This summer, the Disneyland Resort is celebrating Pixar unlike ever before. Leading up to the grand opening of Pixar Pier on June 23, both Disneyland and California Adventure will host Pixar Fest, a new resort-wide festival celebrating all things Pixar. Both parks will offer all new merchandise and Pixar-themed snacks, and the festival will usher […] Read more…
January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Wetzel’s Pretzels claims an ideal corner spot next to the Uva Bar. To find it, head toward the center of Downtown Disney, near Marceline’s and Catal. You’ll find Wetzel’s on the north side, after the path around Uva narrows from an open circle. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type […] Read more…
January 2018 – present BACKGROUND California Adventure proudly debuted its largest land, Paradise Pier, on opening day in 2001. Over time, the land went through an extensive refurbishment, becoming a Victorian beachside playground. In 2017, Disney announced plans to split Paradise Pier into two new lands. The first, Pixar Pier, would encompass the southern section […] Read more…
December 1992 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – The It’s A Small World Toy Shop meets up with the attraction exit. Head toward Mickey’s Toontown, past the Matterhorn. You’ll see the gift shop to the left of the Small World entrance; it’s the open gazebo. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Small World, Fantasyland, and princess-themed toys and […] Read more…
Even with all of Disneyland’s chaos, Critter Country somehow manages to stay a serene little land. This little forest tucked behind New Orleans Square boasts waterfront views, a confectionary, a mountain, and in between…tons of little details. By Winnie the Pooh, little cottages surround the creek. Near the Hungry Bear, statues and signs invite you […] Read more…
October 2008 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – You can find the Fortuosity Shop right in the middle of Main Street. If you’re walking down the street toward the castle, keep to the left side. You’ll see the shop on the corner, just before the Carnation Café patio. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Jewelry, watches, […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 28, 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. What time does Tom Sawyer Island close? (submitted by Greg) The island closes around dinnertime, so that cast members can start setting up […] Read more…
Can you believe it’s already March? Disneyland is now officially in its spring season, and the park’s flowers are bringing in fresh color and energy. Compared to the last few months, February ended up being fairly quiet when it came to major announcements and news, but a few new announcements popped up between construction progress. […] Read more…
In just a few days, California Adventure kicks off the 2018 Food and Wine Festival! From March 2 through April 12, Paradise Park will once again transform into a culinary playground, full of surprises, special activities, and tons of delicious drinks and snacks. During the festival, 13 food and drink stands appear in Paradise Park. […] Read more…
Source: Trulia February 2001 – October 2008 LOCATION Paradise Pier – The Sun Wheel was pretty difficult to miss; the massive Ferris wheel overlooked Paradise Bay. The wheel still stands today, but is now Mickey’s Fun Wheel. BACKGROUND Every California beach boardwalk needs a Ferris wheel, and Paradise Pier was no exception. Imagineers designed a […] Read more…
One of the unfortunate pieces of Tomorrowland is the empty PeopleMover track. It looms above the land, unused, and most guests don’t pay much attention to it. But if you do stop to look up at the Tomorrowland skies, you may notice a complicated structure on top of the PeopleMover’s former loading dock. Meet the […] Read more…
February 2001 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – The Hollywood Backlot Stage is an open space in the Hollywood Studios section of this land. To find the stage, head to the back section of Hollywood Land, near Monsters, Inc. You’ll see the main stage on your right, across from the attraction entrance. Sometimes, a second […] Read more…
Whenever I visit Downtown Disney, I like to walk the grounds of the Disneyland Hotel. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, it’s fun to visit Trader Sam’s and explore the scenery. On the path across from Trader Sam’s, toward Frontier Tower, you’ll find a small walkway. Follow this walkway, and you’ll stumble across […] Read more…
1987 – present LOCATION Frontierland – The Pioneer Mercantile sits right at the front of Frontierland, next to the Adventureland passageway. Once you walk through the main entrance, you’ll see the shop on your left; it’s the corner shop with the large porch. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Tees, mugs, hats, toys, and accessories Price Range […] Read more…