We’re just days away from 2018, and there’s so much on the horizon for the Disneyland Resort. The new year will bring in a new land, new attractions, and take us one step closer to the highly anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. But the park has definitely not been sitting quietly in waiting mode. Celebrating […] Read more…
As 2017 comes to a close, Disneyland is ending its holiday season with a bang. If you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort on December 31, you’ll get an extra dose of Disney magic to ring in the new year. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve with Mickey. LEVEL SET This […] Read more…
November 1988 – April 2024 LOCATION Critter Country – The Briar Patch was somewhat hidden in the sloping trails into Critter Country. You’d find this little cottage on the left-hand side of Critter Country’s main walkway, across from the Hungry Bear Restaurant. EXPERIENCE Critter Country’s hat shop clearly once belonged to Brer Rabbit; he hung […] Read more…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Disneyland is magical all year long, but there’s just something extra special about the holidays. From Main Street‘s glittering tree to Frontierland‘s rustic garlands – I can’t get enough of the holiday decor. But the cheer extends beyond the decorations – Main Street USA offers hand-pulled candy […] Read more…
February 2017 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – If you enter Fantasyland through the castle, keep left. You’ll see the Taverne around the first corner, beyond the exit for Pinocchio. If you are coming from Frontierland, you’ll see the patio on your right, after the bathrooms. And if you’re coming to Fantasyland from the Matterhorn side, […] Read more…
Note: this post covers Disneyland’s refurbishment “season”, from January-March. For current scheduled closures, please visit here. Each year, Disneyland schedules routine maintenance and refurbishments on their attractions. These keep attractions safe, scenery pristine, and guests happy! For most of the year, these refurbishments are staggered and spread out to prevent too many closures. But during […] Read more…
In the next few months, Paradise Pier will disappear into the Disneyland history books. This massive 14-acre land will split in half. Some of the space will maintain its turn-of-the-century charm, while the rest will become a Pixar wonderland. Though I think this is actually a very positive change for California Adventure (see my original […] Read more…
 Source: Pin IMG June 1959 – September 1998 LOCATION Tomorrowland – The Submarine Voyage toured Tomorrowland’s lagoon, between the Matterhorn and Autopia. Today, the lagoon has an updated version of the attraction: the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. BACKGROUND In 1959, Disneyland went through its first major expansion. The area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland completely transformed, […] Read more…
Main Street USA‘s shops draw in thousands and thousands of visitors per day. Guests circle each display, to the point where many guests have merchandise locations memorized. But even the most frequent visitors sometimes miss the street’s hidden details. At first glance, the Penny Arcade seems more like a candy shop than an actual arcade. […] Read more…
All is merry and bright at the happiest place on earth, and once again, California Adventure has joined in on the holiday fun. For the second year in a row, Pacific Wharf and Paradise Pier are hosting the Festival of the Holidays. Â Source: Disneyland AP This evening event celebrates Christmas (& Navidad), Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and […] Read more…
If you’ve ever stopped to admire the beautiful buildings along Main Street USA, you may have noticed a few names on the second story windows. These are the legendary Windows on Main Street, an extremely rare and much coveted Disney honor. Disney legend Marty Sklar shared the qualifications for a window: Only upon retirement Only […] Read more…
Fall 1994 – January 2017 LOCATION Fantasyland – The Castle Heraldry Shoppe started out within the castle, where the Enchanted Chamber currently resides. From 2008 until its closure, the shop moved across the courtyard, next to Peter Pan’s Flight. Today, this space houses the Castle Christmas Shoppe. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Family crest merchandise, collectible […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 25, 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. How far away is Disneyland from Sea World? (submitted by Henry) Sea World is in San Diego, which is a very easy day trip. […] Read more…