Month: May 2018

Resort Updates - May 2018

Resort Updates – May 2018

Now that we’ve passed Memorial Day weekend, it really does feel like summertime. This month, Disneyland made huge progress on some construction projects, hosted after-hours parties, and launched a new mobile ordering system for quick service restaurants. Let’s take a look back at a busy month inside the Disneyland Resort. STAR WARS NITE To celebrate […] Read more…

Halloween Season 2018

Halloween Season 2018

Last year I started talking about Halloween season at Disneyland in the middle of July, which is already crazy. But this year, Disneyland upped the crazy and announced the Halloween lineup in the middle of May! So apologies for season hopping before the summer even really starts, but tickets for the Halloween Party go on […] Read more…

Dominguez Tree

The Dominguez Tree

Adventureland has no shortage of stunning palm trees, towering above visitors. But one tree has a unique history, predating the rest of the park. Meet the Dominguez Tree, the tall palm to the right of the Jungle Cruise boathouse.  Source: Disney Parks Blog This tree’s story begins in 1896, almost 60 years before Disneyland’s opening. […] Read more…

Lands After Dark: A Bug's Land

Lands After Dark: A Bug’s Land

With the news that we’re experiencing A Bug’s Land‘s last season, I’ve been pouring through my photo albums and admiring this special land. No other land at the resort uses such intricate forced perspective from top to bottom. Sure, the attractions don’t have the same draw as neighboring lands, but the appeal here comes from […] Read more…

Ariel's Grotto

Ariel’s Grotto

December 2002 – January 2018 LOCATION Paradise Pier – Ariel’s Grotto stuck out, as it was the only restaurant to actually extend into Paradise Bay. To reach the entrance of the restaurant, visitors walked along the bridge to Paradise Pier, next to Pacific Wharf. The entryway was on the right of the bridge, before the […] Read more…

Aerial Views of Disneyland Over Time

Aerial Views of Disneyland Over Time

Disneyland’s landscape has changed dramatically since 1955, even excluding the addition of a new park and a Downtown Disney district. Walt’s original Magic Kingdom added three new lands after opening day, with a fourth currently under construction (Star Wars Land). Roller coasters sprouted up across the park. And in each land, Imagineers perfected decor from top to […] Read more…

Studio Catering Co.

Studio Catering Co.

June 2012 – present LOCATION Hollywood Land – Studio Catering Co. is parked in the backlot. To find this quick service truck, walk down Hollywood Land’s main street, and turn left at the Hyperion Theater. You’ll see the truck on your right, next to the Hollywood Backlot Stage. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – quick service […] Read more…

20th Century Music Company

20th Century Music Company

June 1999 – present LOCATION Main Street USA – The 20th Century Music Shop hides next to the Main Street Cinema, on the eastern side of the street. If you start at the railroad station, facing the castle, keep to the right; you’ll see the shop about halfway down the first block. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise […] Read more…

Little Details: Main Street USA

Little Details: Main Street USA

Main Street USA has an impossible task: this land has to instantaneously transport you into another world, leaving normal life behind. So how does this busy little street pull off such a feat? The little details. Every square inch of Main Street USA carefully works together to create an illusion. Visitors to the street immediately […] Read more…

Goofy's Kitchen

Goofy’s Kitchen

1992 – present LOCATION Disneyland Hotel – Goofy’s Kitchen faces out to the open pool area, overlooking the center courtyard. If you start from the Fantasy Tower, follow the path to the right side of the pools; you’ll see Goofy’s Kitchen on your right. EXPERIENCE Details: Service Type – table service Seating – yes Reservations […] Read more…

Walt in Disneyland: Morning Constitutional

Walt In Disneyland: Morning Constitutional

Legend has it Walt Disney used to stroll around Disneyland in the mornings before park opening (a.k.a his morning constitutional). Those of us fortunate enough to visit Disneyland during a quiet morning know how peaceful and beautiful the park is in the early hours of the day. On the morning before Disneyland opened to the […] Read more…

The Berm

The Berm: Disneyland’s Magical Barrier

Have you ever noticed that inside Disneyland, you can’t see the surrounding world? Despite the city of Anaheim bumping right up against the park borders, you’re completely immersed with no clue as to what’s going on around you. That’s no coincidence, but the work of a magical border known as “the berm”. The berm took […] Read more…

Ask The Duchess – Vol. 30

Welcome to Ask The Duchess Vol. 30, 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. If I am at Radiator Springs Racers, what is the best way to get to Soarin’ Around the World? (submitted by Ashleigh) The most […] Read more…

Resort Updates - April 2018

Resort Updates – April 2018

Happy first day of May! This year is just flying by so fast, and with so many changes – big and small – happening at the Disneyland Resort, it’s hard to keep up. Let’s dive right in and take a look at all the new happenings at the happiest place on earth. PIXAR FEST BEGINS […] Read more…