Happy Holidays! I hope that your holiday season has been merry & bright. The Disneyland Resort just sparkles at this time of year, and the cheer is just contagious (see my post here for lots of holiday photos!). Even the shops get in on the holiday fun! Main Street USA‘s little boutiques have wreaths, lights, […] Read more…
2016 is winding down, but the holiday party at the Disneyland Resort is still going strong! If you’re visiting the resort for New Year’s Eve, you can participate in several special events, purchase limited edition merchandise, and enjoy the last of the holiday decorations before they disappear in January. THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS Before you head into […] Read more…
May 2016 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – Frozen Live plays multiple times per day at the Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land. To find the theater, head all the way down the main street until you reach the large stage doors. BACKGROUND The Hyperion is the Disneyland Resort’s largest theater, and has always been home […] Read more…
My favorite holiday of the year has finally arrived: Christmas! Disneyland’s magic lasts all year long, but there’s something extra special about the snowy castle and festive decor this time of the year. I’d like to share some of my favorite holiday decorations in the park, so you can share in the magic whether or […] Read more…
This time of year, virtually every shop at the Disneyland Resort sells all kinds of holiday souvenirs, decorations, and treats. But for a long time, Disneyland actually had year-round Christmas shops, spreading holiday cheer even in the warmest summer months. Mickey’s Christmas Chalet  Source: BP This Christmas shop was the largest of all the year-round […] Read more…
My favorite hotel at the Disneyland Resort is the Grand Californian. Whether or not you stay there, it’s a fun place to unwind, grab a drink, or just sit by the giant hearth and listen to live piano music. The lobby is extra magical during the holidays, thanks to a massive tree and garlands strung […] Read more…
March 1967 – present LOCATION New Orleans Square – Pieces of Eight can be found next to the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean. To find the gift shop, head down Royal Street (the first alley way in New Orleans Square), and keep to the left. You’ll see Pieces of Eight on the left, just […] Read more…
March 2016 – present LOCATION Cars Land – Luigi and his cousins hosts parties behind his tire shop. To join in the fun, head to the end of Cars Land, and you’ll see the entrance on the left, just before City Hall. BACKGROUND The Rollickin’ Roadsters were not part of Cars Land upon its opening […] Read more…
 Source: Yesterland July 1989 – April 2003 LOCATION Critter Country – The Brer Bar anchored the back of Critter Country, next to the exit to Splash Mountain. Today, this space is part of Pooh’s Corner, a gift shop and bakery. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service Seating – indoor dining room Entertainment – none […] Read more…
I don’t know about you, but I feel like I just eat all day long at Disneyland. With churro and popcorn stands on every corner, I just can’t help but stop and grab snacks as I walk around. Most people don’t think twice about these snack stands, but they too share in each land’s theming. Which […] Read more…
March 1967 – present LOCATION New Orleans Square – The Blue Bayou is truly a restaurant hidden in plain sight; it’s inside Pirates of the Caribbean! To find the entrance to the restaurant, head down Royal Street (the street to the right of the Pirates entrance). You’ll see an ornate waiting room and a check-in […] Read more…
Time in the park goes by so quickly, doesn’t it? The good news is, Disneyland offers extra magic in the form of extra park hours! There are two different bonus hour offerings at the Resort: Extra Magic Hour, and Magic Morning. Extra Magic Hour Guests of one of the three Disneyland Resort Hotels (Disneyland Hotel, […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 13, 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 guest relations close? (Submitted by Angelina) The guest relations buildings are open as long as the park is open! If you […] Read more…
November marks a huge shift at the Disneyland Resort. On October 31st, Halloween rules the kingdom. But on November 1st, BAM! Holiday time. Overlays, construction, and news aplenty this month. Let’s get started! HOLIDAY OVERLAYS Now that Disneyland is in full holiday mode, most of the park is shining in green and red (more pictures […] Read more…