April 2003 – present LOCATION Critter Country – Pooh Corner marks the end of Critter Country (the land only has one entrance and exit). To find the shop, follow Critter Country’s main path past Hungry Bear and Splash Mountain. You’ll see it straight ahead, next to the exit to Winnie the Pooh. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise […] Read more…
I don’t know about you, but for me, the smells of different places in Disneyland are as familiar as the buildings. Places like Pirates of the Caribbean or Main Street USA have a distinct smell, somehow reaching your nose through hordes of people, churro carts, and popcorn buckets. Smell is an important component of Disneyland. […] Read more…
In Disneyland, sometimes it’s easy to forget the park has only been around since 1955. So many of the park’s fixtures just feel like they’ve always been there, from the stone architecture of Fantasyland to the dense forests of Critter Country. In fact, most of Disneyland’s components serve that specific purpose – to alter your […] Read more…
February 2017 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Curl Surf stands on the park gate side of Downtown Disney, between PANDORA and Sunglass Hut. If you’re coming from the hotels side of the district, keep to the right; you’ll see the shop across from Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Clothing, sunglasses, swimwear […] Read more…
Source: Jim Hill Media February 2001 – October 2001 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Avalon Cove drew attention not just from its high-profile owner (Wolfgang Puck), but due to its massive building jutting out into Paradise Bay. You couldn’t miss this dining spot; it was the only table service restaurant on the boardwalk side of the […] Read more…
I know I’ve said this before, but I love hanging out in Critter Country. This little land tucked by the Rivers of America makes the perfect place to eat, explore, or just relax under strung lights. Once the sun goes down, crowds lighten up in Critter Country significantly, making the space all the more peaceful. […] Read more…
October 2002 – March 2021 LOCATION New Orleans Square – Le Bat En Rouge’s red façade was hard to miss. If you arrived in New Orleans Square from Frontierland or Adventureland, you’d find it down the first alleyway, just after the Blue Bayou. If you were coming from the train station, you’s see it on […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 34, 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. Did Walt Disney live on the Disneyland grounds? (submitted by Ethel) Walt had an apartment above the fire house, but he did not […] Read more…
Do you feel it? That chill in the air? The crispness of fall, the foliage changing? …Nope, me neither. Oh, right. It’s still the dead of summer. Well, Disneyland isn’t waiting for the first day of fall to transform into its Halloween self. The happy haunts are already hard at work transforming the park. Source: […] Read more…
October 2017 – March 2018 LOCATION Downtown Disney – The Dream Boutique’s storefront faced the central courtyard in Downtown Disney. The shop overlooked Uva Bar, next to the Grand Californian’s Downtown Disney passageway. Today, this space houses the Disney Dress Shop. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Princess toys, accessories, and pins Unique Features – Mini Bibbidi […] Read more…
In California Adventure, Grizzly Peak offers an escape from the chaos of the other lands. Despite its thrill rides and massive playground, Grizzly Peak somehow remains peaceful, quiet, and somewhat isolated from the rest of the park. Visitors disappear into a redwood forest, thanks largely to the immersive details throughout the land. Every rock and […] Read more…
July 1955 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The Emporium is impossible to miss. This towering shop stands on the corner of the street, facing the railroad station. You’ll find it between the fire house and the trolley tracks, with a flag waving above its tower. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Everything Disney: home wares, […] Read more…
One of my favorite places in California Adventure is the long walkway at the back of Cars Land. The path connects Pacific Wharf and the plaza by Radiator Springs Racers. The whole area just has an amazing view, and a hidden gem along the roadside: the Cars Land Road Signs! The signs serve as a […] Read more…
June 2012 – present LOCATION Buena Vista Street – Trolley Treats faces the grand courtyard on the street, also known as Carthay Circle. If you’re starting from the gates, follow the street all the way to the fountain. You’ll see Trolley treats on your right, just before Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Café. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise […] Read more…