 Source: Mice Chat May 1983 – 2004 LOCATION Fantasyland – Both iterations of Geppetto’s shop were strategically located next to the exit to Pinocchio. If you walked through Fantasyland from the castle, you’d see the shop on your left, across from Casey Jr. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Toys, marionettes, dolls Unique Features – Periodic princess […] Read more…
During the day, Tomorrowland’s color scheme is a bit more subdued than its neighboring lands. But after sunset, the land comes alive in full neon color. The dramatic architecture and lagoon glow from sundown until park close. At night, Tomorrowland’s energy explodes, drawing in visitors from all over the park. Here are just a few […] Read more…
 Source: Disney Parks Blog July 1966 – August 1972 LOCATION New Orleans Square – The Creole Cafe overlooked the Rivers of America, on the main pathway of New Orleans Square. To find the restaurant, visitors needed only walk the route from Frontierland to the Haunted Mansion; the cafe sat on the left of the path. […] Read more…
Out of all the lands in Disneyland, Fantasyland might just have the most charm and detail. Every pillar, lamp, and windowsill plays a role, building the magical fairytale village that houses so many of Disney’s iconic characters. One of those characters, Princess Aurora, anchors the land with her magnificent castle. But she also has a […] Read more…
A few weeks ago, my mom spotted an unusual magazine in the grocery store checkout line. She brought it home, and told me I had to read it. It was a special edition of LIFE Magazine: LIFEÂ Inside the Disney Parks! PREMISE LIFE Inside the Disney Parks explores the origins of the happiest place(s) on earth. […] Read more…
If you’ve ever been on Main Street USA, you’ve undoubtedly seen the Disneyland Fire Department. Mickey Mouse himself often meets guests outside the station, and the fire house band performs periodically in the square as well. But did you know you can actually step inside the fire department? Parked inside, you’ll see Walt’s favorite vehicle: […] Read more…
November 2016 – present LOCATION Downtown Disney – PANDORA occupies a retail space right at the front of Downtown Disney, across from Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. If you’re coming from the parks, you’ll see PANDORA on your left, just before Jamba Juice. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Jewelry and accessories Price Range – Most charms between […] Read more…
Buena Vista Street is California Adventure’s grand entryway. This land celebrates life in California as Walt first experienced it, upon moving west in the 1920s. The balconies, staircases, and open windows along the street make it feel genuinely homey, as though guests are merely busy residents going about their days. Here are a few of […] Read more…
Take a stroll through Mickey’s Toontown, and you’ll come across tons of little shops and storefronts. As you exit Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, take a right into the alleyway and you’ll arrive right in downtown Toontown, home to most of these unusual shops. The power plant, town gym, camera shop, and many other little […] Read more…
 Source: Disney Parks Blog Have you downloaded the official Disneyland app yet? If not, Disneyland just gave you one more reason why you should.  On top of up-to-date wait times, maps, and fast passes, you can also use the app for mobile ordering. With mobile ordering, you skip the line at quick service restaurants. Place your […] Read more…
Main Street USA is Disneyland’s charming turn-of-the-century town. Though the road may be busy with its fleet of vehicles, Main Street also pays tribute to earlier American transportation: horses. On Main Street and in New Orleans Square, you’ll notice pillars with giant rings. These are the Hitching Posts, places for guests of yesteryear to tie […] Read more…
Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 29, 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 can I drive the cars on Main Street? (submitted by Chad) You can’t drive them, but you can ride as a passenger. Most […] Read more…