryway, you’ll see her. Meet Esmeralda, Main Street USA’s fortune teller. Drop in a quarter, and she’ll tell you what’s in store. Esmeralda doesn’t […] Read more…