Downtown Disney

Rey's Speeder

Rey’s Speeder

Galaxy’s Edge isn’t the only place in Disneyland to find hints of Star Wars. You can visit Star Tours and shop at Star Trader in Tomorrowland, and if you wander through Downtown Disney…you’ll see a special hidden gem from the sequel trilogy: Rey’s Speeder. Rey uses her speeder in The Force Awakens to travel to and from […] Read more…

The Living Wall

The Living Wall

Downtown Disney isn’t known for its attention to detail in quite the same way as the resort’s two parks. But if you wander the shops, restaurants, and hotels with sharp eyes, you’ll definitely spot some amazing little details. One of my favorites is in the last place you’d guess: Starbucks. Head over to the Starbucks […] Read more…

Ask the Duchess – Vol. 15

Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 15, 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 Downtown Disney considered a park? (submitted by Gabrielle) Nope. You don’t need a ticket to get in. It’s a neighboring shopping center with […] Read more…

Resort Updates - March 2016

Resort Updates – March 2016

Spring is both a positive and a negative change at the Disneyland Resort. The rain subsides, flowers bloom, characters come out of hibernation…but so do the crowds. Spring break time is one of the busiest times of year to visit the parks, and this month was no exception. Just look at the crowds to get […] Read more…

Catal Restaurant

Catal Restaurant

January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Catal sits at the center of Downtown Disney, across from its sister restaurant, facing the central plaza. To find this quiet dining spot, head toward the outdoor Uva Bar. Catal is on the corner nearby, next to Marceline’s Confectionary. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service Seating […] Read more…

Uva Bar

Uva Bar

January 2001 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – Whether you enter Downtown Disney from the parks or from the hotels, head straight down the main walkway and you’ll find the Uva Bar. The bar is at the very center of Downtown Disney, and the large circular space is hard to miss. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type […] Read more…

Ask The Duchess – Vol. 1

Welcome to Vol. 1 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! Is there a difference between an annual pass and an annual passport? (Submitted by Anonymous) Nope! Typically most […] Read more…

Annual Passes

UPDATE: as of January 15, 2021, Disneyland has indefinitely suspended the annual pass program. For information about its replacement, Magic Key, see my post here. Annual passes are tools of the trade for Disneyland veterans, but for those new to the system, choosing a pass can be tricky. Each pass has its own pros and […] Read more…

Disneyland (Official App)

BASIC INFO App Name: Disneyland Company Name: Disney App Price: Free Free version: N/A HOW IT WORKS Disneyland’s first official app has finally arrived! Use the app’s detailed maps to find locations of shops, restaurants, and bathrooms at the resort, check official wait times for attractions, and check the calendar for park hours and show […] Read more…

Diamond Jubilee (60th Anniversary)

OVERVIEW On July 17th, 2015, Disneyland turned 60. The park’s 60th anniversary, or Diamond Jubilee, was a celebration of the resort’s past, present, and future. Though the park’s official birthday is in mid-summer, the 24-Hour Kickoff on May 22nd officially launched the Diamond Jubilee at the resort. In addition to launching a variety of commemorative […] Read more…

Monorail

Monorail

June 1959 – present LOCATION Tomorrowland – To board from inside the park, head toward the rear of Tomorrowland, near the lagoon. You’ll find the Monorail sign and a ramp to the platform on the left, between the Finding Nemo Submaring Voyage and Autopia. Downtown Disney – To board from Downtown Disney, head toward the […] Read more…

Resort Breakfast Options

Though you may have lunch and/or dinner reservations for your stay in the park, deciding where to eat breakfast is a little trickier. Most of the restaurants in the Disneyland Resort do not offer breakfast, but there are still plenty of options both in the parks and in Downtown Disney. With that in mind, the […] Read more…